Slow-Cooked Mexican Beef Stew (Carne Guisada) – A Bold and Hearty Family Favorite

Carne Guisada is a classic Mexican-inspired dish that translates to “stewed meat,” and it delivers precisely that — slow-cooked, melt-in-your-mouth beef simmered in a rich, savory tomato-based gravy infused with spices, peppers, onions, and garlic. Traditionally popular in Mexico, Puerto Rico, and across the American Southwest, especially Texas, this recipe has been cherished in many households for generations.

What makes Carne Guisada unique is its simplicity paired with bold, warming flavors. The cooking process transforms basic ingredients into a luxurious, thickened stew perfect for spooning over rice or wrapping in warm tortillas. This version leans into Mexican flavors with cumin, chili powder, and smoky paprika while maintaining a comforting, homestyle appeal. And since it’s made with beef, it’s hearty enough for a weekend dinner, yet versatile enough to serve throughout the week.

Whether you’re looking to bring a taste of Tex-Mex to your table or simply want a no-fuss, nourishing dinner, this slow-cooked Carne Guisada is a wonderful recipe to master.

Ingredients and Preparation

This recipe uses pantry staples and common kitchen ingredients. For best results, choose well-marbled beef such as chuck roast or stew meat.

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef chuck or stew meat, cut into 1½-inch chunks
• 2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as vegetable, avocado, or canola oil)
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 1 large bell pepper, chopped (any color; green is traditional)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1½ teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 medium tomato, diced (or use ½ cup canned diced tomatoes)
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water (to mix with cornstarch and thicken the stew)
• Optional garnish: fresh cilantro, lime wedges

Preparation Notes:

• Cut the beef into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking.
• Dice your vegetables before starting to make the cooking process more efficient.
• Prepare the cornstarch slurry separately and stir in only at the end to control thickness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a deeply flavorful Carne Guisada with minimal effort.

1. Brown the Beef:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat.
• Add half the beef pieces (avoid overcrowding) and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until nicely browned.
• Remove to a plate and repeat with the remaining tablespoon of oil and the rest of the beef.

2. Sauté Vegetables and Spices:

• Reduce heat to medium and add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes or until softened.
• Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, black pepper, and salt.
• Cook the spices with the vegetables for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly.

3. Build the Base:

• Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to remove its raw taste.
• Add the diced tomato and cook another 2–3 minutes to break it down slightly.

4. Add the Beef and Broth:

• Return the seared beef (with any juices from the plate) to the pot.
• Pour in the beef broth, ensuring all meat is covered. Stir to combine.
• Bring the pot to a gentle boil.

5. Simmer the Stew:

• Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the beef is fork-tender.
• Stir occasionally and check that the stew is not sticking to the bottom.

6. Thicken the Sauce:

• In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and cold water to form a slurry.
• Stir the slurry into the pot and continue simmering uncovered for 5–10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking.

7. Final Seasoning:

• Taste and adjust salt or spices as needed.
• Optional: Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime for added brightness.

Beginner Tips and Notes

If you’re new to cooking stews or Mexican-inspired meals, here are a few helpful tips:

• Choose the Right Cut: Chuck roast is best for slow-cooking because of its marbling and texture. Lean cuts like sirloin may turn dry.
• Sear in Batches: Browning meat properly adds depth of flavor, so don’t rush it by crowding the pan.
• Spice Adjustments: This recipe is mild to moderately spiced. If you prefer more heat, add a pinch of cayenne or a diced jalapeño during sautéing.
• Don’t Skip the Slurry: Thickening the sauce with cornstarch gives the dish that signature gravy texture. If you prefer a thinner stew, reduce or omit the slurry.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish tastes even better the next day. You can make it a day in advance and reheat gently on the stove.

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Serving Suggestions

Carne Guisada is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in several ways depending on your mood, occasion, or dietary preference:

Traditional Pairings:

• White rice or Mexican rice: Serve a generous spoonful of the stew over fluffy rice to soak up all the savory gravy.
• Warm flour tortillas: Use the meat and sauce as a hearty filling for tacos or burritos. Add cheese and avocado for an extra layer of richness.
• Cornbread or crusty rolls: Perfect for sopping up every bit of gravy.

Modern Twists:

• Loaded baked potatoes: Spoon the beef over halved baked potatoes, top with cheddar and scallions.
• Stuffed bell peppers: Use leftover stew as a filling for bell peppers and bake with a bit of cheese.
• Grain bowls: Build a nutritious bowl with quinoa, beans, and roasted vegetables, topped with Carne Guisada.

Accompaniments:

• Fresh lime wedges to balance the richness
• Sliced avocado or guacamole
• Shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes for freshness
• Crumbled queso fresco or sharp cheddar

Final Thought

This Slow-Cooked Mexican Beef Stew is a celebration of flavor, tradition, and comfort. With simple ingredients and a method that allows the natural richness of beef to shine, it offers a fulfilling meal perfect for any day of the week. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dish to feed a crowd or something hearty to store for the week ahead, Carne Guisada delivers every time.

What sets this dish apart is not just the rich gravy or the fork-tender beef, but its ability to adapt to different serving styles — from family rice bowls to taco night with friends. The flavors only get better the longer they sit, making it a fantastic candidate for meal prep or leftovers.

As you continue to explore home-cooked meals inspired by international cuisines, let this stew serve as a gateway into the satisfying world of slow-cooked comfort foods. Once you’ve made Carne Guisada once, it’ll likely become a staple in your rotation — just as it has for families throughout Latin America and the Southern United States.

Try it once, and you’ll understand why this humble stew has earned such loyal fans across borders and generations.