These Easy Traditional Carne Guisada Tacos are a tasty treat! Imagine tender beef slowly cooked in a flavorful sauce and wrapped in warm tortillas. Perfect for any taco lover!
I can’t help but smile when I smell these cooking. They make dinner feel like a fiesta! Pair them with your favorite toppings, and you’ve got a delicious meal ready to enjoy.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef stew meat: This is the star of the dish! Chuck roast or brisket works great too. If you prefer a leaner option, try using sirloin, but it’ll need a bit less cooking time.
Carne Guisada seasoning mix: This adds the authentic flavor. If you can’t find it, you can make your own mix using chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Adjust the spices according to your taste!
Beef broth: It’s best to use broth for extra flavor, but water is a fine substitute if you’re in a pinch. You can also use vegetable broth if you want a lighter version.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional, but flour tortillas are delicious too. If you’re gluten-free, opt for corn or try a gluten-free tortilla brand.
How Do I Get the Beef Just Right?
Cooking the beef slowly is crucial for tenderness. When browning, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. If crowded, the beef may steam instead of brown.
- Heat oil and add beef in batches, allowing each piece to brown on all sides. This seals in flavor!
- Simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours until meat is fork-tender. Patience here really pays off!
If desired, stir in flour towards the end to thicken up the sauce to your liking. Enjoy those juicy tacos!
Easy Traditional Carne Guisada Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (or 2 tablespoons) Carne Guisada seasoning mix
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of preparation and approximately 1.5 to 2 hours of cooking time, during which the beef becomes tender and infused with flavor. Don’t worry! Most of that time, you can relax while it simmers away on the stove.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Start by heating vegetable oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the beef on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes per batch. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add your chopped onion and cook it until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, just until it starts to become fragrant.
3. Add Seasonings and Beef:
Next, sprinkle the Carne Guisada seasoning over the onions and garlic, stirring to mix it in well. Then, return the browned beef to the skillet. Pour in the beef broth or water, giving everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients.
4. Simmer Until Tender:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is nice and tender. Check occasionally to ensure it doesn’t run dry; add a bit of water if necessary.
5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you prefer a thicker sauce, sprinkle the flour evenly over the beef and stir well to incorporate it. Cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until it reaches your desired thickness.
6. Final Seasoning:
Finally, taste the carne guisada and season with salt and pepper as needed. Remember, a little seasoning goes a long way!
7. Prepare the Tortillas:
While everything is finishing up, warm your tortillas either on a skillet for a few seconds on each side or in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 15-20 seconds.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
To serve, spoon the beef mixture onto a warm tortilla and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve with a wedge of lime on the side for squeezing over the top. Enjoy your flavorful, tender Carne Guisada tacos!
FAQ for Easy Traditional Carne Guisada Tacos
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat is ideal for slow cooking, you can also use cuts like chuck roast or brisket. If you prefer something leaner, sirloin is a great choice, though it may require a shorter cooking time.
How Do I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you like a kick of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes when cooking the onions and garlic. You can also use a spicier Carne Guisada seasoning mix to amp up the flavor!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the carne guisada a day in advance! Just let it cool and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove before serving. The flavors often deepen and improve overnight!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Leftover carne guisada can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. Enjoy it in tacos, burritos, or over rice!
