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Carne Guisada

Carne Guisada

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Carne Guisada is a hearty, flavorful stew made with tender beef, aromatic spices, and a rich tomato-based gravy. This Tex-Mex classic is perfect for serving with warm tortillas or rice, making it a comforting dish for any occasion. My version balances traditional flavors with a few modern touches for ease and depth.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds sirloin steak, diced into 1-inch cubes
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon Mexican oregano (or regular oregano)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups beef broth, divided
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (substitute cornstarch for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or neutral oil)
  • ½ yellow onion, diced
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, diced (adjust for spice level)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 Roma tomatoes, diced (canned diced tomatoes work too)
  • ½ teaspoon soy sauce

Instructions

  1. Season the Beef: In a large bowl, toss the beef cubes with salt, cumin, oregano, and black pepper to coat evenly.
  2. Prepare the Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of beef broth and the flour until smooth. Set aside.
  3. Sear the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned beef and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides.
  4. Build the Flavor Base: Stir in the onion, jalapeño, and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes and soy sauce, mixing well. Cook for another 2 minutes until the tomatoes soften slightly.
  5. Simmer to Perfection: Pour in the remaining 1¾ cups of beef broth along with the slurry. Stir well to combine and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30–35 minutes until the beef is tender and the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Final Touches: Uncover and cook for an additional 3 minutes to thicken further if needed. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.

Notes

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve hot with warm flour tortillas or over Mexican rice.
  • Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for added brightness.

Tips & Tricks:

  • Sear the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding, ensuring even browning.
  • Adjust spice levels by adding or omitting jalapeño seeds.
  • For extra depth of flavor, use homemade beef broth or add a splash of Worcestershire sauce.

Storage & Reheating:

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.