Carne guisada is a timeless Mexican comfort dish, known for its tender beef and deeply savory chili gravy. Slow-simmered and richly seasoned, it’s the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with warmth and anticipation long before it reaches the table. Simple ingredients and patience are what make this dish truly special.
At the heart of carne guisada is beef chuck, browned well and cooked low and slow until it becomes fork-tender. As it simmers, the meat releases its flavor into the sauce, creating a gravy that is thick, hearty, and full of character. This is rustic cooking at its finest, where technique matters more than complexity.
The chili gravy is built gradually, starting with a light flour coating and blooming spices like chili powder and cumin. A touch of tomato adds body and balance, while garlic and onion round out the savory base. The result is a sauce that clings to the beef and begs to be scooped up with warm tortillas.
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Traditionally served with Mexican rice and flour tortillas, carne guisada is a complete, comforting meal meant to be enjoyed slowly. It’s just as good for family dinners as it is for gatherings, and like many stewed dishes, it tastes even better after it has had time to rest.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Ingredients
For the Carne Guisada
- 2 lbs beef chuck or stew meat, cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons oil
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 small tomato, finely chopped, or ½ cup tomato sauce
- 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper, whole or sliced (optional)
For Serving
- Mexican rice
- Warm flour tortillas
Instructions:
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