Prepare Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 lbs stew meat
- 1 tablespoon oil (lard, bacon grease, etc.)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 3 tablespoons tomato sauce or 1 large tomato, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup water or chicken stock
- Flour tortillas, for serving
Directions
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the stew meat in batches, browning on all sides. Remove the browned meat and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion and green bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. If using garlic cloves, add them now and cook until fragrant.
- Make the Gravy: Return the meat to the pot. Stir in the tomato sauce (or diced tomato), garlic powder (if not using cloves), cumin, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the flour over the meat and vegetables, stirring well to combine.
- Simmer: Add water or chicken stock, stirring to mix everything thoroughly. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and the gravy has thickened.
- Serve: Adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the Carne Guisada hot with flour tortillas, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Cook Notes
For an even richer flavor, consider using beer or beef stock instead of water. The alcohol will cook off, leaving a deep, complex taste.
Variations
- Spicy Carne Guisada: Add diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of chili powder for a spicy kick.
- Vegetable Boost: Incorporate carrots or potatoes during the simmering process for an all-in-one meal.
Keto Version
For a keto-friendly version, omit the flour and thicken the gravy with xanthan gum. Serve over cauliflower rice or enjoy with keto tortillas.
Low-Carb Version
Similar to the keto version, use a low-carb thickener and serve with low-carb sides to keep it within your dietary needs.
Nutrition Facts
Based on serving without tortillas or sides, values are approximate:
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 1 g
This Carne Guisada recipe with flour tortillas offers a delightful journey into Tex-Mex cuisine, providing a comforting, savory meal that’s sure to become a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire.