Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas

Directions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches until caramelized on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pan, sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  3. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to combine. This will help thicken the gravy. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the flour smells slightly nutty.
  4. Return the browned beef to the pan. Add cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the beef evenly with spices.
  5. Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle boil.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  7. Stir in lime juice and fresh cilantro just before serving for a bright, fresh flavor.

For the Flour Tortillas:

8. In a medium bowl, combine flour and salt. Gradually add warm water and oil, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
9. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and roll each into a ball. Let rest for 15 minutes.
10. On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball into a thin circle about 8 inches in diameter.
11. Heat a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each tortilla 1–2 minutes per side until lightly golden spots appear. Keep warm in a clean kitchen towel.

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Servings: 6
  • Difficulty: Medium

Variations & Substitutions

  • Swap beef chuck for boneless short ribs for a richer flavor.
  • Add diced potatoes or carrots for a heartier stew.
  • Use corn tortillas instead of flour for a gluten-free option.
  • Spice it up with chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

Serving Suggestions

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