Carne Guisada

If you’ve ever craved something hearty and comforting, Carne Guisada is the dish you need. This flavorful stew, made with tender chunks of beef and a delicious mix of seasonings, is simmered until perfection. It’s a warm, comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners or when you’re craving that rich, savory taste of Tex-Mex. Ready to dig in?

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Ingredients for This Carne Guisada:

We’re starting with chuck steak, which gets cubed and browned to lock in all the flavors. Then, we’re cooking it up with onions, bell peppers, and garlic for that savory base. The magic happens with a spoonful of tomato paste and diced tomatoes, followed by a sprinkle of spices like cumin and chili powder to kick things up. Finally, beef broth brings it all together into a rich, hearty stew that’s perfect for simmering. Don’t forget the fresh cilantro at the end for that refreshing touch!

• 2 ½ tablespoons oil
• 2 pounds chuck steak, cubed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 large bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 large tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 cups beef broth
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

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How to Make Carne Guisada:

Let’s get cooking!

1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onions and cook until they’re nice and translucent. Toss in the garlic and cook until it becomes fragrant—your kitchen is about to smell amazing!

2. Brown the Meat:
Now, add the cubed chuck steak to the pot. Cook it until it’s browned on all sides, getting that delicious caramelization. Then, add the bell peppers and cook for a couple of minutes until they soften.

3. Build the Flavor:
Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for an additional minute. Then, add the diced tomatoes to the pot and cook them down for a few minutes.

4. Thicken the Stew:
Sprinkle in the flour and stir it in. Let it cook for a minute or two to get it heated through. This is what will help thicken your stew and give it that rich, hearty texture.

5. Add the Seasonings:
Pour in the beef broth, then add salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.

6. Simmer to Perfection:
Let the stew simmer for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Keep an eye on it and add a little water if the mixture starts to thicken too much. You want it nice and saucy!

7. Serve:
Once the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together, serve the carne guisada warm. Garnish with fresh cilantro to brighten up the dish.

Key Ingredients for Perfect Carne Guisada

To make this dish truly unforgettable, these ingredients are key:

• Chuck Steak: A well-marbled cut of beef that becomes tender and flavorful as it simmers in the stew.
• Tomato Paste: Adds a rich depth of flavor and helps thicken the stew.
• Beef Broth: The base of the sauce, providing savory depth to the dish.
• Cumin and Chili Powder: These spices give the stew its signature warmth and earthiness.
• Bell Peppers and Tomatoes: Fresh vegetables that contribute texture and balance the richness of the beef.
• Flour: Used to thicken the sauce and create that comforting, stew-like texture.
• Cilantro: A fresh garnish that adds brightness and color to the dish.

Exploring Variations for Your Carne Guisada

While this recipe is perfect as is, feel free to mix things up! You can add other vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or even peas for added texture and flavor. For a spicier kick, toss in some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. You can also swap out the chuck steak for another cut of beef, like brisket, or even use chicken for a lighter version of this dish.

Serving Suggestions for Carne Guisada

Carne Guisada is perfect on its own, but you can serve it with warm tortillas, rice, or even mashed potatoes for a full meal. Pair it with a simple salad or some avocado slices for an extra boost of freshness.

Essential Cooking Tools and Equipment

For this recipe, you’ll need:

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Measuring spoons
• Knife and chopping board for cutting vegetables

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Notes:

To Store:
Let the stew cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to one week.

To Reheat:
Reheat leftovers in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches your desired temperature. You can also microwave individual servings in 20-second intervals until heated through.

To Freeze:
Let the stew cool, then place it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

Slow Cooker Option:
Follow the steps for cooking the onion, garlic, beef, and tomatoes in a skillet, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the rest of the ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

Instant Pot Option:
Use the sauté function on your Instant Pot to cook the onion, garlic, and beef. Once the beef is browned, add the seasonings and sauté the tomatoes. Then, add the remaining ingredients, close the lid, and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes. Let the stew sit for 10 minutes before serving.

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