Hey there, food lover! Get ready for a recipe thatโs going to make your kitchen smell amazing and your taste buds dance with joy. If youโve ever craved that tender, flavorful beef stew with a kick of savory spices, this Carne Guisada with flour tortillas is calling your name. Trust me, this oneโs a game-changer.
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Why Youโll Love Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas
This dish isnโt just about the ingredientsโitโs about creating moments. Whether youโre cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Hereโs why itโs a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. Itโs perfect for when youโre trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If youโre someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. Itโs designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Itโs always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Hereโs the magic of this Carne Guisadaโitโs made with a few simple ingredients, but the result is a rich, savory delight. Letโs break it down:
Beef Stew Meat: The heart of the dish. Tender cuts like chuck roast, slow-cooked to perfection, soak up all the wonderful flavors.
Tomatoes: Fresh and juicy, they add a mild sweetness and rich flavor to the sauce.
Onions: Sweet and savory, they create the base for that perfect depth of flavor.
Garlic: Aromatic and bold, garlic brings the dish to life with its savory punch.
Chilies: A little heat goes a long way! Whether you use jalapeรฑos or mild peppers, they add a nice kick.
Spices: A perfect blend of cumin, paprika, oregano, and bay leaves to infuse the stew with warmth and comfort.
Broth: Beef or chicken broth to add richness and help tenderize the meat.
Flour Tortillas: To wrap it all up! Soft, warm tortillas are the perfect companion for scooping up that delicious Carne Guisada.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Letโs dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Brown the Meat: In a large pot, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and brown on all sides. This step seals in the flavors and gives your dish that rich color.
Sautรฉ the Vegetables: Add the onions and garlic to the pot, cooking until softened and fragrant. These little guys are about to make everything taste amazing!
Add the Spices: Stir in the cumin, paprika, oregano, and bay leaves. Cook for a minute or two to let the spices bloom and fill the air with that irresistible aroma.
Simmer with Broth: Pour in the broth and tomatoes, then stir everything together. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 1-2 hours, or until the meat is melt-in-your-mouth tender and the flavors have mingled beautifully.
Prepare the Tortillas: While the Carne Guisada is cooking, heat your flour tortillas on a dry skillet, flipping them every few seconds until theyโre soft and slightly crispy around the edges. Warm tortillas make everything taste better!
Serve and Enjoy: Spoon that delicious Carne Guisada onto the tortillas, then fold or roll them up. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting dish thatโs sure to hit the spot.
How to Serve Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Fresh Salads: Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the dishโs rich flavors.
Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up any delicious sauces or juices. Garlic bread or a simple baguette works wonderfully.
Creamy Accompaniments: Add a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a creamy dip to complement the dishโs flavor profile.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted vegetables, like carrots, zucchini, or asparagus, are excellent pairings that add color and nutrients to the meal.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, this dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own. Simply garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a finishing touch.
Presentation matters too! Serving the dish in a beautifully arranged platter can elevate the dining experience. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for that extra pop.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: Save time by chopping and measuring ingredients the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge to keep them fresh.
Spice It Up: Experiment with spices like cumin, turmeric, or chili flakes to give the dish a unique twist.
Dietary Adjustments: If youโre catering to specific dietary needs, swap ingredients like regular flour for gluten-free alternatives or dairy products for plant-based options.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to [time duration]. Reheat gently to preserve the dishโs texture and flavor.
Double the Batch: This recipe freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch. Having a homemade meal ready in the freezer can be a lifesaver on busy days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute [ingredient] with [alternative ingredient]?
A1: Absolutely! For instance, if you donโt have [ingredient], you can use [alternative]. It may slightly alter the flavor, but itโll still be delicious.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, itโs a great make-ahead recipe. Prepare it [specific instructions] and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it just before serving.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to [time]. For best results, reheat in the oven to maintain texture.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to [time]. When youโre ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q5: Whatโs the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in the oven at [temperature] for [time] or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes, doubling this recipe is easy! Just be sure to adjust your cooking time and pot size accordingly.
Conclusion
So, what are you waiting for? This Carne Guisada with flour tortillas is the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and comforting. Itโs a crowd-pleaser, budget-friendly, and totally customizable to suit your tastes. Whether youโre serving it up for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy!
Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Carne Guisada is a rich and flavorful Mexican-style beef stew simmered to tender perfection in a savory tomato-based gravy. Made with simple ingredients and served with warm flour tortillas, this dish is perfect for quick high-protein meals, recipes for dinner, and simple high-protein meals. Enjoy it with rice, mashed potatoes, or just scoop it up with tortillas! Save it to your healthy recipes, recipes appetizers and snacks, and recipes to try boards.
Ingredients
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3 lbs stew meat
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1 tbsp oil (lard, bacon grease, or vegetable oil)
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1 medium onion, diced
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1 small green bell pepper, diced (optional)
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3 tbsp tomato sauce or 1 large tomato, diced
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1 tsp garlic powder or 3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tsp ground cumin
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2 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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1 cup water or chicken stock
Instructions
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Heat oil in a large pan over high heat. Brown the stew meat along with onions and green pepper (if using).
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Stir in the tomato sauce (or fresh tomato), garlic, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
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Sprinkle flour over the meat and stir until evenly coated.
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Gradually add the water (or stock), stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
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Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Let simmer for 1 ยฝ hours, or until the meat is tender.
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Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
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Serve hot with rice, warm flour tortillas, or mashed potatoes. Enjoy!
Notes
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For extra flavor, use beef broth instead of water.
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Add chopped potatoes in the last 30 minutes of cooking for a heartier dish.
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Serve with fresh pico de gallo or guacamole for a delicious Tex-Mex meal!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg