Carne Guisada - Tender Braised Beef in Rich Chipotle Sauce
A traditional Mexican-style braised beef dish featuring tender chunks of beef slowly simmered in a rich, smoky sauce. The chipotle chilies add a deep, complex heat while cumin and oregano provide earthy warmth. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this comforting stew pairs beautifully with rice, tortillas, or crusty bread. The long, slow cooking process transforms tough chuck roast into melt-in-your-mouth tender beef that falls apart with a fork.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 3 pounds stewing beef, cut into 1-2 inch cubes
- ¼ cup flour(optional)
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, ground
- 2 teaspoons cumin, ground
- 2 chipotle chilies in adobo sauce, choppedjalapeños1:1mild
less smoky heat
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- 1
Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat
- 2
Toss meat in flour and brown on all sides, then set aside
- 3
Cook onion until tender, about 5 minutes
- 4
Add garlic, pepper, cumin and chipotle chilies and cook until fragrant, about a minute
- 5
Add tomatoes and cook until they start to release juices and break down, about 5 minutes
- 6
Add beef and broth, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer covered until beef is falling apart tender, about 2 hours, adding extra broth as needed, OR transfer to preheated 350F oven and roast covered until tender, about 2-3 hours, OR transfer to slow cooker and cook on low 6-10 hours or high 3-5 hours
Tips
For extra flavor, use lard or bacon grease instead of oil when browning the meat.
Add extra broth or water during cooking if the liquid reduces too much - the beef should stay moist.
The beef is done when it shreds easily with a fork and falls apart tender.
Good to Know
Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months
Can be made 1-2 days ahead - flavors improve with time
Serve hot with rice, warm tortillas, or crusty bread
Common Mistakes
Don't skip browning the meat to avoid bland flavor
Keep liquid levels adequate during long cooking to prevent burning
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
less smoky heat
FAQ
Can I make this in a pressure cooker?
Yes, pressure cook on high for 45 minutes with natural release for tender results.
What cut of beef works best?
Chuck roast is ideal for its marbling and tenderness when braised long and slow.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store refrigerated for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months in portions.