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If you are craving a meal that bursts with rich, hearty flavors and melts in your mouth, you absolutely need to try this Crock Pot Carne Guisada Recipe. This comforting stew features tender, well-seasoned beef slowly simmered with aromatic peppers, onions, and spices that come together in the most delicious way. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for weekday dinners or whenever you want to enjoy a truly satisfying soul food experience without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of simple but essential ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From the tender beef to the vibrant vegetables and the blend of spices, every element works together to build a stew that’s full of depth, texture, and beautiful color.
- Beef stew meat (2 lbs): Choose chuck roast or sirloin cut into bite-sized cubes for tenderness and flavor.
- Large onion (1): Adds sweet, aromatic depth to the stew as it cooks down.
- Bell pepper (1): Provides a subtle sweetness and a pop of color that brightens the dish.
- Garlic cloves (2): Minced for a burst of savory, aromatic flavor.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz, undrained): Bring moisture, acidity, and a rich tomato base to the sauce.
- Beef broth (1/2 cup): Enhances the meaty flavor and helps create a luscious gravy.
- Tomato paste (1/4 cup): Concentrates tomato flavor and thickens the stew.
- Ground cumin (1 tbsp): Adds a warm, earthy spice signature to carne guisada.
- Chili powder (1 tsp): Brings a mild, smoky heat that complements the beef.
- Paprika (1 tsp): Infuses a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
- Dried oregano (1/2 tsp): Offers a hint of herbal freshness.
- Ground black pepper (1/2 tsp): Delivers a touch of warmth and slight pungency.
- Salt (to taste): Essential to balance and elevate all the flavors.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): For searing the meat to lock in juices and flavor.
- Cornstarch (2 tbsp, optional): Perfect for thickening the gravy if you want a heartier sauce.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): Adds a fresh, bright garnish that complements the richness of the stew.
- Rice, tortillas, or crusty bread: Ideal for soaking up every delicious bite of the sauce when serving.
How to Make Crock Pot Carne Guisada Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef stew meat in batches, allowing each piece to brown on all sides. This step is crucial because it locks in the juices and adds a deep, savory flavor that forms the foundation of your stew. Once beautifully browned, transfer the meat to your Crock Pot.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Using the same skillet (no need to clean it), add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their fragrances. This quick sauté ensures the veggies retain some texture and develop a great base flavor. After they’re ready, add them straight to the Crock Pot with the seared beef.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Spices
Next, dump in the can of diced tomatoes along with their juices, the beef broth, and tomato paste. Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything gently to blend those fabulous spices with the meat and veggies. This mixture will slowly meld during cooking, creating the magic that is carne guisada’s signature taste.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your Crock Pot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. This slow cooking method lets the beef become incredibly tender while allowing the spices to fully develop. The aroma that fills your kitchen in this time is nothing short of irresistible, and the end result is a stew that feels like it has been lovingly simmered for hours.
Step 5: Optional Thickening
If you prefer a thicker gravy, about 30 minutes before serving, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Stir it into the Crock Pot and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes. This step will give you a luscious, spoon-coating sauce without overpowering the dish’s natural richness.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once your Crock Pot Carne Guisada Recipe is ready, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top for a bright, herbal contrast. Now it’s time to dig in and savor every tender, flavor-packed bite.
How to Serve Crock Pot Carne Guisada Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh cilantro not only enhances the flavor but also adds a lovely splash of vibrant green color that makes your dish feel fresh and inviting. For an extra touch, a squeeze of fresh lime juice can brighten up the robust flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This stew pairs wonderfully with warm rice that soaks up the flavorful sauce perfectly. Alternatively, soft flour tortillas or crusty bread provide the ideal vehicle to scoop up every bit, making your meal both hearty and interactive.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Crock Pot Carne Guisada Recipe as a filling for tacos or burritos with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, avocado slices, or pickled onions. It’s also fantastic spooned over creamy mashed potatoes or even as a taco salad topping for a crowd-pleasing dinner option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover carne guisada in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers equally delicious, if not better.
Freezing
This dish freezes very well, making it an excellent option for meal prep. Place cooled carne guisada in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce seems too thick after refrigeration, simply add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. You can also microwave single servings, covering the bowl to retain moisture as you warm it.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chuck roast and sirloin are recommended for their tenderness, you can experiment with other stew-cut beefs such as brisket or even short ribs, keeping in mind the texture and cook times may vary slightly.
Do I need to sear the meat before adding it to the Crock Pot?
Searing the meat is highly recommended as it adds a rich, caramelized flavor and seals in juices, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and still have a tasty stew.
Is it possible to make this recipe spicier?
Definitely! You can increase the chili powder or add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to enhance the heat according to your taste preference.
Can I make the Crock Pot Carne Guisada Recipe in a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can adapt it for a pressure cooker or Instant Pot. Brown the meat and sauté the veggies on the sauté setting, then pressure cook on high for about 35 to 40 minutes with a natural release.
What can I substitute if I don’t have cornstarch to thicken the sauce?
You can use an equal amount of flour mixed with cold water to make a slurry or let the sauce reduce uncovered for a bit longer to thicken naturally.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Carne Guisada Recipe is a true gem that brings comfort, bold flavor, and ease together in one pot. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved classic. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a homemade meal that tastes put-together without the fuss. I encourage you to make a batch soon—it’s the kind of dish that keeps everyone coming back for seconds and asking for the recipe!
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Crock Pot Carne Guisada Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
This hearty Crock Pot Carne Guisada recipe features tender beef stew meat slow-cooked with aromatic spices, tomatoes, and vegetables to create a rich and flavorful Tex-Mex stew. Perfect for a comforting family meal, it pairs wonderfully with rice, warm tortillas, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Meat
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck roast or sirloin), cut into bite-sized cubes
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Canned & Liquids
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
Spices
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
Others
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)
- Rice, tortillas, or crusty bread (for serving)
Instructions
- Sear the beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat in batches, searing on all sides until browned. This step locks in flavor and texture. Transfer the seared meat to the Crock Pot.
- Sauté the vegetables: Using the same skillet, add chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Then, transfer the vegetables to the Crock Pot with the meat.
- Add liquids and spices: Into the Crock Pot, add diced tomatoes with their juice, beef broth, tomato paste, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Stir all ingredients well to combine everything evenly.
- Slow cook: Cover the Crock Pot and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld deeply.
- Thicken gravy (optional): If a thicker gravy is preferred, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the Crock Pot about 30 minutes before serving and let it cook for another 30 minutes until the sauce has thickened nicely.
- Garnish and serve: Once cooked, optionally garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve the carne guisada hot alongside rice, warm tortillas, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Searing the beef before slow cooking adds depth of flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
- If using frozen beef stew meat, thaw before cooking to ensure even slow cooking.
- Adjust the level of chili powder according to your preferred spice level.
- The cornstarch slurry is optional but helps achieve a more stew-like consistency.
- Leftovers reheat well and flavors deepen after a day in the fridge.
