The Best Homemade Carne Guisada Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This Carne Guisada recipe is warm, comforting, and perfect for a hearty meal that feels like home. You’ll love how tender the beef becomes after simmering in a flavorful sauce made with warm spices, tomatoes, and peppers. It’s an easy, one-pot dish that saves you time on cleanup while filling your kitchen with amazing smells. Plus, it’s super versatile—serve it with rice, tortillas, or even potatoes for a meal everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
Recipe

Carne Guisada is a hearty and flavorful Mexican beef stew that’s perfect for a comforting meal. This dish features tender beef simmered in a rich, spiced tomato-based sauce, making it a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into cubes
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, toss the beef cubes with flour until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Return the beef to the pot and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- Add the diced potatoes and continue to cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving, if desired.
Notes:
- For extra flavor, marinate the beef in lime juice and spices for 1-2 hours before cooking.
- Adjust the consistency of the stew by adding more broth if needed.
Equipment:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Mixing bowl
Time:
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Cuisine:
Mexican
Serving:
6 servings
Nutrition
This carne guisada recipe provides a hearty and flavorful meal. Here is the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Total Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 75 mg |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
| Total Carbs | 20 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 4 g |
| Protein | 28 g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade carne guisada with simple, flavorful side dishes like rice, beans, or a crisp salad. Warm tortillas are a must—corn or flour, both work perfectly for wrapping up every delicious bite. It’s all about creating a meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and easy to enjoy.
Side Dishes
When you’re serving up a hearty plate of carne guisada, you’ll want sides that complement the rich, savory flavors. I love pairing it with fluffy Spanish rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly. A simple side of creamy refried beans adds a comforting touch, while a crisp green salad with avocado and lime dressing brings a fresh balance. Roasted vegetables, like bell peppers and zucchini, add a healthy twist, and a sprinkle of cilantro brightens everything up. Don’t forget warm, buttery cornbread—it’s a comforting classic that ties the meal together. These sides make each bite even more satisfying!
Tortilla Options
Carne guisada feels incomplete without the perfect tortilla to wrap it all up. My go-to is a warm, freshly made flour tortilla—it’s soft, pliable, and holds the saucy stew like a dream. If I’m in the mood for something heartier, corn tortillas are my choice. They add a nutty flavor and a bit of texture that pairs beautifully with the rich meat. Sometimes, I’ll even toast them lightly to give them a slight crisp. No matter which I pick, the tortilla transforms the dish into a handheld feast. Trust me, it’s worth the extra effort to get it just right.