Carne Guisada Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting meal that warms the soul, this carne guisada recipe is just what you need! Imagine tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich, flavorful broth, infused with vibrant Puerto Rican spices. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on chilly evenings or busy weeknights. I adore making this stew for family gatherings because it brings everyone together, filling the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.

This carne guisada is not only hearty but also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: This carne guisada recipe is perfect for satisfying appetites, making it an ideal main course.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the rich flavors and tender beef in this delicious stew.
• Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have this dish on the table without fuss.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This stew tastes even better the next day, so feel free to prep it ahead of time for an easy dinner solution.
• Versatile Flavor: The unique blend of spices makes each bite exciting, offering a taste of Puerto Rican cuisine right in your home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! For this carne guisada recipe, you’ll use simple and wholesome ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Don’t worry if you’re new to some of these items; they’re all accessible and worth seeking out!

For the Stew

• 2 pounds beef roast (use beef round or chuck steak)
• 1 tablespoon adobo seasoning (or more to taste)
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 1 green bell pepper (chopped; or use hotter peppers, if desired)
• ¼ cup sofrito
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• ½ cup water
• 1 tablespoon achiote oil
• ½ cup olives
• 1 tablespoon capers
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 pound potatoes (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 large carrot (peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Variations

This carne guisada recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to adjust it based on what you have at home or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Substitute beef with chicken or turkey for a lighter version while keeping the same delicious flavors.
• Add more veggies: Toss in other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
• Spice it up: If you enjoy heat, add jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to bring some spice into your life!
• Serve differently: Try serving over rice or with tortillas to soak up all that wonderful sauce.

How to Make Carne Guisada Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Trim the beef roast and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Dry each piece with paper towels. This step is crucial because it helps achieve that beautiful sear later on! Season generously with adobo seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Meat

Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor through caramelization. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

Reduce heat to medium and add chopped onions, bell peppers, and sofrito to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Sautéing these vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Step 4: Add Garlic

Next, toss in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. The aroma of garlic wafting through your kitchen is simply irresistible!

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Stir in dried oregano, salt, pepper, tomato sauce, water, achiote oil, olives, capers, bay leaves, and seared beef back into the pot. Mix well to combine everything! Bringing these bold flavors together creates that authentic taste we all love in carne guisada.

Step 6: Simmer

Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 30 minutes; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Taste at this point; adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 7: Add Potatoes & Carrots

Now it’s time for those hearty vegetables! Add potatoes and carrots to the mix. Bring back to a boil before covering and simmering again for another 30 minutes until everything is tender. The longer cooking time helps develop those deep flavors while ensuring everything is perfectly cooked.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

Once ready, serve hot! Ladle generous portions into bowls—there’s nothing quite like digging into a warm bowl of carne guisada after a long day. Enjoy every delightful bite!

Pro Tips for Making Carne Guisada Recipe

Making carne guisada is an enjoyable experience, and with these simple tips, you’ll elevate your dish to a whole new level!

• Choose the right cut of beef: Using a beef round or chuck steak ensures that the meat becomes tender and flavorful after slow cooking. These cuts have the right balance of meat and fat.

• Sear the meat properly: Browning the beef before simmering adds depth of flavor to the stew. This caramelization creates a richer taste that enhances the overall dish.

• Don’t rush the simmering process: Allowing the carne guisada to simmer low and slow helps develop the flavors. The longer it simmers, the more tender the beef becomes and the sauce thickens beautifully.

• Taste and adjust seasoning: Always check for seasoning before serving. Everyone’s taste buds are different, so feel free to add more adobo or salt to suit your preference.

• Let it rest: After cooking, let your carne guisada sit for a few minutes before serving. This resting time allows flavors to meld together nicely.

How to Serve Carne Guisada Recipe

Serving carne guisada can be as creative as you want! Here are some ideas that will make your meal even more enjoyable.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh cilantro: This bright herb adds a refreshing touch that contrasts beautifully with the rich stew.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: A dollop of sour cream can offer creaminess and a slight tang that complements the spices in the dish.
• Sliced avocados: Adding creamy avocado slices gives a luxurious texture and balances out the hearty flavors.

Side Dishes

• White rice: A classic pairing, fluffy white rice soaks up the delicious sauce from your carne guisada, making every bite satisfying.
• Tostones (fried green plantains): These crispy plantains add crunch and are perfect for dipping into the savory stew.
• Black beans: A side of seasoned black beans provides protein and pairs well with Latin flavors while adding extra nutrition to your meal.
• Corn tortillas: Warm tortillas can be used to scoop up your carne guisada, adding an authentic touch to your dining experience.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll create a memorable feast that friends and family will love. Enjoy every bite of this hearty carne guisada!

Make Ahead and Storage

This carne guisada recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious, hearty flavors throughout the week. Making this stew in advance can enhance the flavors and make weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the carne guisada to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Let the stew cool completely.
• Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.
• You can also use a microwave; heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this carne guisada recipe that might help you while cooking!

Can I use other cuts of beef for this carne guisada recipe?

Yes! While beef round or chuck steak is recommended for its tenderness, you can also use brisket or any other stewing cuts that will become tender with slow cooking.

How spicy is this carne guisada recipe?

The spice level depends on the type of bell pepper you choose. For a milder flavor, stick with green bell peppers. If you prefer more heat, opt for hotter peppers like jalapeños.

What can I serve with carne guisada?

This delicious stew pairs wonderfully with rice, tortillas, or even a simple side salad. You can also enjoy it with plantains or avocado slices for added flavor!

Can I make this carne guisada recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just follow the storage tips mentioned above!

What is unique about this carne guisada recipe?

This version highlights traditional Puerto Rican flavors through ingredients like sofrito and adobo seasoning—making it a comforting and delicious dish that brings warmth to any table.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this carne guisada recipe as much as I do! It’s not just a meal; it’s a way to bring friends and family together over hearty flavors that warm both body and soul. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite add-ins or sides. Happy cooking!