Carne Guisada with Homemade Flour Tortillas 🌮🥩
Few dishes are as comforting and hearty as Carne Guisada, a slow-simmered beef stew that’s deeply rooted in Tex-Mex and Latin American cooking traditions. Made with tender chunks of beef simmered in a savory tomato-based gravy, Carne Guisada is a dish that warms the soul and brings families together around the table.
What makes this recipe even more special is pairing it with homemade flour tortillas—soft, pillowy, and perfect for scooping up every drop of the flavorful gravy. Whether you’re making this dish for Sunday dinner, a family gathering, or a cozy night at home, this Carne Guisada is guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️
- Tender and flavorful beef – Slow-simmered until melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Rich, savory gravy – Perfectly seasoned with cumin, garlic, and tomato.
- Authentic comfort food – A traditional dish enjoyed across Texas, Mexico, and beyond.
- Perfect with tortillas – Homemade flour tortillas elevate this dish to the next level.
- Great for leftovers – Tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients 🛒
For the Carne Guisada:
- 🥩 3 pounds beef stew meat (cut into chunks)
- 🌿 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 🧂 ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 🍅 3 tablespoons tomato sauce (or 1 diced fresh tomato)
- 🧄 3 minced garlic cloves
- 🧂 2 teaspoons salt
- 🌾 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 🥣 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 🛢️ 1 tablespoon oil or lard
- 🧅 1 diced yellow onion
- 🫑 1 small green bell pepper, diced (optional)
For the Homemade Flour Tortillas:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ⅓ cup lard, shortening, or vegetable oil
- 1 cup warm water (adjust as needed)
Step-by-Step Instructions 👩🍳
Step 1: Brown the Meat
- Heat the oil or lard in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef chunks, diced onion, and bell pepper (if using).
- Cook until the beef is well browned on all sides and the onion begins to soften.
Step 2: Add Seasonings & Build Flavor
- Stir in the tomato sauce (or fresh tomato), garlic, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Sprinkle the flour over the meat and stir to coat evenly. This will thicken the gravy.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth (or water), stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Step 3: Simmer Until Tender
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1½ hours, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The beef should be fork-tender and coated in a rich gravy.
Step 4: Make the Flour Tortillas
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Cut in the lard (or shortening/oil) until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Slowly add warm water, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead for 3–4 minutes until smooth, then cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Divide into 12 equal portions, roll into balls, and flatten with a rolling pin into thin circles.
- Heat a skillet or comal over medium-high heat and cook each tortilla for about 1 minute per side, until puffed and golden spots appear.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy 🌮
- Spoon the Carne Guisada into bowls or onto plates.
- Serve hot with freshly made flour tortillas for dipping, scooping, or wrapping.
Expert Tips & Variations 🌟
- Meat choice – Chuck roast, round steak, or brisket work beautifully for Carne Guisada.
- Add spice – Toss in a jalapeño or serrano pepper for extra heat.
- Make it smokier – Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
- Thicker gravy – Simmer uncovered for the last 15 minutes to reduce the sauce further.
- Tortilla shortcut – If you’re short on time, store-bought tortillas will work, but homemade ones are worth it!
Important Notes ⚠️
- Don’t rush the simmering—low and slow cooking gives the beef its tender texture.
- Avoid adding too much flour at once; sprinkle lightly to prevent clumping.
- Resting the tortilla dough is essential for soft, pliable tortillas.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 6 servings) 🍽️
- Calories: 540
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
(Values vary depending on tortilla size and exact ingredients used.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ❓
1. Can I make Carne Guisada in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the meat first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
2. Can I freeze Carne Guisada?
Absolutely. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat gently on the stove.
3. Do I have to use lard for tortillas?
Not at all. Lard gives the most authentic flavor, but vegetable shortening or oil works too.
4. What side dishes go well with Carne Guisada?
Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh side salad are all excellent choices.
5. Can I use cornstarch instead of flour?
Yes, but use half the amount of cornstarch and mix with a little water before adding to prevent lumps.
✨Warm, rich, and comforting, Carne Guisada with Homemade Flour Tortillas is a true classic that never disappoints. Whether served for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe brings authentic flavors and heartwarming tradition straight to your kitchen. 🌮🥩