Authentic Puerto Rican Carne Guisada
Indulge in the rich, vibrant flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine with this Authentic Carne Guisada recipe. This hearty beef stew combines tender chunks of beef top round steak simmered in a savory blend of spices, sofrito, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, this dish transports you to the Caribbean with every bite. Serve it over fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious sauce, making it a satisfying meal that will warm your soul.
7
Servings
293
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (For sautéing.)
Beef top round steak
2 lbs (Trimmed and cut into 1-inch chunks.)
Sofrito sauce
1/4 cup (Or to taste.)
Fresh cilantro leaves
6 leaves (For flavoring.)
Water
4 cups (Or more as needed.)
Beef bouillon cube
1 cube (For added flavor.)
Vinegar
2 tablespoons (To add acidity.)
Whole dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon (Crushed.)
Bay leaves
2 leaves (For flavoring.)
Tomato sauce
1/2 cup (For richness.)
Salt
1 tablespoon (To season.)
Carrots
1/2 lb (Cut into rounds.)
Potato
1/2 lb (Peeled and cubed.)
Celery
5 stalks (Cut into rounds.)
Additional salt
To taste (For final seasoning.)
Instructions
1
In a large caldero or heavy pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
2
Add the sofrito and the fresh cilantro leaves to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3
Add the beef chunks to the pot and stir constantly, cooking until the meat loses its red color, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Pour in the water and add the beef bouillon cube. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
5
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the vinegar, crushed oregano, bay leaves, and tomato sauce. Stir well.
6
Cover and let the stew simmer for about 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7
After 1 hour, add the carrots, potatoes, celery, and salt to the pot. Stir to combine.
8
Increase the heat back to medium-low and continue cooking for an additional hour or until the vegetables are tender and the meat is fork-tender.
9
Taste the stew and adjust seasoning as necessary. If you'd like a thicker sauce, boil uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes.
10
If desired, add Adobo seasoning to taste before serving.
11
Serve hot over white rice, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
21g
Carbs
21g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Puerto Rican Carne Guisada?
It is a hearty Puerto Rican beef stew that combines tender beef top round steak with sofrito, fresh vegetables, and a savory blend of Caribbean spices.
What type of beef is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of beef top round steak, trimmed and cut into 1-inch chunks.
How many servings does this Carne Guisada recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 7 servings.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
Each serving contains 293 calories, 15g of fat, 21g of carbohydrates, and 21g of protein.
What is the first step in cooking the stew?
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large caldero or heavy pot over medium heat.
How long should I sauté the sofrito and cilantro?
Sauté the 1/4 cup of sofrito and 6 fresh cilantro leaves for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
How long does it take to brown the beef?
Stir the beef chunks constantly for about 5-7 minutes until the meat loses its red color.
What liquid is added to create the stew base?
Add 4 cups of water and 1 beef bouillon cube to the pot and bring to a boil.
What spices are added once the stew begins to boil?
Once boiling, reduce heat and add 2 tablespoons of vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon of crushed whole dried oregano, and 2 bay leaves.
How much tomato sauce is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of tomato sauce to add richness to the sauce.
How long should the beef simmer initially?
The stew should simmer covered for approximately 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
What vegetables are added after the first hour of simmering?
Add 1/2 lb of carrots (cut into rounds), 1/2 lb of peeled and cubed potatoes, and 5 stalks of sliced celery.
How long do the vegetables need to cook?
Continue cooking for an additional hour or until the vegetables are tender and the meat is fork-tender.
How can I make the stew sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, boil the stew uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.
Is there a specific way to prepare the oregano?
Yes, the whole dried oregano should be crushed before being added to the pot.
What is the total amount of salt used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of salt during cooking, with additional salt added at the end to taste.
Can I add Adobo seasoning?
Yes, Adobo seasoning can be added to taste before serving if desired.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
Serve the Carne Guisada hot over fluffy white rice to soak up the savory sauce.
Can I garnish this dish?
Yes, you can garnish the finished stew with additional fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 15 grams of fat in a single serving of this beef stew.
How many grams of protein are in each serving?
Each serving provides 21 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are 21 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the purpose of the vinegar?
The 2 tablespoons of vinegar are used to add acidity and balance the flavors of the stew.
What type of pot is best for this recipe?
A large caldero or a heavy pot is recommended for even heat distribution.
How many bay leaves are used?
The recipe calls for 2 bay leaves for flavoring.
How many stalks of celery are in the stew?
The recipe uses 5 stalks of celery, cut into rounds.
What is the recommended size for the beef chunks?
The beef top round steak should be cut into 1-inch chunks.
How much water is initially added?
The recipe starts with 4 cups of water, or more as needed.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and a hearty meal perfect for family gatherings.
What is the total cooking time approximately?
The total simmering and cooking time is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes including the initial sautéing and browning.