Crock Pot Carne Guisada (Mexican Beef Stew)
This was one of my mother-in-law's recipes and I just loved it. Of course she didn't even own a crock pot so everything was done old school. I adapted her recipe to a crock pot version and it turns out similar to hers. Of course nobody can cook like our mothers and mother-in-laws but my husband let this pass.
This was one of my mother-in-law's recipes and I just loved it. Of course she didn't even own a crock pot so everything was done old school. I adapted her recipe to a crock pot version and it turns out similar to hers. Of course nobody can cook like our mothers and mother-in-laws but my husband let this pass.
- Carbohydrate 37.932092137591 g
- Cholesterol 898.1128926 mg
- Fat 234.601032743039 g
- Fiber 4.80872554403313 g
- Protein 259.609776506992 g
- Saturated Fat 94.2414442689552 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (1549g)
- Sodium 814.831026612325 mg
- Sugar 33.1233665935579 g
- Trans Fat 30.0507170826695 g
- Calories 3361 calories
Step-by-step
- Place stew meat, 1/2 cup water, salt and pepper in crock pot.
- Drain juice from tomatoes into measuring cup.
- Add tomatoes, garlic, onions and potatoes to crock pot.
- Blend juice from tomatoes and enough water to equal 2 cups liquid. Add cumin, oregano, and chili powder and flour into tomato juice mixture and mix well. Add to crock pot.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook on LOW for 6 - 7 hours until sauce is thickened and meat and veggies are tender.
- Great served with warm flour tortillas.
My Mom-in-Law's Secret: Crock Pot Carne Guisada
This recipe isn't just a meal; it's a journey back in time. It's a taste of my mother-in-law's kitchen, a kitchen where the aroma of simmering spices and tender beef always hung heavy in the air. She, bless her soul, never owned a crock-pot. Everything was done the traditional way, over low heat, a labor of love that took hours. I, armed with my trusty crock-pot, have lovingly adapted her recipe, hoping to capture the same heart-warming magic she created. While I may never match her skill (no one can, really!), this recipe comes pretty darn close, and my husband certainly agrees!
The beauty of this Carne Guisada lies in its simplicity. It’s a straightforward recipe, perfect for a busy weeknight. You throw everything in the crock-pot in the morning and come home to a rich, flavorful stew that's practically begging to be served with warm tortillas. The slow cooking process ensures the beef becomes incredibly tender, practically melting in your mouth. The flavors meld and deepen over time, creating a depth of taste that's simply unmatched. The slightly spicy kick from the chili powder is perfectly balanced by the earthy tones of the cumin and oregano. It's a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more.
I often make a double batch, enough for several meals. It freezes beautifully, so I can enjoy this culinary treasure even on those days when time is truly of the essence. It’s wonderful for meal prepping, for potlucks, and for those nights when you crave something comforting and soul-satisfying. This isn't just a meal, it’s a memory, a tradition passed down, a little piece of family history served warm in a bowl.
Beyond the simple steps, what truly makes this recipe special is the love and care that goes into it. It’s not just about the ingredients; it’s about the time spent simmering, the anticipation of the delicious aroma filling your home. It's the perfect example of how even the simplest of dishes can hold so much warmth and heartfelt affection. So, grab your crock-pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of my mother-in-law’s Carne Guisada.
Ingredients:
- 3 lb beef stew meat
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp chopped garlic
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp Mexican oregano
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1 tsp ground black pepper (or to taste)
- Water
- Flour tortillas (for serving)
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot with warm flour tortillas.
- Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped cilantro.
- Serve with rice and beans for a complete meal.
Remember, cooking is an act of love, and this recipe is a testament to that. Enjoy!
