South Texas Carne Guisada
Discover the heart and soul of Tex-Mex comfort food with South Texas Carne Guisada, a rich and savory beef stew that’s simmered low and slow to perfection. Tender chunks of seasoned beef are browned for depth, then braised in a velvety, spice-infused gravy made with cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Layers of flavor are built with sautéed onions, bell peppers, and garlic, plus the subtle tang of diced tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this hearty dish pairs beautifully with warm tortillas, fluffy rice, or creamy beans. With its irresistible aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture, South Texas Carne Guisada is a true standout for lovers of bold, Tex-Mex flavors.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons cumin powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes (canned, with juices)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Heat the canola oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Season the beef stew meat with salt and black pepper, then add it to the pot. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Sear the meat on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the beef and set it aside.
In the same pot, add the diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir, cooking for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Stir in the cumin powder, chili powder, and paprika, allowing the spices to toast for 1 minute.
Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring to prevent clumps. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.
Return the seared beef to the pot and add the diced tomatoes with their juices, Worcestershire sauce, and an additional pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the gravy has thickened.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or spices if needed.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired. Pair with warm tortillas, rice, or beans for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2882 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 168.2 g | 216% | |
| Saturated Fat | 57.3 g | 286% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 816 mg | 272% | |
| Sodium | 6804 mg | 296% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 68.3 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.0 g | 54% | |
| Total Sugars | 24.5 g | ||
| Protein | 254.6 g | 509% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 434 mg | 33% | |
| Iron | 34.0 mg | 189% | |
| Potassium | 4839 mg | 103% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
