If you’re looking for a dish that wraps you up in comfort and transports you straight to a Texas kitchen, Crock Pot Carne Guisada is your ticket. This beloved classic is all about meltingly tender beef cooked low and slow in a richly spiced gravy, thanks to the magic of your slow cooker. Each bite delivers the bold, savory flavors of Tex-Mex tradition, while filling your home with the heavenly aroma of simmering spices. Whether you serve it over rice, tuck it into warm tortillas, or enjoy it straight from a bowl, this is one recipe guaranteed to win hearts and bring big smiles to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of these ingredients—each one brings something essential to the Crock Pot Carne Guisada, from the deep flavor of the beef to the fresh pop of cilantro at the end. Here’s everything you’ll need to create this hearty, soul-warming stew:
- Beef stew meat (2 pounds): Chunky cuts like chuck or round are perfect for slow cooking, becoming extra tender as they soak up all those spices.
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Use this to get a good sear on your beef, ensuring the finished stew is full of layered, roasted flavors.
- Onion (1 small, chopped): Brings mellow sweetness and depth to the stew.
- Green bell pepper (1, chopped): Adds a mild, earthy flavor and a fresh pop of color.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): For savory richness—don’t skip it!
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz): Provides a tangy tomato base for the sauce.
- Beef broth (1/2 cup): Intensifies the beefy flavor and keeps everything juicy.
- Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Helps thicken the sauce and gives a deep tomato flavor.
- Chili powder (2 teaspoons): The star spice for a gentle, warming heat.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Adds earthiness and a Tex-Mex signature taste.
- Oregano (1/2 teaspoon): A subtle herbal note to round out the flavors.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): For a touch of smoky warmth and color.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and bringing out all the other flavors.
- Flour (2 tablespoons, for thickening): Whisked into a slurry to create that luscious, gravy-like sauce. Use cornstarch for a gluten-free version.
- Chopped cilantro and lime wedges (optional): For the perfect fresh garnish right before serving.
How to Make Crock Pot Carne Guisada
Step 1: Brown the Beef
This is your flavor-building step! Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef stew meat in batches for 2–3 minutes per side. Browning adds caramelized flavor and seals the juices, setting the foundation for a truly mouthwatering Crock Pot Carne Guisada.
Step 2: Layer in the Veggies and Spices
Once your beef is browned, add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the slow cooker. Empty in the diced tomatoes, then pour over the beef broth. Spoon in the tomato paste, and sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together so the spices are evenly distributed, turning up the anticipation for those deep, Tex-Mex flavors.
Step 3: Slow Cook for Maximum Flavor
Pop on the lid and set your slow cooker on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours. The magic of Crock Pot Carne Guisada is in this slow, gentle simmer—your beef will become fall-apart tender, and the sauce will thicken ever so slightly, infusing every bite with rich, comforting warmth.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, whisk together the flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free) with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a smooth slurry. Pour this into the Crock Pot and stir well. This will transform your broth into that signature, silky gravy that makes Crock Pot Carne Guisada unforgettable.
Step 5: Taste and Finish
Give your stew a quick taste and adjust the seasonings with more salt or pepper if needed. When you’re happy, serve it up hot, topped with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a burst of freshness. Every spoonful will be pure, spiced comfort in a bowl!
How to Serve Crock Pot Carne Guisada
Garnishes
This Tex-Mex classic shines brightest with simple, vibrant garnishes. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top for herby brightness, and add a couple of lime wedges on the side—squeezing a little lime just before eating wakes up all the flavors. If you like, a dollop of sour cream or a pinch of shredded cheese never hurts either!
Side Dishes
Crock Pot Carne Guisada loves to be surrounded by comforting sides. Serve it over warm white rice, brown rice, or fluffy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. It’s also perfect with soft flour or corn tortillas for scooping, or even wrapped into a burrito or taco. Some refried beans, charro beans, or a simple salad with avocado are all welcome on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get a little playful, try using Crock Pot Carne Guisada as a hearty filling for baked potatoes or taco bowls, or spread it on tostadas for a crunchy twist. Stuff it into empanadas for a party appetizer, or spoon it over nachos for the ultimate game day platter. However you present it, this stew knows how to steal the show!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Crock Pot Carne Guisada in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 4 days, and the flavors only get better as they mingle and mature. Just be sure to let it cool a little before sealing it up to prevent excess condensation.
Freezing
This stew is a true meal-prep hero! Allow the carne guisada to cool completely, and then place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat Crock Pot Carne Guisada, simply warm it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings, stopping to stir every minute or so. If the sauce has thickened too much, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chuck roast or round are classic for Crock Pot Carne Guisada due to their marbling and tenderness, you can use other stew-friendly cuts. Just avoid lean cuts, as they may end up dry after long cooking.
Is this recipe spicy?
The stew has a gentle warmth from the chili powder and spices, but it isn’t fiery. If you want more heat, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne with the spices, or serve hot sauce on the side.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the flour for cornstarch in the thickening step, and you’ll have a gluten-free Crock Pot Carne Guisada that everyone can enjoy.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftovers are so versatile—try turning them into tacos, burrito fillings, taco salads, or even stirring into scrambled eggs for a Tex-Mex breakfast treat. The flavors only get better the next day!
Can I add potatoes or carrots to the stew?
Definitely! Diced potatoes or carrots can be added with the other vegetables for extra heartiness and color. Keep the pieces on the larger side so they hold their shape through the long cooking time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving homey comfort with bold flavor and zero fuss, you just can’t beat Crock Pot Carne Guisada. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or treating yourself to leftovers, every bowl tastes like a warm hug. Don’t wait for a special occasion—give it a try this week and see why it’s a beloved classic in so many kitchens!
Print
Crock Pot Carne Guisada Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (low) or 5 hours (high)
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex, Latin American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Crock Pot Carne Guisada recipe is a delicious Tex-Mex beef stew that is full of flavor and perfect for a comforting meal. Tender beef simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce with aromatic spices, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Beef Stew:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat (chuck roast or round)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Vegetables:
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce:
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Thickening Agent:
- 2 tablespoons flour
- Chopped cilantro and lime wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet, brown beef in batches for 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer to the crock pot.
- Prepare the Stew: Add onion, bell pepper, garlic, diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours until beef is tender.
- Thicken: Make a slurry with flour and water. Add to the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serve: Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm with rice, tortillas, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash of beer or red wine with the broth.
- This dish reheats beautifully and is great for tacos or burrito bowls.
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