Beef Stew (Carne Guisada) – The Ultimate Comfort Food You’ll Keep Making Again and Again
If there’s one dish that never fails to bring people together, it’s a rich, slow-simmered Beef Stew (Carne Guisada). This is the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, makes everyone peek into the pot every few minutes, and tastes even better the next day. Deeply savory, tender, and comforting, this classic dish has been passed down through generations for a reason.
Carne Guisada isn’t just a stew — it’s a memory on a plate. It’s what you make when you want something hearty, soulful, and deeply satisfying without anything fancy. Just honest ingredients, cooked low and slow, until the beef melts in your mouth and the sauce becomes rich and silky.
🌟 Why Everyone Loves This Beef Stew
Fall-apart tender beef that absorbs every bit of flavor
Thick, rich gravy perfect for spooning over rice or potatoes
Simple ingredients, big flavor
Perfect for meal prep – tastes even better the next day
Comfort food that works for family dinners, gatherings, or cozy nights in
🥩 Ingredients (Simple & Classic)
Beef chuck or stew meat, cut into chunks
Onion, finely chopped
Garlic, minced
Bell pepper, chopped (optional but traditional)
Tomato paste or crushed tomatoes
Beef broth or water
Olive oil
Salt & black pepper
Paprika
Cumin
Bay leaf
Potatoes (optional, but highly recommended)
👩🍳 How to Make Beef Stew (Carne Guisada)
Brown the Beef
Heat oil in a heavy pot and brown the beef chunks on all sides. This step builds deep flavor, so don’t rush it.
Build the Flavor Base
Add onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Cook until soft and fragrant, scraping up all those flavorful bits from the bottom.
Season Generously
Stir in salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, and tomato paste. Let everything cook together for a minute to bloom the spices.
Slow Simmer
Add broth, bay leaf, and potatoes if using. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook low and slow until the beef is fork-tender and the sauce thickens.
Final Taste Test
Adjust seasoning and let it rest for a few minutes before serving — this is where the magic happens.
🍽 How to Serve It
Over white rice (classic and unbeatable)
With warm bread or tortillas to soak up the gravy
Alongside mashed potatoes or couscous
Even better the next day as leftovers
💬 Real Talk
This is the kind of recipe that once you make it, it becomes part of your regular rotation. No complicated steps, no special tools — just slow cooking and patience. Every spoonful tastes like home, warmth, and comfort.
If you love dishes that make people say “This tastes even better than I remember”, this Beef Stew (Carne Guisada) is for you.
