This Carne Guisada is a classic Mexican comfort dish that will make any meal feel like a celebration. With tender stew meat simmered in a savory, flavorful sauce, it’s the perfect dish for pairing with warm flour tortillas, rice, or mashed potatoes. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special gathering, this hearty, flavorful stew is sure to please.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs stew meat (choose a well-marbled cut for the best flavor)
- 1 tablespoon oil (lard, bacon grease, or any high-smoke point cooking oil)
- 1 medium onion, diced (adds a subtle sweetness)
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced (optional for a fresh, vegetal flavor)
- 3 tablespoons tomato sauce or 1 large tomato, diced (for smoother or chunkier texture)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin (adds earthy flavor)
- 2 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (helps thicken the stew)
- 1 cup water or chicken stock (chicken stock adds more flavor)
- Flour tortillas, rice, or mashed potatoes for serving
Directions:
- Preparation:
- Heat the oil in a large, heavy pan over high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the stew meat and sear it on all sides until nicely browned. This locks in the flavors and gives the meat a great texture.
- Add Vegetables:
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onions and green bell pepper (if using). Sauté until the onions are translucent and the peppers soften, about 5-7 minutes.
- Incorporating Seasonings and Tomato:
- Add the tomato sauce (or diced tomatoes), garlic, cumin, salt, and black pepper to the pan. Stir to ensure the meat is well-coated with the seasonings and tomato.
- Thicken the Stew:
- Sprinkle the flour evenly over the meat and vegetable mixture. Stir well to combine, making sure there are no lumps. This will thicken the stew as it cooks.
- Simmering:
- Pour in the water or chicken stock, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let it simmer for about 1 ½ hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.
- Final Adjustments:
- Before serving, taste the Carne Guisada and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sometimes a little extra salt, pepper, or cumin can enhance the flavor.
- Serving:
- Serve the Carne Guisada hot with your choice of side: fluffy rice, warm flour tortillas, or creamy mashed potatoes. Each option complements the rich, savory stew perfectly.
Enjoy:
Gather around the table with your family and friends, and enjoy this delicious, comforting meal that’s sure to bring everyone back for seconds. Perfect for a hearty dinner or special occasion, this Carne Guisada will quickly become a favorite.
Pro Tip: This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side of beans or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the Carne Guisada.