Carne Guisada (Beef Stew)

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef stew meat 🥩 (chuck roast or top round, cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 2 tbsp olive oil 🫒
• 1 medium onion, diced 🧅
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color) 🫑
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp oregano 🌿
• 1 tbsp tomato paste 🍅
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes 🍅
• 2 cups beef broth 🥣
• 1 bay leaf 🍃
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced 🥔
• Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
• Optional: fresh cilantro for garnish 🌿

Instructions

1. 1Brown the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add beef in batches, searing on all sides. Remove and set aside. 🔥
2. 2Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. 3Add spices & tomato: Stir in cumin, oregano, and tomato paste. Cook for 2 more minutes until fragrant. 🌶️
4. 4Simmer it low & slow: Return beef to the pot. Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour. 🕰️
5. 5Add potatoes: Stir in potatoes and cook uncovered for 30 more minutes, or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.
6. 6Taste & serve: Adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm with white rice or tortillas. 🍚🌿