These Easy Traditional Carne Guisada Tacos are packed with tender beef stewed in a flavorful sauce, making every bite a treat! The warm tortillas wrap it up perfectly.
Who doesn’t love a good taco night? I always top mine with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for that extra zing. Perfect for sharing—or not! 😊
Making these tacos is a breeze! Just cook the meat, simmer it with spices, and fill your tortillas. It’s simple, tasty, and a hit with family and friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: I usually go for chuck roast as it’s tender and flavorful after cooking. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try using sirloin or brisket instead.
Vegetable Oil: This is for browning the meat. You can substitute with olive oil or canola oil. These oils work just as well for high heat cooking.
Diced Green Chilies: I love the flavor they add. If you want less heat, you can use bell peppers instead. They’ll give a nice crunch without the spice.
Tortillas: While I enjoy corn tortillas for their authentic touch, feel free to use flour tortillas if that’s what you have on hand. They’re softer and easier to fold!
How Do I Achieve Tender Meat in My Guisada?
To get your beef super tender, the trick is in the low and slow cooking method. By simmering the beef covered, it really allows it to break down and absorb the flavors. Here’s how:
- After browning the beef, make sure to cover the pot and keep the heat low.
- Simmer for at least 1.5 to 2 hours. If you’re short on time, a pressure cooker works wonders!
- Stir occasionally to check on the liquid level—add more beef broth if it looks too dry.
How to Make Easy Traditional Carne Guisada Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Carne Guisada:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (such as chuck roast or brisket), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (8 oz) can diced green chilies
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For Serving:
- Corn or flour tortillas, warmed
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Optional toppings: diced onions, sliced radishes, avocado, salsa
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 1.5 to 2 hours of cooking time. You’ll spend time browning the beef and simmering it with all the flavorful ingredients, making sure it becomes tender and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
In a large heavy skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and brown it on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the meat from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the diced onions. Cook them until they become softened, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and continue to cook for another minute until it’s fragrant.
3. Make the Sauce Base:
Sprinkle the optional flour over the cooked onions and garlic. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour, which will help thicken the sauce later. Then, gradually pour in the beef broth while scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze it, making sure to incorporate all those flavorful browned bits.
4. Combine Everything:
Add the browned beef back into the skillet. Then mix in the diced green chilies, cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well.
5. Simmer Until Tender:
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally, and check until the beef becomes very tender and the sauce thickens up nicely.
6. Finish & Serve:
Once the meat is tender, adjust seasoning to taste. Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro just before serving. While you get your tortillas ready, warm them up in a dry skillet or microwave.
7. Assemble Your Tacos:
Spoon the carne guisada mixture into each warm tortilla. Top them with your favorite garnishes like diced onions, radishes, avocado slices, and a splash of lime juice.
8. Enjoy!
Serve immediately and delight in your hearty, satisfying carne guisada tacos!
FAQ for Easy Traditional Carne Guisada Tacos
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While chuck roast and brisket are ideal for stewing due to their tenderness after cooking, you can also use sirloin or even short ribs for amazing flavor. Just adjust the cooking time according to the cut you choose if necessary.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you want extra heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce when you’re mixing in the spices. You can also use spicy chili powder instead of regular chili powder for more kick!
Can I Prepare the Carne Guisada Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Make the carne guisada and let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to serve!
What Are the Best Toppings for Carne Guisada Tacos?
Some of my favorites include diced onions, fresh cilantro, sliced radishes, avocado, and a squeeze of lime. You can also add some crumbled queso fresco or your preferred salsa to enhance the flavors!
