Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Puerto Rico! Carne Guisada is not just a meal; it's a love story between tender beef, rich spices, and a sauce so incredible it'll make your family beg for seconds. This hearty stew is the ultimate comfort food that promises to warm your soul and impress even the pickiest eaters with its depth of flavor and melt-in-your-mouth beef.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 40 mins
Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients on the countertop for easy access. This includes the beef chuck, onion, green bell pepper, garlic, tomato sauce, beef broth, cumin, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to heat up until it shimmers, but be careful not to let it smoke.
- Once the oil is hot, add the cubed beef chuck to the pot. Season the beef with salt and pepper to taste. Sear the beef on all sides until it is browned, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds flavor to the meat.
- After the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside on a plate. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Sauté the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are softened and the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Return the browned beef to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the can of tomato sauce and the cup of beef broth. Stir well to incorporate all the ingredients.
- Add the cumin to the pot, stirring to distribute the spice evenly throughout the mixture. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. This slow cooking will tenderize the beef and allow the flavors to meld.
- After the cooking time is complete, check the beef for tenderness. If it's not as tender as you'd like, you can continue to simmer for an additional 15-30 minutes. Stir occasionally and check the liquid level, adding more beef broth if necessary.
- Once the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the pot from the heat. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the Puerco Rican Carne Guisada hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice and beans or warm tortillas.
Tips
- Choose the right cut: Chuck beef is ideal for this recipe because its marbling ensures tender, flavorful meat after slow cooking.
- Searing is crucial: Take time to brown the meat properly. This step develops a deep, rich flavor foundation for your stew.
- Low and slow is the key: Patience is essential. The long, slow simmering breaks down tough meat fibers, creating incredibly tender beef.
- Don't rush the vegetables: Properly sautéing onions, peppers, and garlic builds a flavor base that elevates the entire dish.
- Adjust liquid as needed: Keep an eye on your stew while simmering. Add more beef broth if it looks too dry to prevent burning.
- Let it rest: Allowing the stew to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld and the sauce thicken.
- Serve with traditional sides like white rice, black beans, or warm tortillas to complete the authentic Puerto Rican experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 110mg
