Easy Slow-Cooked Carne Guisada with Rich Beef Gravy Recipe

If you’re craving something heartwarming and packed with flavor, this Easy Slow-Cooked Carne Guisada with Rich Beef Gravy Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a comforting dish featuring tender chunks of beef simmered slowly to perfection in a luscious, savory gravy that makes every bite utterly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a soul-satisfying meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients may seem simple, but each one plays a critical role in building the deep, robust flavors and perfect texture of this dish. From the tender chuck steak to the vibrant veggies and spices, everything combines to create that signature rich beef gravy that makes this recipe unforgettable.

• 2 1/2 tablespoons oil: Essential for browning the meat and sautéing the aromatics, adding a beautiful base flavor and richness.
• 2 pounds chuck steak cubed: This cut becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender after slow cooking, perfect for juicy, flavorful bites.
• 1 large onion chopped: Adds a natural sweetness and depth that complements the beef and spices beautifully.
• 1 large bell pepper chopped: Brings in a subtle crunch and fresh, bright flavor to the dish.
• 3 cloves garlic minced: Garlic infuses the dish with its signature aroma and savory punch.
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that enriches the gravy and balances the spices.
• 2 large tomatoes diced: Adds juiciness and a slightly tangy sweetness contributing to the sauce’s texture and color.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the gravy to that perfect, silky consistency.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Crucial for enhancing all the other flavors harmoniously.
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and mild heat to the dish.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Imparts an earthy, slightly smoky note, elevating the overall flavor profile.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder: Brings warmth and depth with a subtle spicy kick without overpowering the dish.
• 2 cups beef broth: The star liquid for the gravy, providing rich, meaty flavor that ties everything together.

How to Make Easy Slow-Cooked Carne Guisada with Rich Beef Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Start by heating the oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chopped onions and cook until they are translucent and tender, releasing their natural sweetness. Then toss in the minced garlic, cooking just long enough for the fragrance to fill your kitchen—this simple step builds an aromatic foundation that’s crucial for the dish.

Step 2: Brown the Beef Chunks

Once your aromatics are ready, add the cubed chuck steak to the pot. Browning the meat on all sides is essential; it seals in the juices and adds a beautiful caramelized flavor to the beef. Don’t rush this step, as this browning contributes massively to the depth of the rich beef gravy that defines this Easy Slow-Cooked Carne Guisada with Rich Beef Gravy Recipe.

Step 3: Add Bell Peppers and Tomato Paste

Now, add the chopped bell peppers to the pot and cook them for a couple of minutes until they begin to soften. Next, stir in the tomato paste and allow it to cook for about a minute. This deepens the tomato flavor and infuses richness into your stew, preparing your dish for the next layers of flavor.

Step 4: Incorporate Fresh Tomatoes

Pour the diced fresh tomatoes into the pot and cook for a few minutes, letting them break down a bit. This adds natural sweetness and acidity, balancing the richness of the meat and the tomato paste, creating a complex, luscious base for your beef gravy.

Step 5: Thicken and Season the Gravy

Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and cook it thoroughly to remove any raw taste. This step is what thickens the gravy to that perfect hearty consistency we all crave. Then add your salt, pepper, ground cumin, and chili powder. These spices work harmoniously to enhance the meat while giving the dish its famous warmth and comforting depth.

Step 6: Add Beef Broth and Simmer

Finally, pour in the beef broth and stir to combine everything evenly. Reduce the heat to low and let your carne guisada simmer gently for a couple of hours. This slow cooking process is what transforms the beef into tender perfection and develops that ultra-rich, velvety gravy that makes this Easy Slow-Cooked Carne Guisada with Rich Beef Gravy Recipe so incredibly satisfying.

How to Serve Easy Slow-Cooked Carne Guisada with Rich Beef Gravy Recipe

Garnishes

Brighten your plate with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or green onions just before serving. A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a zesty contrast to the rich gravy. If you like a bit of heat, a few thin slices of jalapeño or a dash of your favorite hot sauce can take this comforting stew to the next level.

Side Dishes

This carne guisada shines served atop warm corn tortillas for authentic tacos or alongside steamed rice that soaks up every luscious drop of that remarkable beef gravy. For a heartier meal, creamy mashed potatoes or buttery dinner rolls make fantastic companions, helping you savor every bit of the sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the box and serve your Easy Slow-Cooked Carne Guisada with Rich Beef Gravy Recipe as a filling for baked potatoes or over crispy tostadas for delightful texture contrast. You can even spoon it over polenta or creamy grits for a Southern twist that blends comfort with a touch of elegance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your carne guisada leftovers will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day meal possibly even better than fresh off the stove.

Freezing

This dish freezes exceptionally well. Portion the carne guisada into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, label them, and freeze for up to three months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow the gravy to redisperse evenly. Adding a splash of beef broth or water can help loosen the gravy if it thickened too much in the fridge. You can also reheat in the microwave, but do so in short bursts and stir frequently.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Definitely! While chuck steak is preferred for its tenderness and flavor after slow cooking, you can also use other well-marbled cuts like brisket or stew meat for similar results.

Is this recipe spicy?

This Easy Slow-Cooked Carne Guisada with Rich Beef Gravy Recipe has a mild warmth thanks to the chili powder, but you can easily adjust the heat to your preference by adding more chili powder or fresh peppers.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! After browning the meat and sautéing the veggies, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.

What can I substitute if I don’t have beef broth?

You can use vegetable broth or even water with a beef bouillon cube to maintain that rich flavor if you’re out of beef broth.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe includes all-purpose flour for thickening, but you can substitute with gluten-free flour blends or cornstarch to make it gluten-free without compromising thickness.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Easy Slow-Cooked Carne Guisada with Rich Beef Gravy Recipe a try because it delivers comfort food magic in every bite. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from the inside, plus it’s easy to prepare and packs incredible flavors you’ll love sharing with everyone around your table.

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