Carne Guisada is a rich, hearty Mexican and Tex-Mex beef stew simmered in a flavorful sauce made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, bell peppers, and a blend of aromatic spices. This dish translates to “stewed meat” and is traditionally slow-cooked until the beef becomes fork-tender and infused with the deep, smoky, and savory flavors of the sauce.
When paired with warm, homemade flour tortillas, Carne Guisada becomes a complete comfort meal — the kind that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your table with satisfied smiles. It’s a beloved recipe that beautifully showcases traditional Latin home cooking — simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary through time, care, and patience.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love Carne Guisada because it’s the perfect example of how humble ingredients can create a soul-satisfying dish. The beef becomes so tender it practically melts in your mouth, while the thick, spiced gravy clings beautifully to every bite. It’s one of those dishes that only gets better with time — the leftovers are even more flavorful the next day.
I also love how versatile it is. You can serve it with rice, tuck it into tacos or burritos, or simply enjoy it with warm flour tortillas to soak up all the delicious sauce. It’s comforting, deeply flavorful, and perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
This Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas is a must-try because it brings together everything great about slow-cooked meals — tender meat, bold seasonings, and a velvety sauce. It’s easy to prepare yet tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
The dish is packed with layers of flavor from browning the beef, sautéing fresh aromatics, and slowly simmering the stew to perfection. It’s hearty, nourishing, and full of authentic Tex-Mex charm. Whether you’re new to this cuisine or a long-time fan, this recipe is a comforting reminder of why slow-cooked stews are timeless classics.
Recipe Details
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving
- Cuisine: Mexican / Tex-Mex
- Course: Main Course / Dinner
Ingredients
For the Carne Guisada:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat (chuck or round), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or lard
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)
- 1 bay leaf
For the Flour Tortillas:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm water
- 3 tablespoons vegetable shortening or lard
Simple Cooking Directions
- Brown the beef in oil until seared on all sides.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper until fragrant.
- Add flour and spices to form a roux, then stir in broth and tomatoes.
- Simmer until the beef is tender and sauce thickens.
- Prepare flour tortillas and serve warm with the Carne Guisada.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, searing each side until browned. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Spices
Stir in chopped tomatoes (or canned) and cook for another 2 minutes. Add cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Step 4: Make the Sauce Base
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually add the beef broth while stirring to create a smooth sauce.
Step 5: Simmer the Stew
Return the browned beef to the pot. Add tomato paste (if using) and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Let the stew cook gently for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the sauce thickens.
Step 6: Prepare the Tortillas
While the stew simmers, prepare the flour tortillas. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add shortening or lard and rub with your fingers until crumbly. Slowly add warm water and mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 3–4 minutes, cover, and rest for 15 minutes.
Divide into 8 balls, roll each into a thin circle, and cook on a hot skillet for 30–45 seconds per side until golden brown spots appear. Keep warm in a towel.
Step 7: Adjust and Serve
Once the Carne Guisada is ready, remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
How to Serve This Recipe
Serve the Carne Guisada hot with freshly made flour tortillas. You can spoon the meat and gravy onto tortillas and roll them up like soft tacos, or serve with Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime for added brightness.
Recipe Tips
- Use beef chuck for the best tenderness and flavor.
- Sear the beef in batches to ensure proper browning and rich flavor.
- Simmer on low heat for the most tender texture.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a little more broth or water.
- For extra spice, add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Variations for This Recipe
- Spicy Carne Guisada: Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or crushed red chili flakes for a smoky heat.
- Carne Guisada with Potatoes: Add cubed potatoes during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a heartier stew.
- Beer-Braised Version: Substitute half of the beef broth with Mexican beer for a deep, malty flavor.
- Carne Guisada Tacos: Serve the meat in small tortillas topped with diced onions, cilantro, and salsa.
- Slow Cooker Version: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4 hours.
Freezing and Storage Time
- Refrigeration: Store Carne Guisada in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months in a sealed freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
- Flour Tortillas: Store in a sealed bag at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. Reheat on a skillet before serving.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Rolling pin (for tortillas)
- Cast-iron or non-stick skillet
- Mixing bowls
Conclusion
Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas is a true comfort food classic — a dish that captures the warmth, flavor, and heart of traditional Tex-Mex cooking. The tender beef, slow-simmered in a rich, spiced gravy, delivers deep satisfaction in every bite. Paired with soft, homemade tortillas, it’s a complete meal that’s both rustic and full of character.
Whether served for a cozy family dinner or a weekend feast, this Carne Guisada recipe is one you’ll return to again and again. It’s hearty, flavorful, and undeniably comforting — proof that slow cooking and simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary.
Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas
Description
Carne Guisada is a rich, hearty Mexican and Tex-Mex beef stew simmered in a flavorful sauce made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, bell peppers, and a blend of aromatic spices. This dish translates to “stewed meat” and is traditionally slow-cooked until the beef becomes fork-tender and infused with the deep, smoky, and savory flavors of the sauce.
Ingredients
For the Carne Guisada:
For the Flour Tortillas:
Instructions
-
Step 1: Brown the Beef : Heat oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, searing each side until browned. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
-
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics : In the same pot, add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
-
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Spices : Stir in chopped tomatoes (or canned) and cook for another 2 minutes. Add cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
-
Step 4: Make the Sauce Base : Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually add the beef broth while stirring to create a smooth sauce.
-
Step 5: Simmer the Stew : Return the browned beef to the pot. Add tomato paste (if using) and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Let the stew cook gently for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the sauce thickens.
-
Step 6: Prepare the Tortillas : While the stew simmers, prepare the flour tortillas. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add shortening or lard and rub with your fingers until crumbly. Slowly add warm water and mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 3–4 minutes, cover, and rest for 15 minutes. Divide into 8 balls, roll each into a thin circle, and cook on a hot skillet for 30–45 seconds per side until golden brown spots appear. Keep warm in a towel.
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Step 7: Adjust and Serve : Once the Carne Guisada is ready, remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
