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
Scale
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.
