Name: Carne Guisada: Mexican Beef Stew with Tomato Gravy Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 48 min
Total time: 58 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 pounds sirloin steak, diced into 1-inch cubes; 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon Mexican oregano; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 cups beef broth, divided; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons olive oil; ½ yellow onion, diced; 1 jalapeño pepper, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 Roma tomatoes, diced; ½ teaspoon soy sauce

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 67 reviews

If you’ve ever craved a dish that wraps you in cozy warmth with every bite, then this Carne Guisada: Mexican Beef Stew with Tomato Gravy Recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food. Imagine tender, juicy beef cubes simmered slowly in a rich, flavorful tomato-based gravy that’s both hearty and utterly satisfying. This stew bursts with classic Mexican spices and a touch of heat from jalapeño, bringing an authentic and vibrant taste right to your kitchen table. Whether you’re serving family or friends, this Carne Guisada is a beautiful melody of simple ingredients working in harmony to deliver a truly unforgettable meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with many pieces of raw beef cut into cubes, each piece a deep red color with visible marbling and some sprinkled black pepper and other spices on top. The cubes are layered loosely, filling most of the bowl. Next to the bowl is a white plate with a wooden spoon resting on it, containing a mix of coarse salt and black pepper. There is a textured yellow cloth to the right side, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients for this Carne Guisada: Mexican Beef Stew with Tomato Gravy Recipe is beautifully simple, but each component plays a crucial role in unlocking deep flavor and perfect texture. From tender sirloin cubes to a perfect blend of spices, every item contributes to the dish’s hearty color and mouthwatering taste.

2 pounds sirloin steak, diced into 1-inch cubes: Use a tender cut to ensure the beef stays juicy and soft after simmering.
1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the beef and seasonings perfectly.
1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy undertone that defines traditional Mexican flavor profiles.
½ teaspoon Mexican oregano: Offers a slightly citrusy, herbal note that brightens the stew.
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Provides a gentle kick and depth without overpowering the stew.
2 cups beef broth, divided: Forms the savory, rich base for the tomato gravy, adding moisture and depth.
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the stew gracefully into a luscious gravy.
2 tablespoons olive oil: For browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, contributing richness.
½ yellow onion, diced: Brings sweetness and texture as it softens in the stew.
1 jalapeño pepper, diced: Adds a gentle heat and brightness, balancing the beefy richness.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers aromatic depth that’s simply irresistible.
2 Roma tomatoes, diced: Bring fresh acidity and vibrant color to the tomato gravy base.
½ teaspoon soy sauce: A secret umami boost that enhances the overall savoriness.

How to Make Carne Guisada: Mexican Beef Stew with Tomato Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Season the Beef

Start by tossing your diced sirloin steak with kosher salt, ground cumin, Mexican oregano, and freshly ground black pepper in a large bowl. This initial seasoning is the foundation of your stew’s bold and authentic flavor, so be sure to coat the beef evenly for maximum taste.

Step 2: Prepare the Thickening Slurry

In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of beef broth with all-purpose flour until smooth. This slurry will later help your tomato gravy thicken beautifully without clumps, balancing the stew’s hearty texture.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned beef cubes and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pieces are nicely browned on all sides. This step caramelizes the beef, creating rich flavors that deepen the stew.

Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics

Stir in the diced onion, jalapeño, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for about 2 minutes, letting these aromatics soften and release their natural sweetness and heat into the pot, layering your stew with irresistible fragrance.

Step 5: Add Fresh Tomatoes and Umami

Mix in the diced Roma tomatoes and soy sauce, cooking everything together for an additional 2 minutes. The tomatoes break down to create the base of your tomato gravy, while the soy sauce sneaks in a subtle umami punch.

Step 6: Simmer Away

Pour in the remaining 1 ¾ cups of beef broth along with your prepared slurry. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 45 minutes. This slow cooking tenderizes the beef perfectly and melds all the flavors into an unforgettable stew.

Step 7: Final Touches

Uncover your pot and continue cooking for 3 more minutes. This tightens up the tomato gravy just right — don’t worry if it looks slightly thin now as it will thicken more once cooled. Taste and adjust salt if necessary before serving.

How to Serve Carne Guisada: Mexican Beef Stew with Tomato Gravy Recipe

A large blue cast iron pot filled with dark brown beef stew pieces coated in a glossy sauce. The stew has visible chunks of meat mixed with small bits of onions and tomatoes, and it is topped with freshly chopped green cilantro leaves scattered all over. A wooden spoon with a smooth texture is lifting a few pieces of the stew from the right side of the pot. The inside rim of the pot shows a browned seasoning layer from cooking. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes make all the difference. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over your Carne Guisada: Mexican Beef Stew with Tomato Gravy Recipe to add a fresh, herbal brightness that pairs beautifully with the rich flavors. A squeeze of lime also brings a delightful zing and balances the richness perfectly.

Side Dishes

This stew shines alongside warm flour tortillas for scooping up every bit of that irresistible gravy. Mexican rice is another classic companion that soaks up the sauce, making each bite decadent and filling. You might also enjoy a simple side of refried beans or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve your Carne Guisada in small bowls topped with queso fresco and diced avocado. You can also use it as a savory filling for tacos or burritos to transform this stew into a versatile delight. Either way, it’s a crowd-pleaser that feels both rustic and special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Carne Guisada keeps really well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal just as amazing as the first.

Freezing

Freeze your stew in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. When you want a quick and comforting dinner, just thaw it overnight in the fridge or gently warm it straight from frozen with a little extra broth to loosen the gravy.

Reheating

Reheat Carne Guisada slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat to avoid drying out the beef. Stir occasionally and, if needed, add a splash of beef broth or water to keep the gravy silky and smooth as it warms.

FAQs

What cut of beef works best for Carne Guisada?

Sirloin steak is ideal because it’s tender yet holds up well during simmering. You want beef that becomes soft without falling apart completely, and sirloin strikes that perfect balance.

Can I make this stew spicy?

Absolutely! The diced jalapeño adds a mild heat, but you can easily increase the amount or add other peppers like chipotle for smokier, smokier spice levels. Just adjust according to your heat tolerance.

Is there a substitute for the soy sauce?

If you prefer to skip soy sauce, a splash of Worcestershire sauce or even just a pinch of salt can contribute a similar umami richness. Soy sauce does add a subtle depth, though, so it’s worth trying if you can.

How thick should the tomato gravy be?

The perfect gravy coats the beef nicely but isn’t overly thick like a paste. After simmering and resting, it should be silky and a little glossy, ready to cling to each forkful without pooling too thinly on the plate.

Can I prepare this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the beef is tender and the sauce is rich and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

This Carne Guisada: Mexican Beef Stew with Tomato Gravy Recipe isn’t just a meal — it’s a warm, delicious experience that brings the heart of Mexican comfort food right into your home. Simple ingredients combine into something truly special here, and once you try it, you’ll understand why this stew earns a cherished spot in family dinner rotation. So grab your pot, gather the spices, and get ready to indulge in a stew that feels like a big, flavorful hug in every bite.