Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas
Carne Guisada is a rich and flavorful beef stew popular in Tex-Mex and Latin American cuisine. Slowly simmered until the beef becomes tender, this dish is packed with savory spices, bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions. Paired with homemade flour tortillas, it’s a comforting meal perfect for any time of year.
Carne Guisada Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck roast or round, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or lard
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can diced tomatoes)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
Flour Tortillas Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil or lard
- 1 cup warm water
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Carne Guisada
- Brown the Beef:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil or lard in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef stew meat in batches (to avoid overcrowding) and brown on all sides. This should take about 5–7 minutes per batch. Once browned, remove the meat and set it aside.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
- Add the Spices:
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to combine. This will help thicken the stew.
- Stir in the cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes to allow the spices to bloom and enhance their flavors.
- Simmer the Beef:
- Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the chopped tomatoes (or canned diced tomatoes), beef broth, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally, and if the sauce becomes too thick, add more broth or water as needed.
- Final Touches:
- Once the beef is tender, taste and adjust the seasoning. If you like a little heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño at this point.
- Remove the bay leaf and garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.
Step 2: Make the Flour Tortillas
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Incorporate the Fat:
- Add the vegetable oil or lard to the dry ingredients. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix the fat into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Warm Water:
- Gradually pour in the warm water, stirring with a spoon until the dough comes together. It should be soft and slightly sticky but not wet.
- Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Rest the Dough:
- Divide the dough into 10–12 equal-sized balls. Cover them with a clean kitchen towel and let them rest for 15–20 minutes. This helps the gluten relax, making it easier to roll out the tortillas.
- Roll Out the Tortillas:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball of dough into a thin circle, about 8 inches in diameter. Try to make the tortillas as thin as possible without tearing them.
- Cook the Tortillas:
- Heat a dry skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, cook each tortilla for 30–40 seconds on each side, or until brown spots appear and it puffs up slightly. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
- Transfer cooked tortillas to a plate and cover with a towel to keep them warm while you cook the rest.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
- To serve, spoon the Carne Guisada into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve with the fresh, warm flour tortillas on the side, allowing everyone to scoop up the tender beef and sauce or wrap it in the tortillas for a delicious taco-style experience.
Serving Suggestions: Carne Guisada is versatile and pairs well with Mexican rice, refried beans, or even a fresh salad. It’s also fantastic as leftovers, allowing the flavors to develop even further.
Enjoy this hearty, flavorful dish!