Go Back
–+ servings
Print Recipe

Carne Guisada Recipe

Looking for a Mexican dish that’s hearty, delicious, authentic, and sure to please the whole family? This Carne Guisada recipe is the one you’ve been searching for. Made with chunks of tender beef steeped in a flavorful gravy, this quick and easy meal is a soon-to-be family favorite.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Izzy

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs beef chuck steak in 1-inch cubes (see note)
  • 1 tbsp canola oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 3 large cloves garlic minced or 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 2 large tomatoes diced or 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano optional
  • 1 tsp jalapeño pepper minced, optional
  • 1 tsp salt less if using salty chicken broth
  • black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 1/2 tbsp all-purpose flour optional

Instructions

  • Pat dry the cubed beef to remove excess moisture.
  • Place a large cast iron pan or Dutch oven on medium-high heat. When hot, add the canola oil and cubed beef without crowding the pan (see note).
  • Sauté the beef for 5 minutes, turning every few minutes until brown on all sides. Repeat with remaining beef if batches are necessary.
  • Reduce heat to medium and add the onion, garlic and green pepper to the beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the tomatoes, cumin, optional oregano, optional jalapeño, salt, pepper and broth. Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to low and cover the pan. (You can also transfer to a crock pot at this point if you prefer - see note.)
  • Simmer for 60-90 minutes or until the beef is tender. Add extra broth halfway if needed to prevent sticking.
  • If the sauce looks runny, sprinkle in the optional flour and boil for several minutes to thicken up a gravy, stirring regularly to dissolve any lumps.
  • Serve with rice, potatoes or tortillas.

Notes

  • Chuck steak and sirloin cuts are ideal. Packaged stew meat varies in quality and may require extra simmering to become tender.
  • Fry the beef in batches if needed, as crowding the pan will interfere with browning.
  • Carne guisada slow cooker: complete simmering in a crock pot on a “low” setting for 6-8 hours.