Crock Pot Carne Guisada (Mexican Beef Stew)
There’s something so comforting about a slow-cooked stew that fills your home with warm, inviting aromas and Crock Pot Carne Guisada is no exception. Imagine tender, juicy beef simmered all day in a rich, flavorful sauce bursting with authentic Mexican spices. The result? A hearty, melt-in-your-mouth stew that’s perfect for cozy dinners or feeding a crowd with minimal effort. Trust me, once you try this, your slow cooker will become your best friend.
Get ready to come home to a pot full of comfort and deliciousness that feels like a big warm hug on a plate.
Why You’ll Love Crock Pot Carne Guisada (Mexican Beef Stew)
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re preparing an easy weeknight dinner, a Sunday family feast, or meal prepping for the week, this stew fits right in. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Serve it over rice, with tortillas, or even as a filling for tacos and burritos.
Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable cuts of beef that become tender and flavorful.
Quick and Easy: Prep is simple, then let your slow cooker do all the work.
Customizable: Adjust the spice level or add vegetables to suit your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: Rich, hearty, and satisfying everyone will ask for seconds.
Ingredients in Crock Pot Carne Guisada
Here’s the heart and soul of this stew:
Beef Chuck Roast: A tough cut that becomes wonderfully tender when slow-cooked.
Onions and Garlic: Build the foundational savory flavor.
Green Chilies and Jalapeños: Add a gentle heat and authentic Mexican flair.
Tomato Sauce and Diced Tomatoes: Create a rich, tangy base.
Beef Broth: Keeps the stew juicy and flavorful.
Spices: Cumin, chili powder, oregano, and smoked paprika for that deep, warm taste.
Bell Peppers: Add color and sweetness.
Salt and Pepper: To bring all the flavors together.
Fresh Cilantro: For garnish and a fresh pop of flavor.

Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Set your slow cooker to low or high depending on your timing preference.
Prepare the Beef: Cut the beef into bite-sized chunks, trimming excess fat if desired.
Sear the Beef (Optional): For extra flavor, brown the beef chunks in a hot skillet with a little oil before adding to the crock pot.
Combine Ingredients: Place beef, onions, garlic, bell peppers, green chilies, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and spices in the slow cooker.
Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until beef is tender and sauce has thickened.
Final Touches: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, stir well, and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot over steamed rice, with warm tortillas, or alongside your favorite Mexican sides.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: Approximately 350
(Note: these values are approximate and will vary based on ingredients used)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7-8 hours (slow cooker)
Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
How to Serve Crock Pot Carne Guisada (Mexican Beef Stew)
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Serve over fluffy white or Mexican rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.
Wrap it up in warm corn or flour tortillas for tacos or burritos.
Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and sliced avocado for extra indulgence.
Add a side of refried beans or black beans for a hearty meal.
Complement with a fresh, crunchy cabbage slaw or pico de gallo.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Searing the beef before slow cooking adds depth but can be skipped for convenience.
If the stew is too thin near the end, stir in a cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.
Adjust the heat by adding more or fewer jalapeños according to your taste.
Leftovers taste even better the next day once flavors have melded.
Use fresh cilantro at the end to keep its bright, fresh flavor intact.
FAQ’s
1 Can I make this recipe in a regular pot on the stove?
Yes, simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours until beef is tender.
2 What cut of beef is best for Carne Guisada?
Beef chuck roast is ideal for tenderness and flavor.
3 Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
4 How spicy is this stew?
It has a mild to medium heat, adjustable by jalapeños.
5 Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely, carrots or potatoes make great additions.
6 What can I use instead of beef broth?
Vegetable broth or water with extra seasoning works too.
7 Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, just use about half the amount of dried herbs.
8 How thick should the sauce be?
It should be thick enough to coat the beef but still saucy.
9 Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger slow cooker and adjust cooking time accordingly.
10 What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until warmed through.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Carne Guisada is a delicious, hearty stew that fills your kitchen with amazing aromas and your belly with satisfying comfort. It’s effortless to prepare, deeply flavorful, and perfect for feeding family or friends. Whether you’re new to Mexican cooking or a seasoned fan, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite. So set your slow cooker, relax, and let the magic happen you’re going to love every tender, savory bite!
Print
Crock Pot Carne Guisada (Mexican Beef Stew)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Halal
Description
Crock Pot Carne Guisada is a tender and flavorful Mexican beef stew slow-cooked to perfection with tomatoes, peppers, and spices. This hearty dish is ideal for a comforting family meal and pairs wonderfully with rice or warm tortillas.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown beef cubes on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Transfer browned beef to the crock pot.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 2 minutes to combine flavors.
- Pour the mixture over the beef in the crock pot.
- Add beef broth, cover, and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until beef is tender.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Serve with warm corn tortillas or steamed rice.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day after flavors meld.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: carne guisada, Mexican beef stew, slow cooker beef stew, crock pot recipes, tender beef stew