Puerto Rican-Style Beef Stew (Carne Guisada)

Puerto Rican-Style Beef Stew (Carne Guisada) Recipe

Carne Guisada, or Puerto Rican-style beef stew, is a hearty and flavorful dish that is easy to make and packed with rich, comforting flavors. This traditional dish is perfect for serving with rice, allowing the delicious sauce to soak into every bite. Let’s dive into how to prepare this mouthwatering stew step by step.

Ingredients

For the Beef:

3 lbs stew meat (trimmed of excess fat)

2 tbsp canola oil

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp oregano

Adobo seasoning (to taste)

For the Stew:

3 large potatoes, diced

1 cup carrots, chopped

4 tbsp sofrito

A bunch of cilantro

A few olives (optional)

4 cloves garlic

2 bay leaves

1 packet Sazón

1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

2-3 cups water

Instructions

Step 1: Season and Sear the Beef

1. Heat 2 tbsp of canola oil in a large pan over medium heat.

2. Season the beef with adobo, cumin, and oregano.

3. Sprinkle the flour over the beef and mix well. This will help bind the seasonings and thicken the stew later.

4. Sear the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, cooking on medium-high heat until browned. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

1. In the same pan, add the sofrito and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

2. Stir in the whole garlic cloves, bay leaves, olives, and tomato sauce. Mix well.

3. Add the packet of Sazón and let the mixture cook until everything is well combined and bubbling.

Step 3: Simmer the Stew

1. Return the seared beef to the pan, ensuring it's fully coated in the sauce.

2. Add the chopped carrots, as they take longer to cook than potatoes.

3. Pour in 2-3 cups of water—just enough to cover the beef.

4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and let it simmer for an hour, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Final Touches

1. After 30 minutes, check the beef for tenderness. The carrots should be cooked by now.

2. Add the diced potatoes and continue cooking for another 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are soft and the beef is tender.

Serving Suggestions

Carne Guisada is best served over a plate of warm white rice. The soft potatoes soak up the flavorful sauce, making every bite delicious. You can also pair it with a side of tostones (fried plantains) for a truly authentic Puerto Rican meal.

Enjoy this comforting and easy-to-make dish with your family and friends!

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