Authentic Carne Guisada with Fresh Flour Tortillas

This hearty Mexican beef stew paired with homemade tortillas represents comfort food at its finest. The combination of tender, spiced beef and warm, pillowy tortillas creates an unforgettable meal that’s worth the time and effort.

Main Dish: Carne Guisada

Core Ingredients:

  • 2½ pounds beef chuck, cubed into 1-inch pieces
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large Spanish onion, diced
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 poblano peppers, diced
  • 3 Roma tomatoes, diced
  • 2½ cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 2 bay leaves

Traditional Spice Mix:

  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons ancho chili powder
  • 1½ teaspoons Mexican oregano
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander

Stew Instructions:

  1. Preparation:
  • Pat beef dry and season well
  • Heat oil in heavy Dutch oven
  • Brown meat in batches until deeply seared
  • Remove and set aside
  1. Base Development:
  • Cook onions until translucent
  • Add peppers and garlic
  • Sprinkle in flour, cook briefly
  • Add spice blend, toast 30 seconds
  1. Final Cooking:
  • Return meat to pot
  • Add broth and tomatoes
  • Simmer covered for 2.5-3 hours
  • Check tenderness regularly

Homemade Flour Tortillas

Tortilla Components:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ⅓ cup lard or vegetable oil
  • 1 cup warm water

Tortilla Method:

  1. Combine dry ingredients
  2. Work in fat until crumbly
  3. Add water gradually
  4. Knead until smooth
  5. Rest 30 minutes covered
  6. Divide into 12 balls
  7. Roll thin and cook on hot griddle

Essential Tips

For Perfect Stew:

  • Season meat generously
  • Don’t crowd when browning
  • Maintain gentle simmer
  • Check liquid level periodically
  • Rest before serving

For Ideal Tortillas:

  • Use room temperature ingredients
  • Don’t overwork dough
  • Rest dough properly
  • Keep cooked tortillas warm

Serving Suggestions

Classic Garnishes:

  • Fresh cilantro
  • Diced white onion
  • Lime wedges
  • Sliced avocado
  • Pickled jalapeños

Serve with:

  • Mexican rice
  • Charro beans
  • Fresh salsa roja
  • Sliced radishes

Storage & Reheating

Stew Storage:

  • Refrigerate up to 4 days
  • Freeze up to 3 months
  • Reheat slowly on stovetop

Tortilla Storage:

  • Room temperature 2-3 days
  • Freeze up to 2 months
  • Reheat on griddle

The success of this dish depends on two key factors: patience with the stew and proper technique with the tortillas. Take your time with both components, and you’ll be rewarded with a truly authentic Mexican meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Remember that the stew often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Don’t hesitate to make it in advance for even richer results.