🌮 Carne Guisada with Homemade Flour Tortillas

A Soul-Warming Tex-Mex Classic You’ll Want on Repeat

Few meals capture the essence of Tex-Mex comfort food like Carne Guisada — tender, slow-simmered beef cooked in a savory gravy of tomatoes, peppers, garlic, and warm spices. Pair it with soft, homemade flour tortillas hot off the skillet, and you’ve got a meal that hits every note: comforting, satisfying, and packed with flavor.

Whether you’re feeding your family on a cozy Sunday evening or planning ahead for the week, this Carne Guisada with fresh tortillas brings the flavors of South Texas and Northern Mexico straight to your table.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow-Simmered Perfection – Juicy beef cubes become melt-in-your-mouth tender after simmering in a rich, flavorful sauce.
Homemade Tortillas – Soft, fluffy, and so much better than store-bought—perfect for wrapping or scooping.
Easy to Customize – Spice it up with jalapeños or keep it mild for the whole family.
Great for Meal Prep – Carne guisada gets even better the next day and freezes beautifully.
Authentic Taste – Real-deal Tex-Mex that feels like home.

🛒 Ingredients

🥩 For the Carne Guisada

2 lbs beef chuck or stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 bell pepper (green or red), chopped
2–3 medium tomatoes, diced (or 1 can diced tomatoes)
2 cups beef broth (or water)
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1–2 bay leaves
1–2 jalapeño peppers, chopped (optional for heat)

🌮 For the Flour Tortillas

2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ cup vegetable shortening (or lard)
¾ cup hot water

👩‍🍳 How to Make Carne Guisada and Tortillas

Step 1: Season and Brown the Beef

Season beef cubes with salt and pepper.
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Sear beef in batches, turning to brown all sides (about 5–7 minutes per batch).
Remove browned beef and set aside.

🔥 Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning—it helps develop that deep flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add a touch more oil if needed.
Sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic for about 3–4 minutes, until soft and fragrant.
Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for another 2–3 minutes.

Step 3: Simmer the Stew

Return the seared beef to the pot.
Add beef broth, cumin, chili powder, oregano, bay leaves, and jalapeños (if using).
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low.
Cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is fork-tender and the sauce is thickened.

🥣 Adjust seasoning as it cooks. Add salt to taste near the end of cooking.

Step 4: Make the Tortilla Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder.
Cut in the shortening or lard until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add hot water, stirring with a spoon or your hands until a dough forms.

Step 5: Knead and Rest the Dough

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Divide the dough into 8–10 equal balls.
Cover with a towel and let rest for 15–30 minutes to relax the gluten.

🕒 Resting makes the dough easier to roll and prevents shrinking.

Step 6: Roll and Cook the Tortillas

Preheat a dry skillet or comal over medium-high heat.
Roll each dough ball into a thin circle about 6–8 inches wide.
Place on the hot skillet and cook for 30–40 seconds per side, until bubbles form and light golden spots appear.
Keep warm in a clean towel until ready to serve.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the Carne Guisada into bowls or wrap it inside the warm homemade tortillas.
Add toppings like:

Fresh cilantro
Diced onions
Sliced avocado
A squeeze of lime
A drizzle of hot sauce

🌯 Serving Idea: Try it taco-style, plate it with rice and beans, or use it as a hearty burrito filling.

💡 Expert Tips & Variations

✅ Tips for Perfect Carne Guisada

Use beef chuck – It becomes fall-apart tender when simmered.
Brown the meat well – This step builds flavor.
Use fresh spices – For the richest, most authentic taste.

🔄 Variations

Make it spicy: Add a chopped chipotle in adobo or extra jalapeños.
Tex-Mex twist: Stir in a handful of shredded cheese before serving.
Vegetable lovers: Add potatoes or carrots to the stew for extra heartiness.

⚠️ Important Notes

Simmer low and slow – Rushing will leave your beef tough and your sauce bland.
Taste and adjust – Salt levels may vary depending on your broth.
Storage: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Tortilla tips: Keep them soft by wrapping in a towel after cooking and storing in a sealed bag.

📊 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Est. 6 servings)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~500 kcal
Protein	~35g
Carbs	~30g
Fat	~28g
Fiber	~3g
Sodium	~550mg

Nutrition may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-made tortillas?

Absolutely! While homemade tortillas elevate the dish, good-quality store-bought ones will still deliver a great meal.

2. What’s the best cut of beef for carne guisada?

Chuck roast is ideal. It becomes super tender after a long simmer and holds flavor well. Stew meat also works in a pinch.

3. Can I make this in the slow cooker?

Yes! After browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

4. Can I thicken the sauce?

If your sauce is too thin at the end of cooking, remove the lid and simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) and stir until thickened.

5. How do I reheat the tortillas?

Wrap them in foil and warm in a low oven, or heat in a dry skillet for 15–20 seconds per side.

🏡 A True Taste of Home

This Carne Guisada with Homemade Flour Tortillas is more than just a meal — it’s a tradition. Rich in flavor and made with love, it brings people together around the table with every tender bite and warm tortilla. Whether you’re new to Tex-Mex cooking or a seasoned home cook, this recipe is a keeper that belongs in your regular rotation.

Carne Guisada