Crock Pot Carne Guisada

There’s something magical about a hearty, flavorful stew that simmers away in the crockpot all day, filling your home with delicious aromas. Crock Pot Carne Guisada is just that dish—tender beef, savory spices, and a rich sauce that’s perfect for soaking up with some warm tortillas or served over rice. It’s one of those recipes that’s perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a comforting, homemade meal with minimal effort.

This slow-cooked version of carne guisada (a classic Latin beef stew) is an absolute game-changer. The beef turns incredibly tender, and the flavors meld together beautifully, making every bite better than the last. Plus, you can customize the spice level to suit your taste—whether you like it mild or with a little extra kick, this dish has you covered.

Why You’ll Love Crock Pot Carne Guisada

Here’s why this dish is a must-try:

Effortless Cooking: Throw everything into your crockpot, set it, and forget it. The slow cooking does all the work, giving you time to relax while dinner is cooking itself.

Tender, Flavorful Beef: The beef becomes fall-apart tender as it cooks in a rich, flavorful sauce. Each bite is full of savory goodness that’ll leave you craving more.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or a special gathering, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Serve it with rice, tortillas, or just on its own for a satisfying meal.

Customizable: Adjust the heat level and spices to your liking. Want to add more heat? Toss in a couple of jalapeños or increase the chili powder. Want it mild? You can keep it simple and still enjoy a fantastic meal.

Comfort in a Bowl: It’s the ultimate comfort food. Warm, hearty, and packed with flavor, it’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug in every bite.

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

Ingredients in Crock Pot Carne Guisada

This stew is made with simple, easy-to-find ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry or fridge:

Beef Chuck Roast

The star of the dish. You’ll want to use a tender cut of beef like chuck roast, which breaks down beautifully during slow cooking to give you melt-in-your-mouth chunks of meat.

Onion & Garlic

For a savory base, onions and garlic are sautéed to bring out their sweetness before adding to the slow cooker. They create the flavor foundation of this dish.

Bell Peppers & Tomatoes

These vegetables add both sweetness and a little acidity to the stew. They help balance out the richness of the beef and the spices.

Beef Broth

A rich, beefy base that ties everything together. You’ll use this to help create that luscious, flavorful sauce.

Spices (Chili Powder, Cumin, Oregano, Bay Leaves)

A blend of spices that brings depth and warmth to the dish. These are the key to infusing the beef with all the classic carne guisada flavors.

Lime Juice

A little splash of fresh lime juice at the end brightens everything up, giving it that perfect pop of citrusy freshness.

Instructions

Let’s get that crockpot fired up for this flavorful stew!

Brown the Beef

Start by browning the beef chuck roast in a hot pan with a little oil. This step adds rich flavor and caramelization to the meat. It’s totally worth the extra couple of minutes! Once browned, cut the beef into cubes and set aside.

Sauté the Veggies

In the same pan, sauté the chopped onion, garlic, and bell peppers until softened and fragrant—about 4-5 minutes. This step brings out all the sweetness of the vegetables.

Add to Crockpot

Transfer the browned beef, sautéed veggies, and diced tomatoes to your crockpot. Pour in the beef broth and add the spices—chili powder, cumin, oregano, and bay leaves. Stir everything together so that the beef and veggies are coated in the spices.

Slow Cook

Cover the crockpot and set it to low. Let the magic happen for 6-8 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender and flavorful the beef will be. You can also cook it on high for about 4 hours if you’re short on time.

Final Touches

Once the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened, stir in a little lime juice to brighten up the flavor. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can use a little cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken it up.

Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your carne guisada with warm tortillas, over rice, or even in a taco shell. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and your favorite hot sauce for extra flavor!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350 kcal (estimate)
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Sodium: 550mg
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 30g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours (depending on slow cooker setting)
Total Time: 6-8 hours, 15 minutes

How to Serve Crock Pot Carne Guisada

This dish is as versatile as it is delicious! Here are a few ways you can serve it:

• With Rice: Serve it over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.
• With Warm Tortillas: Make soft tacos by spooning the carne guisada onto warm tortillas and adding your favorite toppings like salsa, cheese, and sour cream.
• On Top of Fries: For a fun twist, serve it as a topping over crispy fries, for a Tex-Mex take on poutine.
• With a Side Salad: Pair it with a fresh, crunchy salad to balance out the richness of the stew.
• As a Sandwich: Spoon the carne guisada onto a soft roll, add some cheese, and you’ve got a hearty sandwich!

Additional Tips

• Freezer-Friendly: This dish freezes well, so you can make a big batch and freeze leftovers for later. Just store it in an airtight container and it will last for up to 3 months.
• Make it Spicy: Add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat!
• Vegetable Add-Ins: Feel free to add other veggies like carrots or potatoes for more texture and flavor.
• No Beef Broth? You can substitute with water or even chicken broth if you don’t have beef broth on hand.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A1: While chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking, you can also use round steak or brisket. Just make sure to cut it into smaller chunks for even cooking.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Carne guisada tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to meld together. Simply store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.

Q3: Can I cook this on high in the crockpot?
A3: Yes! If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for about 4 hours, but the low and slow method will yield even more tender beef.

Q4: Can I make this dish in a pressure cooker?
A4: Yes! Use the pressure cook setting on your Instant Pot or similar device for about 35-40 minutes. Make sure to brown the beef and sauté the veggies beforehand for maximum flavor.

Q5: Can I add beans to the carne guisada?
A5: Absolutely! Adding pinto or black beans would make this dish even heartier. Just stir them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Q6: How can I make the sauce thicker?
A6: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can use a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water) and stir it in during the last hour of cooking.

Q7: Can I use ground beef instead of stew meat?
A7: Ground beef won’t give the same texture as stew meat, but you could use it in a pinch. Just cook it separately before adding to the crockpot.

Q8: Is this dish spicy?
A8: It’s mildly spiced, but you can adjust the heat by adding more chili powder or jalapeños to make it as spicy as you like.

Q9: What sides go well with carne guisada?
A9: Serve with rice, beans, or tortillas. Roasted vegetables or a simple salad would also pair well with this dish.

Q10: How can I make this dish gluten-free?
A10: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check the beef broth and any other packaged ingredients for hidden gluten.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Carne Guisada is the perfect comfort food for any time of year. It’s rich, flavorful, and so easy to make, thanks to the magic of the slow cooker. With tender beef, savory spices, and a sauce that’s just begging to be soaked up, this dish will become a family favorite in no time. Whether you serve it with rice, tortillas, or just eat it straight from the pot, it’s sure to satisfy your craving for something hearty and delicious!

Print