Carne Guisada

Ingredients
For the Carne Guisada:

  • 2 lbs beef chuck or stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • Salt and 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 oregano
  • 1-2 bay leaves
  • 1-2 jalapeño peppers, chopped (optional)

For the Flour Tortillas:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 cup vegetable shortening or lard
  • 3/4 cup hot water

Instructions

Prepare the Carne Guisada

  1. Season and Brown the Beef: Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef on all sides in batches (5-7 minutes per batch). Remove and set aside.
  2. Cook the Vegetables: In the same pot, sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add diced tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  3. Simmer the Stew: Return the beef to the pot. Add beef broth, cumin, chili powder, oregano, bay leaves, and jalapeños (if using). Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Prepare the Flour Tortillas

  1. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder. Cut in shortening until crumbly. Gradually add hot water, mixing until a dough forms.
  2. Knead and Rest: Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth (about 5 minutes). Divide into 8-10 equal balls, cover, and let rest for 15-30 minutes.
  3. Roll and Cook: Roll each dough ball into a thin circle (6-8 inches). Cook on a preheated skillet over medium-high heat for 30 seconds on each side, until lightly browned and puffed. Keep warm in a towel.

Serve and Enjoy
Serve the hot carne guisada with warm tortillas. Add toppings like cilantro, onions, or avocado for a personalized touch.

Tips:

  • Use chuck roast for tender beef.
  • Adjust spice level with extra jalapeños or cayenne.
  • Store stew in the fridge for 4 days or freeze for 3 months. Tortillas can be stored in an airtight bag for 2-3 days.

This combination of tender beef stew and soft, homemade tortillas is the ultimate comfort meal. Perfect for cozy family dinners or weekend gatherings, it’s sure to be a hit! 🌮🥩

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