Craving a hearty, flavorful meal that practically cooks itself? Look no further than this Crock Pot Carne Guisada recipe! This classic Texan dish is a celebration of tender beef, rich spices, and a vibrant, slightly spicy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend gathering, this easy recipe will quickly become a staple in your homemade cooking repertoire. Get ready to experience the magic of slow cooking with this delicious and satisfying dish!
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 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Corn tortillas, for serving
- Shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or cheddar), for serving
- Chopped cilantro, for serving
- Sour cream or Mexican crema, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
-
Sear the beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown the beef cubes on all sides. This step adds incredible depth of flavor to your guisada. Don't overcrowd the pan; browning takes time to do right.
-
Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic for the last minute of cooking.
-
Combine everything in the slow cooker: Transfer the seared beef and vegetables to your slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes (both cans), beef broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
-
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 cooks, the more the flavors meld together.
-
Serve and enjoy: Once cooked, shred the beef with two forks directly in the slow cooker. Serve the Carne Guisada hot in warm corn tortillas, topped with your favorite fixings like shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema.
Cooking Tips for the Best Carne Guisada:
- Don't skip searing the beef: This step is crucial for developing a rich, deep flavor in your guisada.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, omit it altogether.
- Use a good quality chili powder: The flavor of your chili powder will significantly impact the overall taste of the guisada.
- Make it ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can cook it ahead of time and reheat it when you're ready to serve.
Variations:
- Add potatoes: For a heartier meal, add 2-3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed, along with the vegetables.
- Include other vegetables: Experiment with adding other vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Use different types of beef: While chuck roast is ideal, you can also use other cuts of beef, such as stew meat or sirloin.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
This Crock Pot Carne Guisada is a delicious and easy weeknight dinner option, perfect for busy families and those looking for a healthy and satisfying meal. Enjoy this comforting taste of Texas!