If you’ve ever craved a cozy, hearty meal that wraps you in warm, comforting flavors, the Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas Recipe is exactly what you need. This classic Tex-Mex dish brings tender, slow-simmered beef stew bursting with rich spices and juicy tomatoes, perfectly paired with soft, homemade flour tortillas. It’s a match made in flavor heaven that feels like a big, delicious hug from the inside out. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe turns simple ingredients into something truly memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a starring role. From the tender chunks of beef to the fragrant spices and freshly made tortillas, every component adds layers of flavor and satisfying texture to the dish.
- 2 pounds beef stew meat: Choose well-marbled stew beef for tender, juicy results after slow cooking.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: For searing the beef to lock in flavor and color.
- 1 small onion (chopped): Offers sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 1 green bell pepper (chopped): Adds a fresh, slightly sweet bite that balances the spices.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Essential for that aromatic punch.
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles: Brings moisture, mild heat, and brightness to the stew.
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth: Keeps the beef moist and infuses it with savory richness.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional): Deepens the tomato flavor and thickens the stew slightly.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: The warming spice that defined Tex-Mex cooking.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds subtle heat and complex flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: For a smoky layer without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste): Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle heat and balance.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Used to thicken the stew into a luscious gravy.
- Chopped cilantro (optional): Fresh herbaceous note for garnish and freshness.
- For the flour tortillas:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for soft, pliable tortillas.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances the tortilla dough.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the tortillas puff and become tender.
- 1/4 cup vegetable shortening or lard: Keeps tortillas tender and easy to roll.
- 3/4 cup warm water: Binds everything into a smooth, workable dough.
How to Make Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating your vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. This is your moment to build rich flavor, so don’t rush it. Add the beef stew meat in batches, giving each piece room to brown beautifully on all sides. This caramelization adds incredible depth to your carne guisada. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same pot, toss in the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Let them soften for about five minutes, stirring occasionally so they don’t stick. When the veggies start turning tender and fragrant, stir in the minced garlic and cook just until you smell that irresistible garlicky aroma—about 30 seconds. This creates the flavorful base for your stew.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Return the browned beef to the pot. Now add the diced tomatoes with green chiles, beef broth, tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. Bring the pot up to a boil, then lower the heat and cover. Let it simmer gently for one and a half to two hours, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking is what transforms tough beef into tender, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Once the beef is tender and the flavors melded perfectly, it’s time to thicken the sauce. Whisk the flour with a quarter cup of water until smooth to make a slurry, then stir it into the pot. Keep the pot uncovered and simmer for 10 to 15 more minutes or until the sauce thickens to a rich, gravy-like consistency that clings deliciously to every bite of beef.
Step 5: Make the Flour Tortillas
While your carne guisada simmers, it’s the perfect time to prepare those soft flour tortillas that will hold all that savory goodness. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder. Work in the vegetable shortening or lard with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture looks crumbly like coarse sand. Gradually add warm water and knead gently until the dough is smooth and pliable. Cover and let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes, so the dough relaxes and becomes easier to roll out.
Step 6: Roll and Cook the Tortillas
Divide the dough into eight equal portions, rolling each into a smooth ball. On a floured surface, flatten and roll each ball into a thin circle — the thinner you get, the softer and more tender the tortilla. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and cook each tortilla for 30 to 60 seconds on each side. You’ll know they’re ready when bubbles form and you see light golden spots. Keep your tortillas warm in a towel until serving.
How to Serve Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas Recipe
Garnishes
The magic of serving Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas Recipe is in the toppings. A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro adds a fresh herbal lift that cuts through the rich stew beautifully. For a zesty kick, add a squeeze of lime or some diced fresh jalapeños if you like a bit of heat. Don’t underestimate how these little extras elevate the entire experience.
Side Dishes
While the carne guisada is the star, classic sides like Mexican rice and refried or black beans round out the meal perfectly. They soak up the flavorful sauce and add a comforting heartiness. For a refreshing contrast, a simple side salad with avocado and a squeeze of lime can brighten the plate in just the right way.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to mix things up, try serving the carne guisada and tortillas as a build-your-own taco bar. Lay out bowls of garnishes, salsa, and sides so everyone can customize to their heart’s content. You can also use the carne guisada as filling for burritos, tostadas, or even stuffed peppers for a playful twist that keeps things exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Carne guisada flavors deepen after resting, making leftovers truly next-level. Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep your flour tortillas wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap to maintain softness.
Freezing
This Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion your stew into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. For tortillas, it’s best to freeze them separately in a resealable bag, layering with parchment paper to keep them from sticking.
Reheating
Reheat the carne guisada slowly over low heat on the stove to keep the beef tender and the sauce luscious. Add a splash of beef broth if it thickened too much while stored. Warm tortillas in a hot skillet or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for soft, flexible results.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for carne guisada?
Absolutely! While stew meat works perfectly, you can also use chuck roast cut into cubes or even brisket for a richer flavor. Just remember that tougher cuts need slow, gentle cooking to become tender.
Is it okay to substitute store-bought tortillas?
Definitely. Store-bought flour tortillas are a great shortcut, especially if you’re short on time. Just warm them before serving to make them soft and flexible, and they’ll still complement the carne guisada wonderfully.
How spicy is this carne guisada?
This recipe has a mild to moderate spice level thanks to the chili powder and green chiles in the canned tomatoes. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more chili powder, fresh chilies, or serving with spicy salsa on the side.
Can I prepare this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! After browning the beef and sautéing the veggies, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. Add the flour slurry toward the end to thicken the sauce.
What’s the best way to store homemade flour tortillas?
Keep them tightly wrapped in foil or plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate to extend freshness up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them with parchment paper between each tortilla.
Final Thoughts
Making this Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas Recipe is like inviting a little fiesta to your kitchen. It’s rich, flavorful, and comforting in the best way possible. The homemade tortillas add a heartfelt touch that elevates every bite. I promise, once you try this recipe, it will become one of your favorite go-to meals for those nights you want something homemade, satisfying, and downright delicious. So grab your ingredients and get cooking—you’re in for a treat!
Print
Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
This Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas recipe features tender, slow-simmered beef stew enriched with classic Tex-Mex spices and served in soft, homemade flour tortillas. A comforting and flavorful main course perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the carne guisada:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 1 green bell pepper (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional for richness)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
For the flour tortillas:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup vegetable shortening or lard
- 3/4 cup warm water
Instructions
- Make the carne guisada: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and sear until browned on all sides, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Cook over medium heat until softened, approximately 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine ingredients and simmer: Return the seared beef to the pot and add the diced tomatoes with green chiles, beef broth, optional tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer until tender: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let simmer gently for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded.
- Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour with 1/4 cup water until smooth to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the pot and simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens to a desirable consistency.
- Prepare the flour tortillas dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Add the vegetable shortening or lard and mix with fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Gradually pour in warm water while mixing, then knead the dough until it is soft and smooth. Cover the dough and let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Shape and cook tortillas: Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten and roll out on a floured surface into thin circles. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and cook each tortilla for 30 to 60 seconds on each side, or until bubbles form and light golden brown spots appear. Keep cooked tortillas warm wrapped in a towel.
- Serve: Spoon the hot carne guisada into the freshly made flour tortillas. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired, and serve alongside rice and beans for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can use store-bought flour tortillas to save time without sacrificing flavor.
- Carne guisada flavors intensify the next day, making it an excellent option for leftovers or meal prepping.
- Adjust seasoning and spice levels according to your preference.
- For thicker sauce, simmer longer or add a little more flour slurry.
