Description
Carne Guisada is a comforting and hearty beef stew made with tender beef chuck simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce with aromatic spices, vegetables, olives, and fresh cilantro. Perfect for a satisfying family meal, this traditional Latin American dish boasts rich flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth texture after slow simmering for hours.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 cup olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Heat Oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to prepare for browning the beef.
- Brown Beef: Add the beef chuck cubes to the hot oil and cook until browned on all sides, which helps develop rich flavor and locks in juices.
- Remove Beef: Once browned, remove the beef cubes from the pot and set them aside temporarily.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the same pot, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant, enhancing the stew base.
- Add Liquids and Spices: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper, combining all ingredients well.
- Return Beef and Add Bay Leaves: Place the browned beef back into the pot and add the bay leaves for additional aroma and flavor depth.
- Simmer Slowly: Reduce heat to low and simmer the stew for 1.5 to 2 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and absorb the rich mixture of spices and broth.
- Finish with Olives and Cilantro: Stir in the sliced olives and chopped cilantro just before serving to add freshness and a subtle briny note.
Notes
- For extra tenderness, cook the stew slowly and avoid rushing the simmering step.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences during cooking.
- Add a little more beef broth if the stew becomes too thick while simmering.
- Serve with warm tortillas, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
