If you have been craving a deeply comforting meal that wraps rich flavors in hearty warmth, let me introduce you to the Carne Guisada with Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe. This dish is a celebration of tender, slow-cooked beef simmered in a vibrant, spiced tomato sauce, perfectly paired with soft, freshly made flour tortillas. It’s a rustic, soul-satisfying experience that invites you to savor every bite, pulling together simple, quality ingredients into a spectacular meal that feels hand-crafted just for you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Carne Guisada with Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe truly special is how straightforward yet purposefully chosen each ingredient is. From the aromatic spices to the humble flour, every component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture that are both satisfying and comforting.
- 2 pounds beef stew meat (chuck roast or brisket): The star of the stew, bringing tender, rich beef flavor after slow cooking.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Perfect for browning meat and sautéing vegetables without overpowering flavor.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when softened in the pot.
- 1 bell pepper, chopped: Brings color and a subtle fruity note.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: A must for that fragrant boost enhancing the stew’s taste.
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped: Provide freshness and a touch of acidity to balance richness.
- Spices (1 teaspoon each of ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, ground oregano): The flavorful backbone creating warmth and complexity.
- 1 bay leaf: Infuses a subtle herbal aroma during simmering.
- 1 cup beef broth (or water): Adds moisture and enriches the stew base.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce elegantly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing and balancing all the flavors.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish): Adds a bright, fresh finish just before serving.
- For the tortillas:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for soft, pliable tortillas.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the tortillas a slight puff and tenderness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the tortilla flavor perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Keeps the dough moist and easy to work with.
- ¾ cup warm water (plus more if needed): Binds everything together into a smooth dough.
How to Make Carne Guisada with Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add your beef cubes and brown them on all sides until they develop a rich, caramelized crust. This browning sets the stage for incredible flavor in yourCarne Guisada with Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside—trust me, those browned bits stuck to the pot are liquid gold for the next step.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Into the same pot, toss in your chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté these until soft and aromatic, about 3 to 4 minutes. This builds a flavorful base, with the vegetables breaking down and mingling with the beef drippings to contribute sweetness and depth.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Spices
Next, stir in your chopped tomatoes along with ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, and the bay leaf. Combining these spices at this stage allows their essential oils to bloom, releasing warm, inviting aromas that promise a truly comforting meal ahead.
Step 4: Simmer the Stew
Return the beef to the pot, pour in the beef broth and mix in the tomato paste. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Allow the stew to cook slowly for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer is where the magic happens: the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the sauce thickens into a luscious, savory coating perfect for scooping with your tortillas.
Step 5: Season and Finalize
Once your carne guisada is tender and the sauce rich, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving—a small step that makes a difference in every bite.
Step 6: Make the Dough
Moving on to the homemade flour tortillas, in a large bowl combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add vegetable oil and warm water and mix until the dough starts to form. Knead this on a lightly floured surface for 4 to 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic—this kneading step is key for tender tortillas that are still flexible enough to wrap or fold.
Step 7: Rest the Dough
Divide the dough into 8 to 10 balls, cover them with a damp cloth, and let them rest for 15 to 20 minutes. This resting period relaxes the gluten, making it easier to roll these into thin circles without snapping back.
Step 8: Roll and Cook the Tortillas
Roll each ball into a thin, 6 to 8-inch circle. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat, then cook each tortilla for 1 to 2 minutes per side until you see golden brown spots appear. Keep the cooked tortillas warm wrapped in a clean kitchen towel to stay soft and pliable until serving.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Now comes the best part: pile that tender carne guisada onto your warm homemade flour tortillas. Garnish with fresh cilantro and dive straight into the heart of this comforting experience.
How to Serve Carne Guisada with Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro brings a vibrant, herbal brightness that cuts through the richness of the stew. For an extra touch, consider a squeeze of lime or some diced avocado for creamy contrast—simple additions that turn a great meal into an unforgettable one.
