Carne guisada, which translates to “stewed meat” in Spanish, is a traditional Mexican dish that has been a staple in many Latin American households for generations. This hearty stew is made with tender chunks of beef, rich and flavorful broth, and a blend of aromatic spices that will leave your taste buds craving for more. In this article, we will explore the art of making carne guisada in a slow cooker, a method that is not only convenient but also yields incredibly tender and delicious results.
What is Carne Guisada?
Carne guisada is a type of stew that originated in Mexico and is typically made with beef, although other meats such as pork and chicken can also be used. The dish is characterized by its rich and flavorful broth, which is made with a combination of beef stock, onions, garlic, and a blend of spices. The beef is slow-cooked in the broth until it is tender and falls apart easily, making it a perfect comfort food for cold winter nights.
A Brief History of Carne Guisada
Carne guisada has a long history that dates back to the colonial era in Mexico. The dish was originally made with tougher cuts of beef, such as brisket or shank, which were slow-cooked in a broth made with beef stock, onions, and garlic. Over time, the recipe evolved and spread throughout Latin America, with different countries and regions adding their own unique twist to the dish.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
To make carne guisada in a slow cooker, you will need the following ingredients and equipment:
- 2 pounds beef brisket or shank, cut into 2-inch chunks
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 potatoes, peeled and chopped (optional)
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Slow cooker (at least 6 quarts in size)
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
Choosing the Right Cut of Beef
When it comes to making carne guisada, the right cut of beef is essential. You want to choose a cut that is tough and has a lot of connective tissue, as this will break down during the cooking process and make the meat tender and flavorful. Some good options include:
- Beef brisket: This is a classic choice for carne guisada, as it is tough and has a lot of connective tissue.
- Beef shank: This is another popular choice, as it is also tough and has a lot of connective tissue.
- Beef chuck: This is a good option if you can’t find brisket or shank, as it is also tough and has a lot of connective tissue.
Instructions for Making Carne Guisada in a Slow Cooker
Making carne guisada in a slow cooker is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort and attention. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delicious stew:
Browning the Beef
Before you start cooking the beef in the slow cooker, you need to brown it in a pan to create a rich and flavorful crust. To do this:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef chunks to the pan and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
Softening the Onions
While the beef is browning, you can start softening the onions in the same pan. To do this:
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the pan.
- Cook the onion until it is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for another minute.
Assembling the Slow Cooker
Now it’s time to assemble the slow cooker. To do this:
- Add the browned beef, softened onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
- Add the beef broth, water, tomato paste, dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
- Stir everything together to combine.
Cooking the Carne Guisada
Now it’s time to cook the carne guisada. To do this:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
- After 6 hours, check the beef for tenderness. If it is not tender, cover the slow cooker and cook for another 30 minutes.
- Repeat this process until the beef is tender and falls apart easily.
Adding Potatoes and Carrots (Optional)
If you want to add potatoes and carrots to your carne guisada, you can do so during the last 2 hours of cooking. To do this:
- Peel and chop 2 potatoes and 2 carrots.
- Add the potatoes and carrots to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook for another 2 hours, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
Serving and Enjoying Your Carne Guisada
Once your carne guisada is cooked, it’s time to serve and enjoy. Here are a few ways you can serve this delicious stew:
- Serve with warm flour or corn tortillas, which can be used to scoop up the tender beef and flavorful broth.
- Serve with steamed rice or roasted vegetables, which can provide a nice contrast in texture to the tender beef.
- Serve with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro, which can add a bright and freshness to the dish.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat leftovers, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and reheat them in the slow cooker or on the stovetop until hot and steaming.
Conclusion
Carne guisada is a delicious and hearty Mexican stew that is perfect for cold winter nights. By making it in a slow cooker, you can create a tender and flavorful dish with minimal effort and attention. Whether you serve it with tortillas, rice, or roasted vegetables, this stew is sure to become a favorite in your household. So why not give it a try and experience the rich and flavorful world of Mexican cuisine?
What is Carne Guisada and where does it originate from?
