Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas Recipe
If you’re looking for a seriously comforting meal that brings hearty flavor and soft, pillowy tortillas all in one bite, Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas is the answer. This beloved Tex-Mex dish features tender chunks of beef slowly simmered until melt-in-your-mouth perfection, nestled in a savory gravy with warm spices and colorful peppers. Homemade flour tortillas are the perfect sidekick, ready to scoop up every last bit. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas brings everyone to the table for second helpings!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas is how approachable the ingredient list is. Every single addition gets its chance to shine, from the rich beef to the cozy blend of spices, and each contributes its own delicious layer to the party.
- Beef stew meat: Choose well-marbled, bite-sized chunks — they become incredibly tender after slow cooking and give the dish its signature meaty richness.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for searing the beef and sautéing veggies, oil helps lock in flavor at the start.
- Yellow onion: Provides a subtle, mellow sweetness and depth to the gravy base.
- Green bell pepper: Adds color and a gentle earthiness that balances the rich beef.
- Garlic: Just a few cloves add warmth and kick — don’t skip it!
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce so your gravy hugs every bite of beef.
- Tomato paste: A spoonful boosts umami and gives the sauce beautiful color and tang.
- Beef broth: The secret to ultra-silky, flavorful gravy.
- Ground cumin: Essential for that Tex-Mex aroma and earthy flavor.
- Chili powder: Not too spicy, just a great smoky backbone for the stew.
- Paprika: Pumps up the color and brings mild pepper flavor.
- Oregano: A sprinkle adds a touch of herbal brightness.
- Salt: Absolutely crucial for bringing out all the flavors (taste as you go!).
- Black pepper: For a little background heat and sharpness.
- Warm flour tortillas: The must-have base to cradle the tender beef and rich gravy.
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional): Adds a splash of color and freshness on top — especially great if you love herbs.
How to Make Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches so you don’t crowd the pan, letting each piece get a gorgeous, golden-brown crust. Take your time here — this step builds deep flavor. Once browned, scoop the beef out and set it aside to rest while you move on to the veggies.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same pot (and those tasty beef drippings), add your chopped onion and green bell pepper. Stir and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, letting them soften and pick up all that flavor stuck to the bottom. When the onions turn translucent and peppers look vibrant, add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for just 30 seconds — garlic burns fast!
Step 3: Build the Gravy
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the softened veggies and stir until every bit looks coated. This flour will turn into a fantastic thickener for your stew. Next, add the tomato paste and cook for a minute to take the raw edge off and intensify its flavor. Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring as you go to avoid lumps and scrape up any browned bits left from searing.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Time to spice things up! Stir in your cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well, then return the browned beef and any accumulated juices back into the pot. Give everything a good stir. Bring the whole pot up to a gentle simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low — patience is key here. Let the stew low-and-slow for 2 to 2.5 hours, checking in to give it the occasional stir. The beef should become ultra-tender and the sauce should thicken into rich, savory gravy.
Step 5: Serve with Flour Tortillas
Once your Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas is perfectly tender and your kitchen smells amazing, it’s time for the best part: serving! Spoon the beef and gravy into pillowy, warm flour tortillas and let everyone top theirs with cilantro, cheese, or whatever they love. Every bite is pure Tex-Mex comfort!
How to Serve Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas
Garnishes
An extra sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro gives your Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas a gorgeous pop of green and a hit of freshness. For a more decadent finish, try a dollop of sour cream, crumbled queso fresco, or even a squeeze of lime. Add thinly sliced jalapeños or pickled onions if you want a punchy kick!
Side Dishes
This dish is already hearty, but for a real feast, serve Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas alongside classic sides. Think fluffy Mexican rice, creamy refried beans, or a simple avocado salad. Warm tortilla chips with fresh salsa or guacamole never hurt, either!
Creative Ways to Present
The beauty of Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas is that it’s endlessly adaptable. Turn leftovers into savory beef tacos, use the rich stew to top nachos, or spoon it over steaming white rice for a comfy Tex-Mex rice bowl. For a party spin, serve the guisada in a slow cooker with stacks of tortillas and all your favorite taco toppings for a DIY taco bar.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas keeps beautifully in the fridge. Transfer cooled beef and sauce into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors get even better as they mingle, making it a meal prep winner!
Freezing
This dish is freezer-friendly for up to three months. Spoon your cooled guisada into freezer-safe containers or zip bags, laying them flat for easy storage. Label and date your containers — it’ll be like a homemade Tex-Mex care package waiting in your freezer!
Reheating
Gently reheat Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. For quick lunches, microwave single servings in a covered dish, stirring halfway through to keep everything hot and juicy.
FAQs
Can I make Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas in advance?
Absolutely! This recipe actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen and the beef gets more tender. Just store it in the fridge and gently reheat when you’re ready to serve with fresh warm tortillas.
What kind of beef is best for Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas?
Use well-marbled beef stew meat, such as chuck roast cut into cubes. The marbling breaks down during the slow simmer, making each bite juicy and tender — exactly what you want for this dish.
Can I add extra vegetables or spice?
Definitely! Diced jalapeño, poblano pepper, or even a handful of carrots can be added for variety and a boost of color. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne or use spicier chili powder.
Are there gluten-free options?
You can use your favorite gluten-free flour in place of the all-purpose flour for the gravy, and opt for corn tortillas instead of traditional flour if you’re gluten-sensitive. The flavors hold up beautifully either way!
How do I prevent the beef from drying out?
Cook the stew gently at a low simmer and make sure your pot is covered. Stir occasionally, and add a splash more broth if the sauce reduces too much. This keeps your Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas lush and juicy.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas at home, now’s the time! The aroma alone will have everyone peeking into the kitchen, and every soft, saucy bite is a cozy reminder of good times and full bellies. So gather your ingredients, warm some tortillas, and treat yourself to one of Tex-Mex’s most comforting classics — you’ll be hooked from the very first taste!
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Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and comforting Tex-Mex dish, Carne Guisada is a flavorful beef stew served with warm flour tortillas. This recipe yields tender beef cubes in a rich, seasoned gravy that is perfect for filling tacos or enjoying over rice.
Ingredients
Beef Stew:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Vegetable Mix:
- 1 small yellow onion (chopped)
- 1 green bell pepper (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Seasonings and Broth:
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Serving:
- Warm flour tortillas (for serving)
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot, sear beef cubes until browned, then set aside.
- Saute Vegetables: In the same pot, cook onion, bell pepper until softened. Add garlic, flour, tomato paste, and cook.
- Add Seasonings and Broth: Stir in beef broth, cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Return beef to the pot and simmer.
- Cook Slowly: Cover and cook on low heat for 2 to 2.5 hours until beef is tender and gravy thickens.
- Serve: Serve hot with warm tortillas, garnish with cilantro.
Notes
- Carne guisada tastes better the next day.
- Variation: Add jalapeño or cayenne for extra spice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup beef + 2 tortillas
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
