Carne guisada is a beloved dish in many Latin American and Tex-Mex kitchens. This hearty beef stew is slow-cooked in a flavorful blend of spices, tomatoes, and peppers, creating a comforting and savory meal perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. When paired with warm, homemade flour tortillas, it becomes a truly satisfying experience. The tortillas are perfect for scooping up the rich sauce and tender meat. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Carne Guisada Recipe
Ingredients
For the Carne Guisada:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper (green or red), diced
- 2 tomatoes, diced (or one 14 oz can of diced tomatoes)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 bay leaves
For the Flour Tortillas:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup lard or vegetable shortening
- 3/4 cup warm water (more if needed)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Carne Guisada:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, browning them on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the onion and bell pepper. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Return the browned beef to the pot. Stir in the tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender. Stir occasionally, adding more broth if necessary.
2. Make the Flour Tortillas:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix well.
- Add the lard or shortening and work it into the flour with your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add warm water, mixing until a soft dough forms. You may need a little more or less water.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for a few minutes until smooth. Cover with a cloth and let it rest for at least 20 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 10-12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball. On a floured surface, roll out each ball into a thin circle.
- Heat a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each tortilla for about 30-45 seconds on each side, or until lightly browned and cooked through.
3. Serve:
- Once the carne guisada is ready, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve it hot with the warm flour tortillas on the side. Enjoy!
Tips
- For extra flavor, you can add diced potatoes to the carne guisada.
- These tortillas are versatile and can be used for other dishes like quesadillas or tacos.
Enjoy your delicious carne guisada with freshly made flour tortillas!
