Let’s talk comfort food—with a Tex-Mex twist. This Crock Pot Carne Guisada is the kind of meal that warms your soul and makes your whole house smell like a cozy little cantina. Imagine tender chunks of beef, slow-cooked for hours in a rich, savory gravy that’s spiced just right and bursting with flavor. It’s hearty, deeply satisfying, and absolutely perfect for busy days when you want dinner to practically cook itself.
This recipe brings the authentic taste of Mexican-style beef stew to your table with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Carne Guisada means “stewed meat” in Spanish, and trust me, this one’s been loved for generations across Latin kitchens. Each spoonful is layered with soft peppers, onions, garlic, cumin, and a whisper of heat—served over rice or scooped up with warm tortillas, it’s a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love Crock Pot Carne Guisada
This isn’t just another beef stew—it’s a bowl of comfort that packs a flavorful punch and fits perfectly into your busy routine.
Is Crock Pot Carne Guisada for you? Let’s see. This slow-cooked classic is…
- Fall-apart tender, thanks to hours of low-and-slow cooking.
- Bursting with bold spices and rich tomato-based flavor.
- Easy to prep—just toss it in the crockpot and let it do the magic.
- Versatile: Serve it with rice, tortillas, or just a spoon and a hungry appetite.
- A crowd-pleaser that makes leftovers taste even better the next day.
Ingredients in Crock Pot Carne Guisada
This hearty stew comes together with a beautiful blend of pantry staples and fresh ingredients:
Beef Chuck or Braising Steak: The hero of the dish. Slow cooking transforms this affordable cut into melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
Flour: Lightly coats the beef and helps thicken the stew as it cooks down into a luscious gravy.
Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the spices and acidity of the tomatoes.
Cumin & Chili Powder: Earthy, warm, and full of depth—these spices are what give this dish its unmistakable Tex-Mex soul.
Cayenne Pepper: Just a pinch of heat to keep things interesting.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasoning to bring everything together.
Olive Oil: For searing the beef and sautéing the aromatics.
Onion & Garlic: A flavorful base that fills your kitchen with the best kind of smells.
Green Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness, color, and classic Mexican flair.
Tomato Paste & Crushed Tomatoes: Rich and robust, this combo builds the stew’s signature sauce.
Beef Broth: Adds body and richness—feel free to use a stock cube if that’s what you’ve got.
Bay Leaf & Oregano: Herbs that add deep, comforting notes as they simmer with the beef.
Cilantro (Coriander): Fresh and zesty—sprinkled on top just before serving for a burst of brightness.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions:
Let’s bring this slow-cooked comfort classic to life:
Prep the Beef: Toss the beef with flour, salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, cayenne, and brown sugar. This seasoning mix forms the flavorful crust that gives the stew its richness.
Sear for Flavor: In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and sear the beef in batches until browned. This step is optional but adds incredible depth.
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, sauté onions, garlic, and bell pepper until softened and fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and let it cook for a minute to deepen its flavor.
Layer in the Crock Pot: Transfer the beef and sautéed veggies to the slow cooker. Add the tomatoes, beef broth, bay leaf, and oregano. Give everything a good stir to combine.
Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours, or on high for 4–5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened into a beautiful gravy.
Finish & Serve: Remove the bay leaf and herb stems. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Over Rice: Classic and comforting—let the rice soak up that dreamy sauce.
With Warm Tortillas: Scoop it up like a taco or burrito filling.
Topped with Avocado: Creamy slices of avocado cool down the heat and add richness.
Side of Beans: Pair with refried beans or black beans for a complete Tex-Mex plate.
On Mashed Potatoes: For an unexpected but ultra-comforting twist.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Chop the veggies and season the beef the night before to save time in the morning.
Skip the Sear: Short on time? You can skip searing the beef and still get great flavor—it’s just a bonus step.
Add Veggies: Toss in diced carrots, potatoes, or corn for extra heartiness.
Use a Dutch Oven: No slow cooker? You can make this in a Dutch oven—just simmer low and slow for 2–3 hours.
Storage Tips: Keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes well for up to 3 months.
Tips & Variations / Quick Tips:
- Add a squeeze of lime before serving for a burst of brightness.
- For extra spice, throw in a diced jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce.
- Use pork or chicken as a variation—adjust cooking times accordingly.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Beef: Can be swapped with pork shoulder or chicken thighs.
- Bell Pepper: Use red or yellow if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
- Beef Broth: Vegetable broth or chicken stock can also work in a pinch.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this without a slow cooker?
A1: Absolutely! Use a Dutch oven and cook on low heat for 2–3 hours until the meat is tender.
Q2: Can I freeze Carne Guisada?
A2: Yes! It freezes beautifully. Just cool completely, portion into containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Q4: Can I make it less spicy?
A4: Definitely—just skip the cayenne or reduce the chili powder to taste.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat?
A5: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in 1-minute intervals.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to handle the volume.
This Crock Pot Carne Guisada is proof that a little prep and a few hours of slow cooking can turn humble ingredients into something truly extraordinary. It’s cozy, flavorful, and guaranteed to earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation. Now grab your bowl and get ready to dig in—¡Buen provecho!
Crock Pot Carne Guisada (Mexican Beef Stew)
Ingredients
- – 900 g 2 lbs beef chuck or braising steak, cut into cubes
- – 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- – 1 tsp brown sugar
- – 2 tsp ground cumin
- – 1 tsp mild chili powder
- – ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- – 1 tsp salt
- – ½ tsp black pepper
- – 2 tbsp olive oil
- – 1 large onion finely diced
- – 4 garlic cloves minced
- – 1 green bell pepper diced
- – 2 tbsp tomato paste
- – 2 large tomatoes diced (or 400 g / 14 oz can crushed tomatoes)
- – ½ cup beef broth or 1 beef stock cube dissolved in water
- – 1 bay leaf
- – 2 sprigs fresh oregano or 1 tsp dried oregano
- – Fresh cilantro/coriander for serving
Instructions
- Toss beef cubes with flour, brown sugar, cumin, chili powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes on all sides, working in batches if needed. Transfer browned beef to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and green bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits.
- Pour the mixture over the beef in the slow cooker. Add bay leaf and oregano.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until beef is tender.
- Remove bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Serve hot with rice, warm tortillas, or crusty bread.
Notes
– Adjust cayenne pepper to control heat level.
– Substitute chicken or vegetable broth for a lighter stew.
