Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that’s packed with rich, bold flavors, look no further than this Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas! Imagine tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef simmered in a savory blend of spices, tomatoes, and onions, all wrapped up in a soft, warm flour tortilla. This dish is perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or whenever you need a meal that feels like a big, flavorful hug. And the best part? The homemade flour tortillas add that special touch that makes this dish truly irresistible. Trust me, once you’ve tasted it, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas

There’s so much to love about this dish, but here’s why it’ll become a regular on your dinner table:

Comfort Food at Its Best

Carne Guisada is the ultimate comfort food, with tender beef, rich gravy, and spices that make each bite absolutely mouthwatering. The soft flour tortillas make the perfect vessel to scoop up all that deliciousness.

Flavor Explosion

The meat is cooked low and slow, soaking up all the flavors from the spices, tomatoes, and broth. The result? A hearty, flavorful stew-like dish that’s full of depth and richness.

Easy to Make

While it may seem like a dish that requires a lot of effort, it’s surprisingly simple! With a few basic ingredients and some patience, you’ll have a satisfying meal that tastes like it’s been cooking all day.

Homemade Flour Tortillas

You’ll feel like a kitchen rockstar when you make your own flour tortillas. Soft, warm, and just the right texture, they’re so much better than store-bought. Plus, they’re super easy to make! Trust me, once you try homemade, you’ll never go back.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for the Carne Guisada and Flour Tortillas:

For the Carne Guisada:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck roast works great, cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing the meat)
• 1 large onion, chopped (for that rich, sweet base)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (adds aromatic flavor)
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped (for a fresh, juicy base)
• 1 cup beef broth (for the simmering liquid)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin (for a warm, earthy flavor)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (adds a smoky depth)
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (for a gentle heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground oregano (brings a herby kick)
• Salt and pepper, to taste (seasoning is key!)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (adds richness)
• 1 bay leaf (for extra flavor depth)
• 1/2 cup water (to adjust the consistency if needed)

For the Flour Tortillas:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (the base for your tortillas)
• 1 teaspoon salt (to season the dough)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder (for fluffiness)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for a tender dough)
• 1 cup warm water (to bring it all together)

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to get cooking? Let’s break it down step by step:

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat in batches (don’t overcrowd the pot) and sear on all sides until browned. This step locks in flavor, so take your time to get that nice golden color. Once seared, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened and slightly golden. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Spices

Stir in the chopped tomatoes, cumin, paprika, chili powder, and oregano. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, until the tomatoes start to break down and release their juices. Add the tomato paste and cook for another minute, allowing it to caramelize slightly.

Step 4: Return the Beef and Add Liquid

Return the browned beef to the pot, stirring to combine. Add the beef broth and water, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the bay leaf and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and let it cook on low heat for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix the flour with a little bit of water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the Carne Guisada and let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the sauce has thickened to your liking. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and remove the bay leaf before serving.

Step 6: Make the Flour Tortillas

While the Carne Guisada is simmering, let’s work on the tortillas! In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and baking powder. Add the vegetable oil and warm water, and stir to form a dough. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Divide the dough into 8-10 balls and roll each one out into a thin circle, about 6 inches in diameter.

Step 7: Cook the Tortillas

Heat a dry skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place one tortilla in the hot skillet and cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side, until you see golden brown spots and the tortilla puffs up slightly. Repeat with the remaining dough balls.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Carne Guisada hot with the freshly made flour tortillas. You can either spoon the beef and sauce directly into the tortillas or serve the beef alongside the tortillas for everyone to assemble their own. Don’t forget to garnish with a little fresh cilantro or lime if desired!

(Note: The full instructions, including specific times, are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 500mg
Total Carbohydrates: 42g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 33g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

How to Serve Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas

This dish is perfect for any occasion and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to make your meal even better:

With a Side of Rice

Serve the Carne Guisada with a side of fluffy rice to soak up all the flavorful sauce. Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice would work wonders here.

With Refried Beans

A side of creamy refried beans is a classic choice that complements the dish perfectly. You could even make them with a little cheese for extra indulgence!

With Fresh Guacamole

Guacamole adds a fresh, creamy contrast to the savory Carne Guisada. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any extra avocados.

With Pickled Jalapeños

If you like a little heat, serve your Carne Guisada with some tangy pickled jalapeños on the side. They’ll bring a zesty kick to every bite!

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: Carne Guisada tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Customize the Spices: If you love heat, add a chopped jalapeño or some red pepper flakes to the beef as it cooks. Adjust the seasonings to your liking!
• Double the Tortillas: If you’re feeding a crowd, double the flour tortilla recipe to make more. Homemade tortillas freeze well too—just separate them with parchment paper and store them in a zip-top bag.

FAQ

Q1: Can I use a different type of meat for Carne Guisada?
A1: Absolutely! While beef stew meat is traditional, you can use pork or chicken as an alternative. Just adjust the cooking time based on the meat you choose.

Q2: Can I skip the flour tortillas and use store-bought ones?
A2: Yes, you can use store-bought flour tortillas, but I highly recommend trying the homemade version—they make the dish so much more special!

Q3: Can I freeze the Carne Guisada?
A3: Yes! Carne Guisada freezes well. Just let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove.

Q4: How can I make the Carne Guisada spicier?
A4: Add chopped jalapeños, serrano peppers, or red pepper flakes while the beef is cooking. You can also stir in some hot sauce at the end for an extra kick.

Q5: Can I make the Carne Guisada in a slow cooker?
A5: Yes, you can! After browning the beef and cooking the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender.

Q6: Can I use whole wheat flour for the tortillas?
A6: Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for the all-purpose flour in the tortilla recipe. They will have a slightly denser texture, but they’ll still be delicious!

Q7: Can I add vegetables to the Carne Guisada?
A7: Definitely! You can add diced potatoes, carrots, or bell peppers to the stew for extra flavor and texture.

Q8: What side dishes go well with Carne Guisada?
A8: A side of rice, beans, or a fresh salad pairs perfectly with Carne Guisada. Try a Mexican corn salad for a nice crunch!

Q9: How do I make the Carne Guisada less greasy?
A9: To reduce grease, you can skim the fat from the surface of the stew once it’s cooked. You can also use leaner cuts of beef, like sirloin or flank steak.

Q10: Can I make Carne Guisada without beef broth?
A10: Yes! If you don’t have beef broth, you can substitute with chicken broth or even water, though beef broth does add a deeper flavor to the dish.

Enjoy this cozy, flavorful Carne Guisada with homemade flour tortillas—it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table!

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