CARNE GUISADA
Carne Guisada is a hearty and flavorful Latin American beef stew. Tender chunks of beef are braised in a rich tomato-based sauce with vegetables and spices. It's a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for a chilly day.
Ingredients
- 2-3 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers (red, green, or a combination), chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup water (or more, if needed)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Chopped cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Sear the beef: Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches and sear on all sides until browned. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the onion and bell peppers to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
- Add sauce and spices: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, water, bay leaves, oregano, cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Return beef to pot: Add the seared beef back to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
- Add potatoes and carrots: Add the cubed potatoes and chopped carrots to the stew. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30-45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Add peas (optional): Stir in the frozen peas during the last 15 minutes of cooking time.
- Taste and adjust: Taste the stew and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaves. Serve the carne guisada hot, garnished with chopped cilantro. It's delicious served with rice, tortillas, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Beef: Beef chuck is the best cut for this stew because it becomes very tender and flavorful during the long braising process.
- Vegetables: You can add other vegetables to the stew, such as celery, green beans, or corn.
- Spices: Adjust the spices to your liking. You can add more or less of any of the spices, or add other spices such as paprika or smoked paprika.
- Slow Cooker: You can also make carne guisada in a slow cooker. Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 8-10 hours.
- Make-Ahead: Carne guisada is even better the next day! Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.