Carne Guisada is a traditional Mexican stew that is made with slow-cooked beef, vegetables, and spices. The name “Carne Guisada” literally translates to “stewed meat” in Spanish, which accurately describes the dish. This hearty stew is a staple in Mexican cuisine and is often served at family gatherings and special occasions.
The origins of Carne Guisada can be traced back to the state of Chihuahua in northern Mexico, where it is believed to have been created by the Tarahumara people. The dish was originally made with tougher cuts of beef that were slow-cooked in a broth with vegetables and spices to make it tender and flavorful. Over time, Carne Guisada spread throughout Mexico and has since become a popular dish throughout the country.
What are the main ingredients in Slow Cooker Carne Guisada?
The main ingredients in Slow Cooker Carne Guisada include beef brisket or beef shank, onions, garlic, dried arbol chilies, beef broth, and spices such as cumin and oregano. The beef is slow-cooked in a rich and flavorful broth with the onions, garlic, and chilies, which gives the stew its signature flavor. The spices add depth and warmth to the dish, making it perfect for cold winter nights.
In addition to the main ingredients, some recipes may also include other vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and zucchini. These vegetables add texture and flavor to the stew, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. Some recipes may also include other spices and seasonings, such as paprika and cilantro, to give the stew an extra boost of flavor.
How do I prepare the dried arbol chilies for the recipe?
To prepare the dried arbol chilies for the recipe, start by rinsing them in cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, remove the stems and seeds from the chilies and place them in a bowl. Cover the chilies with hot water and let them soak for about 20-30 minutes, or until they become soft and pliable.
Once the chilies are soft, remove them from the water and chop them into small pieces. You can then add the chopped chilies to the slow cooker with the other ingredients. If you prefer a milder stew, you can use just one or two chilies, or you can use more if you prefer a spicier stew.
Can I make Slow Cooker Carne Guisada in a Dutch oven or on the stovetop?
While the recipe is specifically designed for a slow cooker, you can also make Slow Cooker Carne Guisada in a Dutch oven or on the stovetop. To make it in a Dutch oven, brown the beef and cook the onions and garlic in the pot, then add the remaining ingredients and cover the pot. Transfer the pot to the oven and cook at 300°F (150°C) for about 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender.
To make it on the stovetop, brown the beef and cook the onions and garlic in a large pot, then add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for about 1-2 hours, or until the beef is tender. Keep in mind that cooking the stew on the stovetop or in a Dutch oven will require more attention and stirring than cooking it in a slow cooker.
How do I serve Slow Cooker Carne Guisada?
Slow Cooker Carne Guisada is typically served with warm flour or corn tortillas, which are used to scoop up the tender beef and flavorful broth. You can also serve it with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a side salad. Some people like to add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro on top of the stew for extra flavor.
In Mexico, Carne Guisada is often served at family gatherings and special occasions, such as weddings and holidays. It’s a hearty and comforting dish that is sure to please a crowd. You can also serve it at casual gatherings, such as game day parties or potlucks.
Can I make Slow Cooker Carne Guisada ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Slow Cooker Carne Guisada ahead of time. In fact, the stew is often better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together. To make it ahead of time, cook the stew in the slow cooker as directed, then let it cool and refrigerate or freeze it.
To reheat the stew, simply place it in the slow cooker and cook on low for about 30 minutes, or until it’s hot and bubbly. You can also reheat it on the stovetop or in the oven. If you’re freezing the stew, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in the slow cooker or on the stovetop.
Is Slow Cooker Carne Guisada spicy?
Slow Cooker Carne Guisada can be spicy, depending on the type and amount of chilies used in the recipe. The dried arbol chilies add a moderate level of heat to the stew, but you can adjust the level of heat to your liking by using more or fewer chilies.
If you prefer a milder stew, you can use just one or two chilies, or you can omit the seeds and membranes, which contain most of the heat. If you prefer a spicier stew, you can use more chilies or add other spicy ingredients, such as diced jalapenos or serrano peppers.