Carne Guisada Recipe

4.86 — Votes 64 votes

Carne Guisada Recipe

If you follow this recipe to the letter, you will end up with the most tender, flavorful, satisfying carne guisada ever. Hailing from my own family’s recipe vault, this rich stew meat has a host of Mexican flavors, a luscious gravy, and caramelized veggies that build incredible flavor.

Prep Time10

Cook Time1 30

Total Time1 40

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Mexican

Servings: Servings

Author: Cassy Joy Garcia

Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter
1-1¼ pounds stew meat
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 cloves garlic minced
½ white onion finely diced
1 tablespoon mild chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon Mexican oregano
¼ teaspoon ancho chili powder
3 tablespoons flour
1 cup chicken or beef broth
1 can Rotel
Flour tortillas for serving
Cilantro for garnish
Avocado sliced, for garnish
White onion diced, for garnish
Refried beans for serving

Instructions

Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a 3-quart pot (with a lid) over high heat. While the butter is melting, season the stew meat with salt and pepper.
Add the stew meat in a single layer to the pot and sear on all sides, then remove from the pot.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the garlic and onion to the pot. Saute for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the spices and flour to the garlic and onion and toast, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes.
Add the broth, meat, and Rotel to the pot. Stir and bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
After 45 minutes, uncover and simmer on low until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
Spoon the carne guisada into tortillas and top with cilantro, avocado, and diced white onion. Enjoy alongside refried beans (if you want!).

Notes

*Keep in mind, different cuts of meat will be more (or less) tender. Chuck roast or stew meat are your best bet, but if you notice that your meat isn't getting tender, keep simmering it. It will get tender!

*If you want your gravy to be thicker, keep the lid cracked open (or leave it off altogether) and simmer for an extra 10 minutes.

Ingredient Modifications and Variations

Make it gluten-free: if you’re looking for a gluten-free option here, you’re in luck! Simply swap the flour in this recipe for a gluten-free flour (THIS one is our favorite!). If you’re serving your carne guisada in or alongside flour tortillas, be sure to snag gluten-free ones too.
Make it dairy-free: for dairy-free carne guisada, substitute in olive oil for the butter in this recipe. Easy peasy!
Use regular oregano: can’t find Mexican oregano? No worries – regular oregano will work just fine here!

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