Craving a delicious, comforting meal that's also incredibly easy to make? Look no further than this Crock Pot Carne Guisada recipe! This classic Tex-Mex dish is bursting with rich, savory flavors and tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef. Perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend gathering, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser. Forget spending hours in the kitchen; let your slow cooker work its magic while you relax and enjoy your day. This is one of those easy recipes that tastes like you spent all day preparing it!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Corn tortillas, for serving
- Toppings of your choice: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro
Instructions:
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Sear the Beef: Before you toss everything in the slow cooker, browning the beef adds a depth of flavor you won't want to miss. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. This helps create a beautiful crust and enhances the overall taste. Set aside.
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Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine in the Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed vegetables and seared beef to your slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced green chilies, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
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Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavors become.
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Shred and Serve: Once the cooking time is complete, use two forks to shred the beef directly in the slow cooker. Stir to combine the shredded beef with the sauce. Serve hot with warm corn tortillas and your favorite toppings.
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Carne Guisada:
- Choosing your Beef: A chuck roast is ideal for this recipe because it's flavorful and becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked.
- Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level to your liking. For a milder dish, omit it entirely.
- Make it Ahead: This recipe is fantastic for meal prepping! Prepare it the day before and reheat it when you're ready to serve. The flavors will deepen overnight.
- Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove some of the cooking liquid before shredding the beef and simmer uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
Variations:
- Add Potatoes: For a heartier meal, add 2-3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed, along with the vegetables.
- Use Different Peppers: Experiment with other peppers like poblanos or jalapeños for a unique flavor profile.
- Chicken Carne Guisada: Substitute the beef with 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a lighter option.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This Crock Pot Carne Guisada recipe is a fantastic example of delicious and healthy meals made easy. It's a perfect choice for a quick dinner idea or a special occasion. Enjoy the amazing flavors and the convenience of homemade cooking without the fuss!