Ingredients
2 lbs beef chuck or stew meat, cut into chunks
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1½ cups beef broth
1 cup crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
1 bay leaf
Optional: chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add beef and brown on all sides, then remove and set aside.
3. Add onion to the pot and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
4. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Sprinkle flour over onions and stir to coat.
6. Add cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
7. Slowly pour in beef broth and tomatoes, stirring to avoid lumps.
8. Return beef to the pot and add bay leaf.
9. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 1½ to 2 hours until beef is fork-tender.
10. Remove bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning.
11. Serve hot with tortillas, rice, or beans.
Notes
Low and slow cooking is key for tender meat.
If gravy is too thick, add a splash of broth or water.
Carne guisada tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: carne guisada, mexican beef stew, authentic carne guisada recipe, hearty beef stew