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Flavorful Carne Guisada Puerto Rican Stew

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A rich and comforting Puerto Rican beef stew made with tender beef chunks simmered in a vibrant sauce with traditional spices and sofrito. Perfect for cozy dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • ¼ cup sofrito
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • ½ cup olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1 tablespoon capers (optional)
  • 1 packet sazón seasoning (or 1 tablespoon)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (a handful) for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cube the beef into 1 ½-inch pieces (about 2 pounds), peel and cube 2 medium potatoes, finely chop 1 onion and dice 1 green bell pepper. Mince 4 garlic cloves. Set aside all your measured spices and seasonings.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes in batches and brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove beef and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, lower heat to medium. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
  4. Stir in ¼ cup sofrito, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon oregano, and 1 packet sazón. Cook for 2 minutes to let the spices bloom and meld with the aromatics.
  5. Add the browned beef back into the pot. Pour in 1 cup tomato sauce and 2 cups beef broth. Stir gently to combine, making sure the beef is submerged. Bring to a simmer.
  6. Cover partially and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer gently for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally until beef is tender and sauce thickens.
  7. After 1 hour, stir in the cubed potatoes, ½ cup sliced olives, and 1 tablespoon capers. Cover and cook for another 20-30 minutes until potatoes are soft but not mushy.
  8. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Stir in chopped fresh cilantro just before serving.

Notes

Browning the beef well is crucial for flavor. If stew thickens too much, add warm water or broth to loosen. Watch potatoes carefully to avoid mushiness. Olives and capers add authentic tang and depth. For a smoother sauce, blend part of the stew after cooking if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: Carne Guisada, Puerto Rican stew, beef stew, sofrito, comfort food, easy stew recipe, traditional Puerto Rican

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/flavorful-carne-guisada-puerto-rican-stew-recipe-easy-homemade-guide/