These Easy Traditional Carne Guisada Tacos are filled with tender beef, simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s a fiesta in a corn tortilla!
Honestly, who can resist a taco night? I love how quick it is to prep these delicious tacos. Just fill, fold, and enjoy—perfect for busy days or family gatherings!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This cut is perfect for slow cooking as it becomes tender and flavorful. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can try sirloin or stew meat, though they might require slightly less cooking time.
Carne Guisada Seasoning: If you don’t have a packet handy, make your own using spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. I like to add a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra depth of flavor!
Corn Tortillas: Fresh corn tortillas are ideal, but you can also use flour tortillas if you prefer. Dried tortillas can be warmed up on a skillet or in the oven for a soft texture.
Beef Broth: If you’re out, water works fine. However, using broth enhances the flavor of the dish. Vegetable broth could also be a good substitute for a different taste.
How Do You Achieve Tender, Flavorful Beef in Carne Guisada?
The key to tender beef lies in slow cooking. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Brown the beef well—this locks in flavor. Don’t rush this step!
- After adding the broth, let it simmer gently with the lid on to retain moisture. Stir it occasionally for even cooking.
- Cook it long enough for the beef to break down, typically 1.5 to 2 hours.
This technique makes all the difference in creating melt-in-your-mouth carne guisada!
Enjoy your cooking journey and have fun making these delicious tacos!
Easy Traditional Carne Guisada Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 packet (about 1.4 oz) carne guisada seasoning (or a homemade blend of cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth (or water)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 12 small corn tortillas
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and about 1.5 to 2 hours for cooking. You’ll spend a little time browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, then let it simmer away until it’s nice and tender. Perfect for a tasty and filling meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. It’s important to get the oil nice and hot, as this helps in browning the beef effectively.
2. Season the Beef:
Take the beef cubes and season them with salt, pepper, and half of the carne guisada seasoning. Mix well so that every piece is coated in flavor.
3. Brown the Beef:
Add the seasoned beef to the hot skillet in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or it won’t brown properly. Brown all sides of the beef cubes, then remove them from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté the Onions:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they’re softened and lightly golden. The aroma will be wonderful!
5. Add the Garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. You don’t want it to burn.
6. Combine the Beef:
Return the browned beef back to the skillet and mix it with the onions and garlic.
7. Add Flour:
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the mixture and stir to coat the beef and onions. This will help thicken the sauce later.
8. Pour in the Broth:
Slowly add the beef broth while stirring gently to avoid any lumps. Then, add the remaining carne guisada seasoning to enhance the flavor.
9. Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat to maintain a low simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The beef should be fork-tender when it’s done!
10. Warm the Tortillas:
While the beef is cooking, warm your corn tortillas on a dry skillet or griddle until they are soft and pliable. This makes them much easier to fold!
11. Assemble Your Tacos:
To serve, spoon the tender carne guisada meat onto each warmed tortilla.
12. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zing!
Enjoy your savory, hearty traditional carne guisada tacos!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Yes! While beef chuck is ideal for its tenderness after slow cooking, you can also use sirloin or even brisket. Just note that different cuts may require slight adjustments in cooking time.
How Do I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make the carne guisada tacos gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Ensure that the carne guisada seasoning you use is also gluten-free!
Can I Prepare the Carne Guisada Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can cook the carne guisada a day in advance. Just refrigerate it after it cools, and reheat gently on the stove when you’re ready to serve. The flavors may actually deepen overnight!
What Should I Do If the Sauce Is Too Thick?
If the sauce turns out thicker than you like, simply add a bit more beef broth or water gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well to incorporate!
