Carne Guisada

Ingredients

• 900g (2 lb) beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1.5 tsp salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour, divided
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 (400g) can diced tomatoes
• 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 bay leaf
• Warm flour tortillas or steamed rice, for serving
• Chopped cilantro, for serving

Before you cook

• Pat the beef cubes completely dry with paper towels.
• Toss the beef with the salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of the flour until lightly coated.
• Finely dice the onion and green bell pepper.
• Mince the garlic.
• Measure the cumin, chili powder, and oregano into a small bowl.

Steps

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add half the beef to the pot in a single layer.
3. Sear the beef for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned.
4. Transfer the browned beef to a plate.
5. Sear the remaining beef the same way and transfer it to the plate.
6. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pot.
7. Add the onion and bell pepper to the pot.
8. Sauté the onion and pepper for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
9. Stir in the garlic, cumin, chili powder, and oregano.
10. Cook the spices for 60 seconds until fragrant.
11. Sprinkle in the remaining 1 tablespoon of flour.
12. Stir constantly for 1 minute to toast the flour.
13. Stir in the tomato paste.
14. Cook the tomato paste for 1 minute until it darkens slightly.
15. Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, bay leaf, and browned beef to the pot.
16. Bring the liquid to a boil.
17. Reduce the heat to low.
18. Cover the pot.
19. Simmer for 1.5 hours, stirring every 20-30 minutes.
20. Remove the lid.
21. Simmer uncovered for a final 30 minutes until the beef is fork-tender and the gravy has thickened.
22. Discard the bay leaf.
23. Taste the gravy and add more salt if needed.
24. Serve the carne guisada hot with warm flour tortillas and chopped cilantro.