Crockpot Carne Guisada Recipe
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity and depth of flavor. Using a crock pot carne asada-style approach, the beef soaks up all the seasonings during the long, slow cooking process, resulting in an authentic carne guisada that tastes like it’s been simmering all day in a traditional kitchen.
Equipment
- Crock Pot / Slow Cooker
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons & cups
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
- Serving utensils
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
For the Sauce:
- 1 large onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 bay leaf
For Serving (optional):
- Fresh cilantro chopped
- Warm flour or corn tortillas
- Cooked white rice or Mexican rice
Instructions
Prep the Beef
- Pat the beef cubes dry with a paper towel. This helps them brown better and locks in flavor.
- Season evenly with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Make sure every piece is coated—it makes a big difference in flavor.
- Pro Tip: Don’t skip drying the beef; it prevents it from steaming and ensures richer, deeper flavor.
Brown the Beef (Optional but Recommended)
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the browned beef to your crock pot.
- Pro Tip: Browning in batches prevents overcrowding and ensures each piece gets a nice crust.
Prep the Vegetables
- Dice the onion and green bell pepper. Mince the garlic cloves.
- Toss everything directly into the crock pot with the beef.
- Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and bay leaf.
Combine and Cook
- Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cover the crock pot and set it to low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, depending on your schedule.
- Pro Tip: Stir once or twice during cooking if you can, but don’t lift the lid too often—it lets heat escape.
Finish and Adjust Seasoning
- Check the beef for tenderness; it should shred easily with a fork.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Serve and Enjoy
- Spoon the carne guisada over cooked rice, or serve with warm tortillas.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and extra flavor.
- Optional: Add a squeeze of lime for brightness.
Notes
Nutritional Value (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Sugar: 3 g