Carne Guisada is a traditional Mexican beef stew made with tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich, spiced gravy. Paired with warm, soft homemade flour tortillas, this dish is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this easy Carne Guisada recipe will be a hit. Perfect for anyone looking for a flavorful and hearty Tex-Mex recipe.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients for Carne Guisada

• 2 lbs beef stew meat (cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large tomatoes, diced (or 1 can diced tomatoes)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• 2 cups beef broth (or water)
• 1 tablespoon flour (optional, for thickening)
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Ingredients for Flour Tortillas

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup lard or vegetable shortening
• 1 cup warm water

How to Make Carne Guisada

1. Brown the Beef:
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown on all sides, working in batches to avoid crowding the pan. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
   In the same pot, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
3. Add Tomatoes and Spices:
   Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Add cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes to let the spices bloom.
4. Simmer the Stew:
   Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, stir, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender and the gravy thickens.
5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
   To thicken the gravy, dissolve 1 tablespoon of flour in 1/4 cup of cold water and stir into the stew. Let simmer for another 5 minutes.
6. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve the Carne Guisada hot with freshly made flour tortillas.

How to Make Homemade Flour Tortillas

1. Mix the Dough:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the lard or shortening and mix with your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the warm water and mix until a soft dough forms.
2. Knead the Dough:
   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes until smooth. Cover with a towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3. Shape the Tortillas:
   Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and roll each piece into a ball. Using a rolling pin, roll out each ball into a thin round tortilla (about 8 inches in diameter).
4. Cook the Tortillas:
   Heat a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each tortilla for 30 seconds to 1 minute on each side, until puffed and golden. Keep tortillas warm in a kitchen towel until ready to serve.

Nutrition Information (per serving, based on 6 servings of Carne Guisada and Flour Tortillas)

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Vitamin C: 30% of the daily value

Recipe Notes:

• Adjust the thickness of the gravy to your liking by adding more broth or using flour for a thicker consistency.
• Serve the Carne Guisada with sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad.
• The homemade flour tortillas are best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container.

This Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas recipe offers the perfect blend of tender, flavorful beef in a rich gravy, paired with soft, homemade tortillas. It’s a simple yet satisfying Mexican recipe that’s great for a weekend meal or any occasion when you want a comforting, home-cooked dish.