Description
Bring the heart of Tex-Mex cuisine to your kitchen with this rich and flavorful Carne Guisada recipe. Tender chunks of beef are slow-simmered in a savory, spiced gravy, creating a comforting dish perfect for tacos, rice bowls, or pairing with warm tortillas. Simple to make yet packed with flavor, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Beef:
- 2 pounds sirloin steak, diced into 1-inch cubes
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon Mexican oregano
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Gravy:
- 2 cups beef broth, divided
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
- ½ teaspoon soy sauce
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped cilantro
- Warm flour tortillas
Instructions
- Season the Beef:
- In a large bowl, toss the beef cubes with salt, cumin, oregano, and black pepper until well coated.
- Prepare the Slurry:
- In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of beef broth and the all-purpose flour. Set aside.
- Sear the Beef:
- 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.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Stir in the diced onion, jalapeño, and minced garlic. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and release their flavors.
- Build the Gravy:
- Add the diced Roma tomatoes and soy sauce to the pot. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Pour in the remaining 1¾ cups of beef broth and the prepared slurry. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the Dish:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking tenderizes the beef and melds the flavors.
- Uncover the pot and cook for an additional 3 minutes to thicken the gravy slightly.
- Serve:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt if needed.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with warm flour tortillas, Mexican rice, or refried beans.
Notes
- Beef Cuts: Sirloin steak is ideal for tenderness, but chuck roast or stew meat can be substituted for a more budget-friendly option.
- Spice Level: For extra heat, leave the seeds in the jalapeño or add a diced serrano pepper.
- Thicker Gravy: Add an extra tablespoon of flour mixed with water if you prefer a thicker consistency.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Carne Guisada tastes even better the next day! Store in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Freezer-Friendly: Cool completely and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex