This is a classic, slow-simmered dish that’s rich but not spicy unless you want it to be.
Carne Guisada
Ingredients
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2 lbs beef stew meat or chuck, cut into bite-size pieces
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2 tbsp oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp flour
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1½ cups beef broth
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1 cup tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1 tsp chili powder
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½ tsp paprika
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½ tsp oregano
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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Optional: 1 small diced bell pepper or jalapeño (for mild heat)
Instructions
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Brown the beef
Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Brown beef on all sides. Remove and set aside. -
Cook aromatics
In the same pot, sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. -
Make the gravy
Sprinkle flour over onions, stir, and cook 1 minute. Slowly add beef broth while stirring. -
Simmer
Stir in tomato sauce, spices, and beef. Bring to a gentle simmer. -
Cook low & slow
Cover and simmer on low for 1½–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender and gravy thick. -
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Homemade Flour Tortillas
Ingredients
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp salt
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1 tsp baking powder
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3 tbsp oil or melted butter
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¾ cup warm water
Instructions
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Mix flour, salt, and baking powder.
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Stir in oil, then slowly add water until a soft dough forms.
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Knead lightly (about 2 minutes). Cover and rest 20 minutes.
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Divide into 8 balls. Roll thin.
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Cook in a hot dry skillet 30–45 seconds per side until lightly browned.
Serving Ideas
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Spoon carne guisada into tortillas for tacos
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Serve with rice and beans
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Top with chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime
If you’d like a slow-cooker version, spicier Tex-Mex style, or pressure cooker version, just tell me 😊