Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas

This hearty and flavorful Carne Guisada is a Tex-Mex classic. Slow-cooked tender beef in a rich, savory gravy pairs perfectly with warm flour tortillas, rice, or mashed potatoes. It’s comfort food at its finest, perfect for family dinners or gatherings!

Ingredients

• 3 lbs stew meat (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 tablespoon oil (lard, bacon grease, or vegetable oil work well)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 3 tablespoons tomato sauce or 1 large tomato, diced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup water or chicken stock
• Flour tortillas , rice , or mashed potatoes , for serving

Directions

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Vegetables

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan over high heat .
2. Add the stew meat , diced onion , and green bell pepper (if using). Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned on all sides and the vegetables soften slightly. This step helps build deep flavor.

**Step 2: Add Seasonings and Tomato

1. Stir in the tomato sauce (or diced tomato), garlic powder (or fresh garlic), ground cumin , salt , and black pepper . Mix everything thoroughly to coat the meat and vegetables evenly with the spices.

**Step 3: Thicken the Gravy

1. Sprinkle the flour over the meat mixture and stir well to combine. Ensure there are no lumps.
2. Gradually add the water or chicken stock , stirring continuously to create a smooth gravy-like consistency.

**Step 4: Simmer Until Tender

1. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low . Cover the pan and let it simmer for 1½ hours , or until the meat is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more water or stock to reach your desired consistency.

**Step 5: Adjust Seasonings

1. Taste the carne guisada and adjust the salt , pepper , or other seasonings as needed. The flavors should be bold and well-balanced.

**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the carne guisada hot with warm flour tortillas , rice , or mashed potatoes . Spoon the tender meat and gravy generously onto your choice of accompaniment.
2. Garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice if desired.

Tips for Success

• Meat Selection: Use chuck roast or round steak cut into cubes for the best results. These cuts become incredibly tender when slow-cooked.
• Make Ahead: Carne guisada tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days . Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
• Freezing: This dish freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months . Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Customize: Add diced carrots, jalapeños, or diced potatoes to the stew for extra flavor and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Carne Guisada is a comforting, satisfying dish that’s packed with flavor. The tender beef simmers in a rich, spiced gravy that’s perfect for scooping with warm flour tortillas or pairing with fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes. It’s a versatile recipe that works for casual weeknight dinners or festive occasions. Dive into this Tex-Mex classic and enjoy every bite of its savory goodness!