Carne Guisada is a flavorful and hearty dish rooted in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine.
The name translates to “stewed meat,” and it features tender chunks of beef simmered slowly in a rich, savory gravy made from onions, tomatoes, garlic, and a blend of spices like cumin and black pepper.
Often served with flour tortillas, rice, or mashed potatoes, this comforting dish is a staple in many homes due to its simplicity, versatility, and robust flavor.
Whether enjoyed as a filling for tacos or as the main course, Carne Guisada is a crowd-pleaser that delivers deep, satisfying flavors with every bite.
Ingredients:
3 lbs stew meat
1 tablespoon oil (lard, bacon grease, etc)
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 teaspoon 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:
In a large pan, brown the stew meat, onions and green pepper (if using) over high heat.
Add the tomato sauce (or tomato), garlic powder (or fresh garlic), cumin, salt and pepper and stir well.
Sprinkle the flour over the meat and mix well. Add the water (or stock) and mix well so there are no lumps.
Bring to a boil, cover pan and reduce heat to low.
Cook for 1 ½ hours, or until meat is tender.
Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
Serve with rice, tortillas or mashed potatoes.
Carne Guisada is a versatile dish with many variations depending on regional preferences or personal tastes.
Here are some common variations and tips to elevate the flavor of your Carne Guisada:
Variations of Carne Guisada:
Different Cuts of Meat:
Traditionally, stew meat or chuck roast is used, but you can experiment with other cuts like brisket, skirt steak, or even pork for a different texture and flavor.
Spice Adjustments:
Spicier Versions: Add jalapeños, serrano peppers, or chipotle for a spicier kick.
You can also mix in some chili powder or cayenne for more heat.
Herbal Touch: Some regions add bay leaves, oregano, or cilantro to enhance the flavors of the stew.
Tomato Variations:
Some recipes use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato sauce, while others might add tomato paste for a richer, more concentrated flavor. Roasted tomatoes can also add a smoky depth.
Additional Vegetables:
Potatoes or carrots are sometimes added to make the dish more hearty. They soak up the flavors beautifully and can make the dish more filling.
Poblano or Anaheim peppers can be used instead of, or in addition to, green bell peppers for a smoky, mild heat.
Broth Choices:
Chicken broth or beef broth adds depth to the dish, but you can also use beer or red wine for a unique twist.
Beer adds a slightly malty flavor, while red wine adds richness.
Slow Cooker or Instant Pot:
To simplify the process, you can cook Carne Guisada in a slow cooker or Instant Pot.
This allows the flavors to develop over time, and the meat becomes incredibly tender.
Thickening the Gravy:
Instead of flour, some recipes use cornstarch or masa harina (corn flour) to thicken the gravy, adding a hint of corn flavor that complements the dish well.
Tips for Perfect Carne Guisada:
Browning the Meat:
Always brown the meat on high heat before simmering. This caramelization process adds depth and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Low and Slow Cooking:
Cook the meat slowly over low heat to ensure tenderness.
The longer you let the stew simmer, the more tender and flavorful the meat becomes.
Season Gradually:
Add salt and spices in stages.
Start with less salt, then adjust after the stew has simmered for a while to ensure the flavors meld together.
Remember, you can always add more, but it’s hard to correct if you’ve over-salted.
Resting Time:
Let the stew rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to settle.
This also makes the gravy thicken slightly for a better consistency.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve Carne Guisada with warm flour tortillas for dipping or stuffing, and pair it with Mexican rice, refried beans, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Garnish with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or even a dollop of sour cream for added freshness.
By following these variations and tips, you can make Carne Guisada your own while keeping the essence of this beloved, comforting dish intact.
The nutritional content of Carne Guisada can vary based on the specific ingredients used, such as the cut of meat, the amount of oil, and whether any additional vegetables or ingredients like flour tortillas or rice are served with it.
Below is an approximate breakdown of the nutritional information for a typical serving (about 1 cup or 240g) of Carne Guisada without any sides:
Estimated Nutritional Information per Serving (1 cup or 240g):
Calories: 250-400 kcal
Protein: 25-30 g (depending on the cut of meat)
Fat: 15-25 g
Saturated Fat: 5-10 g
Carbohydrates: 5-10 g
Fiber: 1-2 g (from vegetables like onions and peppers)
Sugars: 2-4 g (from tomatoes and onions)
Sodium: 500-800 mg (varies based on the amount of salt and broth used)
Iron: 15-20% of the daily recommended intake
Vitamin C: 10-15% of the daily recommended intake (from vegetables like bell peppers and tomatoes)
Calcium: 3-5% of the daily recommended intake
Key Nutritional Highlights:
Protein: Carne Guisada is a protein-rich dish, thanks to the beef, making it a filling option for those looking to increase their protein intake.
Fat Content: The dish can be relatively high in fat, especially if using fattier cuts of beef like chuck roast.
However, you can control the fat content by trimming excess fat from the meat or using a leaner cut like sirloin.
Sodium: The sodium content may be high depending on the use of salt, broth, and seasoning. To reduce sodium, use low-sodium broth and limit added salt.
Rich in Iron: Thanks to the beef, Carne Guisada is a good source of iron, which is important for maintaining healthy blood cells and energy levels.
Tips to Make it Healthier:
Lean Cuts of Meat: Use lean cuts of beef like sirloin or round roast to reduce the fat and calorie content.
Healthy Fats: Instead of lard or bacon grease, use heart-healthy oils like olive oil for browning the meat and vegetables.
Increase Fiber: Add more vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or even beans to increase fiber content and make the dish more nutritious.
Serve with Whole Grains: Pair with brown rice or whole-wheat tortillas to add more fiber and nutrients to your meal.
Control Portions: Stick to appropriate portion sizes, as this dish can be calorically dense, especially when served with additional sides like tortillas or rice.
With these modifications, you can enjoy a delicious and hearty meal while keeping it balanced and nutritious.
Enjoy !!