Side Dishes
This dish shines wonderfully alongside classic sides like refried beans, Mexican rice, or a fresh garden salad. These sides add balance and variety, helping to round out the meal while complementing the hearty carne guisada and soft tortillas beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn this into a festive taco night? Serve the carne guisada buffet-style with bowls of shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, and salsa, so everyone can assemble their perfect taco. Alternatively, use extra tortillas to make quesadillas loaded with leftover carne guisada for a quick, flavorful snack the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate any leftover carne guisada in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the next-day meal even more satisfying. Store your homemade tortillas wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or a resealable bag at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Freezing
Both the carne guisada and flour tortillas freeze well. Freeze the stew in portioned airtight containers for up to 3 months. For tortillas, separate them with parchment paper and wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the carne guisada gently on the stove over low heat to preserve tenderness, adding a splash of beef broth if necessary to loosen the sauce. Warm the tortillas on a hot skillet or wrapped in a damp paper towel in the microwave until soft and pliable—ready to wrap that delicious stew once again!
FAQs
Can I use a slow cooker for the Carne Guisada with Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe?
Absolutely! After browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. The result is just as tender with beautifully melded flavors.
What cut of beef works best for carne guisada?
Chuck roast or brisket are ideal because they have enough marbling and connective tissue that break down during slow cooking to create a tender, juicy stew.
Can I make the tortillas without baking powder?
While baking powder gives the tortillas a slightly softer, puffed texture, you can omit it for a denser, more traditional flat tortilla. The cooking method remains the same.
How spicy is this Carne Guisada with Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe?
It has a gentle warmth thanks to the chili powder and paprika but is not overly spicy. You can always adjust the chili powder amount or add fresh jalapeños if you like heat.
Can I use store-bought tortillas instead?
Sure! While homemade tortillas add a lovely fresh touch, store-bought ones still pair wonderfully with the rich carne guisada for a quick and tasty meal.
Final Thoughts
This Carne Guisada with Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe truly captures the heart of traditional comfort food with a fresh homemade twist. From the tender beef stew infused with warm spices to the soft, freshly rolled tortillas, each bite tells a story of care and flavor. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll be rewarded with a meal that’s as fulfilling as it is delicious, perfect for sharing with loved ones or simply enjoying any time your soul craves a hug on a plate.
Print
Carne Guisada with Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas is a comforting, slow-simmered beef stew bursting with rich spices, paired perfectly with soft, homemade flour tortillas. This classic dish features tender chunks of beef cooked in a savory tomato-based sauce with onions, peppers, and aromatic seasonings. The warm, freshly made tortillas make an ideal vehicle for soaking up the flavorful stew, creating a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Carne Guisada:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat (chuck roast or brisket), cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
For the Flour Tortillas:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ¾ cup warm water (add more if needed)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the beef and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Simmer the Stew: Add the chopped tomatoes, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Cook the Beef: Return the browned beef to the pot and add the beef broth and tomato paste. Stir well. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally and add more beef broth or water if needed.
- Season: Once the carne guisada is tender, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the vegetable oil and warm water, mixing until the dough begins to come together. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 4-5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Rest the Dough: Divide the dough into 8-10 equal portions, roll into balls, cover with a damp cloth, and let rest for 15-20 minutes.
- Roll Out Tortillas: Roll each dough ball into a thin circle about 6-8 inches in diameter.
- Cook the Tortillas: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place one tortilla in the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, until golden brown spots appear. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, keeping cooked ones warm in a clean kitchen towel.
- Serve: Serve the tender carne guisada alongside the warm flour tortillas. Garnish with fresh cilantro and enjoy your delicious meal!
Notes
- For a spicier stew, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- The beef broth can be substituted with water or vegetable broth if preferred.
- Be sure not to overcook the tortillas; they should be soft and pliable, not crispy.
- Leftover carne guisada tastes great as a filling for tacos or burritos.
- The dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours if you want to prepare ahead.
