Best Easy Carne Guisada en Chile Guajillo Recipe

Slow-braised beef stew in a smooth guajillo chile sauce, creating melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. This protein-rich dish is ideal for family meals and freezer-friendly meal prep.

Cook 150 min Difficulty NORMAL 340 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean #diabetic friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes 2 lbs
  • guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded 6 pieces
  • white onion, chopped 1 cup
  • tomato, diced 1 cup
  • garlic cloves 4 cloves
  • vegetable oil 3 tbsp
  • beef broth 3 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • ground cumin 1 tsp
  • dried oregano 1 tsp
  • bay leaf 1 piece
  • salt 1.5 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 16 g 19%
Protein 29 g 34%
Fat 14 g 37%
Serving size 300g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear beef cubes on all sides until deeply browned, working in batches to avoid crowding.

  2. 2

    Remove beef; add remaining oil and sauté onions for 5 minutes, stirring frequently until softened and golden. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  3. 3

    Dry-toast guajillo chiles in a separate skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes, pressing them flat and turning to release aroma. Soak toasted chiles in hot water for 10 minutes to soften.

  4. 4

    Blend softened chiles with tomato and 1 cup beef broth until smooth. Strain through a sieve for a silky sauce, then pour into the pot with onions.

  5. 5

    Return browned beef to the pot. Add remaining beef broth, cumin, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well, bring to a low simmer, cover, and braise gently for 2.5–3 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is fork-tender and sauce is thickened.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The core ingredient is beef chuck, which provides the stew’s rich flavor and tender texture. Guajillo chiles are equally essential, lending their distinctive smoky, mildly spicy depth to the sauce and defining the dish’s authentic character.
Q. How do I get melt-in-your-mouth beef like in Carne Guisada?
For tender beef, the stew is gently braised for several hours. Searing the cubes first develops flavor, and simmering them slowly in the guajillo chile sauce over low heat allows the collagen in the meat to break down gradually, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Q. What prevents the stew from becoming too thick or too watery?
Adding the proper ratio of beef broth (3 cups in this recipe) and simmering covered ensures the sauce thickens without drying out. Stir occasionally and check for consistency. If the stew begins to look dry before the beef is tender, add a little extra broth.
Q. How nutritious is this Carne Guisada en Chile Guajillo?
Each serving (300g) contains 340 kcal, 29g protein (34% calories), 16g carbs (19%), and 14g fat (37%). The dish is protein-rich, offering balanced energy and moderate carbohydrates, making it ideal for family meals or meal prep with dietary diversity.
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