Mexican Beef Stew

Here’s a delicious recipe for Mexican Beef Stew, also known as “Carne Guisada.” It’s packed with flavor and perfect for a cozy meal!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can diced tomatoes)
• 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

1. Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Combine Ingredients: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, beef broth, water, chili powder, cumin, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender. Stir occasionally, adding more water if necessary to keep the stew from getting too thick.
5. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
6. Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Tips

• Serve with warm tortillas or over rice for a complete meal.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or corn for extra flavor.

Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Mexican Beef Stew!