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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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! 🌮🥩