Sylvia's Hearty Tex-Mex Carne Guisada
This rich and savory Tex-Mex carne guisada is inspired by an authentic family recipe from Sylvia's Enchilada Kitchen, a beloved restaurant in Houston. Tender pieces of round steak are simmered to perfection, soaked in a blend of aromatic spices, fresh vegetables, and a touch of chili heat, giving each bite an explosion of flavor. This comforting beef stew is often served over a pile of fluffy Mexican rice, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion. Enhance the depth of flavor by adding a chopped jalapeño for an extra kick. Perfect for gatherings, this hearty dish warms both the body and soul.
4
Servings
375
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Round steak
1.5 lbs (Cubed into 1-inch pieces, trimmed of fat)
Vegetable oil
3 tablespoons (Divided)
Water
3 cups (N/A)
Dried oregano leaves
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Cumin seed
1 teaspoon (Toasted and ground)
Fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Salt
1.5 teaspoons (N/A)
Garlic
1 clove (Minced)
Green bell pepper
1/2 (Diced)
Onion
1/2 (Sliced)
Fresh tomato
1 (Diced)
Tomato sauce
1/2 cup (N/A)
Chili powder
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Paprika
1 teaspoon (N/A)
All-purpose flour
2 teaspoons (N/A)
Instructions
1
Start by cubing the round steak into 1-inch pieces, ensuring you remove any excess fat and gristle.
2
In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat, then sear the meat until browned on all sides.
3
Once the meat is seared, add 3 cups of water and reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4
In a small sauté pan, toast the cumin seeds over medium-high heat until they begin to smoke slightly. Remove from heat and let cool slightly, then grind the toasted cumin seeds using a mortar and pestle.
5
Add the dried oregano, ground cumin, black pepper, salt, and minced garlic into the pot with the meat, stirring well to combine.
6
Next, add the diced green bell pepper, sliced onion, and diced tomato. Stir everything together and continue to cook for another 30 minutes.
7
Incorporate the tomato sauce, chili powder, and paprika into the stew, mixing thoroughly. Allow it to simmer uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes to thicken.
8
While the carne guisada simmers, prepare a roux by heating 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a small sauté pan over medium-low heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook, constantly stirring, until the mixture becomes a light golden brown.
9
Gradually add the roux to the carne guisada, which will help thicken the stew even more. Continue to simmer for about 30 more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
10
Serve the carne guisada warm, accompanied by Mexican rice, beans, and your choice of flour or corn tortillas.
Nutrition Information
17.5g
Fat
20g
Carbs
37.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sylvia's Hearty Tex-Mex Carne Guisada?
It is a rich and savory Tex-Mex beef stew inspired by an authentic family recipe from Sylvia's Enchilada Kitchen in Houston, featuring tender round steak simmered with aromatic spices.
What cut of beef is best for this carne guisada?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of round steak, trimmed of fat and gristle and cubed into 1-inch pieces.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 375 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 37.5g of protein.
What is the fat and carbohydrate content?
One serving contains 17.5g of fat and 20g of carbohydrates.
How do I prepare the cumin for this recipe?
Toast 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds in a small pan over medium-high heat until they smoke slightly, then grind them using a mortar and pestle for maximum flavor.
How is the stew thickened?
The stew is thickened using a roux made from 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and 2 teaspoons of all-purpose flour cooked to a light golden brown.
Which vegetables are included in the dish?
The recipe includes half a green bell pepper (diced), half an onion (sliced), and one fresh tomato (diced).
What spices give this dish its Tex-Mex flavor?
The flavor comes from a blend of dried oregano, toasted cumin, black pepper, garlic, chili powder, and paprika.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Yes, you can enhance the depth of flavor and add an extra kick by adding a chopped jalapeño to the mixture.
What should I serve with Carne Guisada?
It is traditionally served over fluffy Mexican rice with sides of beans and flour or corn tortillas.
How much water is needed for the simmering process?
You will need 3 cups of water to simmer the meat initially.
How long does the meat need to simmer before adding vegetables?
After searing, the meat should simmer in water for about 30 minutes before you add the spices and vegetables.
What kind of oil should I use?
The recipe specifies using vegetable oil, totaling 3 tablespoons (divided for searing and making the roux).
Does this recipe use fresh or canned tomatoes?
This recipe uses both one fresh diced tomato and 1/2 cup of tomato sauce.
How long is the final simmering stage?
After adding the roux, the stew should simmer for about 30 more minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Should the stew be covered while simmering?
The recipe suggests simmering uncovered for 15-20 minutes after adding the tomato sauce and chili powder to help it thicken.
How many cloves of garlic are required?
The recipe calls for 1 minced clove of garlic.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 15 ingredients in total for this recipe.
Is the round steak seared before simmering?
Yes, the meat is seared in vegetable oil over medium-high heat until browned on all sides before adding water.
What color should the roux be?
The flour and oil mixture should be cooked until it reaches a light golden brown color.
What is the origin of this recipe?
It is inspired by a family recipe from Sylvia's Enchilada Kitchen, a famous restaurant located in Houston.
How much salt is used in the dish?
The recipe calls for 1.5 teaspoons of salt.
What size should the meat cubes be?
The meat should be cubed into 1-inch pieces.
How much chili powder is included?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of chili powder.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, the dish is traditionally served with your choice of either flour or corn tortillas.
What are the primary tags associated with this dish?
The tags include Tex-Mex, stew, beef, carne guisada, comfort food, hearty meal, and southwestern cuisine.
How much paprika is in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of paprika.
Is this a fast-cooking recipe?
No, it is a slow-simmered beef stew that takes over an hour of cooking time to ensure the meat is tender and flavors are developed.