Carne Guisada With Floor Tortillas

### Instructions

#### 1. **Brown the Beef:**
– Heat **2 tablespoons of vegetable oil** in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
– Add the **beef stew meat** and season with a pinch of **salt** and **pepper**. Brown the meat on all sides, about **5-7 minutes**. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Once browned, remove the meat from the pot and set it aside.

#### 2. **Sauté the Vegetables:**
– In the same pot, add the **chopped onion** and cook for about **3-4 minutes**, until softened.
– Add the **minced garlic** and **chopped bell pepper** (if using), and cook for another minute until fragrant.

#### 3. **Build the Sauce:**
– Stir in the **chopped tomatoes** (or canned tomatoes) and cook for about **3 minutes** to break them down slightly.
– Add the **tomato paste**, **beef broth**, **cumin**, **chili powder**, **paprika**, and **oregano**, and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

#### 4. **Simmer the Carne Guisada:**
– Return the browned beef to the pot and stir to coat with the sauce.
– Add the **bay leaves** and more salt and pepper to taste.
– Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the stew simmer for **1.5-2 hours**, stirring occasionally. The beef should become tender, and the sauce should thicken and reduce slightly.

#### 5. **Thicken the Sauce (Optional):**
– If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix **1 tablespoon of flour** with a bit of water to make a slurry. Stir this into the stew and cook for an additional **5-10 minutes** until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

#### 6. **Serve:**
– Remove the bay leaves and discard them.
– Ladle the **Carne Guisada** into bowls, garnish with **fresh cilantro** if desired, and serve with warm **flour tortillas** on the side.

### Why You’ll Love Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas

– **Rich and Flavorful:** The slow-cooked beef is packed with flavor, as the spices and tomatoes meld together into a savory, comforting sauce. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, making every bite delicious.
– **Perfect for Sharing:** Carne Guisada is a hearty dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Paired with warm flour tortillas, it’s a meal that’s made for sharing with family and friends.
– **Customizable:** You can adjust the spices to suit your taste—add more chili powder for extra heat or more cumin for a deeper, earthy flavor. You can also add extra vegetables like carrots or potatoes to bulk up the stew.
– **Easy to Make:** Though it requires some time to simmer, Carne Guisada is a simple dish that doesn’t demand much hands-on effort. The slow cooking process does all the work for you.

### Tips for the Best Carne Guisada

– **Use the Right Cut of Meat:** For the most tender result, choose a cut of meat that benefits from slow cooking, such as **chuck roast** or **stew meat**. These cuts become incredibly tender after simmering in the broth.
– **Season Well:** Be sure to taste the stew as it simmers and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices as needed. The sauce should be rich and flavorful, so don’t be afraid to experiment with the seasonings.
– **Cook Low and Slow:** The key to tender Carne Guisada is patience. Cooking the meat on low heat for a couple of hours allows the beef to become tender and absorb all the delicious flavors from the sauce.
– **Add Heat if Desired:** If you like things spicy, add **diced jalapeños** or a splash of **hot sauce** to give your Carne Guisada some heat. Adjust to your heat preference.

### Variations

– **Carne Guisada with Potatoes:** For an even heartier dish, add diced potatoes to the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. The potatoes will soak up the rich flavors of the sauce and make the dish even more filling.
– **Carne Guisada Tacos:** For a fun twist, serve the Carne Guisada in **soft corn tortillas** or **flour tortillas** and top with **onions**, **cilantro**, and a squeeze of **lime** for an amazing taco experience.
– **Slow Cooker Carne Guisada:** If you prefer a hands-off approach, you can make this dish in the slow cooker. Simply brown the meat, then transfer it to the slow cooker along with the rest of the ingredients. Cook on **low for 6-8 hours** or **high for 4-5 hours**.

### Final Thoughts

**Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas** is a flavorful, comforting, and satisfying dish that brings the rich tastes of Mexican cuisine straight to your table. The tender beef and savory sauce, paired with soft tortillas for dipping, create a meal that’s sure to please everyone. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, a weekend gathering, or a special occasion.

So, next time you’re craving a hearty, flavorful stew, give this Carne Guisada recipe a try. Its deep, rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth beef will have everyone coming back for seconds!