Carne Guisada Taco from Taco Cabana features tender, slow-cooked beef stewed in a flavorful blend of spices and rich gravy, nestled inside a warm, soft corn tortilla, topped with fresh diced onions and cilantro for a hearty and satisfying Mexican treat.
Equipments
- Slow cooker or Dutch oven
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Ladle
- Tongs
- Skillet or griddle (for tortillas)
- Tortilla warmer or clean kitchen towel
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) beef stew meat (chuck or round)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 bell pepper
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon water
- 12 corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup diced onions
Choosing the right cut of beef, such as chuck or round, is essential for achieving tender, flavorful Carne Guisada. Using fresh vegetables like bell pepper, tomatoes, and onions will enhance the stew's natural taste and aroma. Be sure to use quality beef broth and a balanced mix of spices including cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and dried oregano to replicate the rich, savory gravy. Corn tortillas should be warmed properly using a skillet or tortilla warmer to maintain softness and flexibility. Your Carne Guisada Taco copycat menu will come close to Taco Cabana's hearty and satisfying Mexican classic when these ingredient details are carefully followed.
Instructions
- Cut beef into bite-sized pieces.
- Dice onion, garlic, bell pepper, and tomatoes.
- Heat vegetable oil in Dutch oven or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown beef on all sides, working in batches if necessary.
- Remove beef; set aside.
- Add onions, garlic, and bell pepper to pot; sauté until softened.
- Stir in tomatoes; cook until softened.
- Return beef to pot.
- Add cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper, and salt; stir to coat beef and vegetables.
- Mix in tomato paste and bay leaves.
- Pour in beef broth; stir to combine.
- Bring to a simmer.
- Cover and cook on low for 2 hours (Dutch oven) or cook in slow cooker on LOW for 6-8 hours.
- Mix flour and water to form a slurry; stir into stew to thicken.
- Simmer uncovered 10–15 minutes until gravy thickens.
- Discard bay leaves.
- Warm corn tortillas on skillet or griddle.
- Spoon carne guisada into tortillas.
- Top with diced onions and cilantro.
- Serve immediately, keeping tortillas warm in tortilla warmer or towel.
Substitution
Carne Guisada Taco from Taco Cabana's copycat menu replicates tender beef slow-cooked in a rich, spiced gravy inside warm corn tortillas. If you don't have beef stew meat, chuck roast cut into cubes can provide a similar texture and flavor. When slow cooking isn't an option, a Dutch oven on low heat will assist you in achieving tender beef by simmering for several hours. If fresh corn tortillas are unavailable, flour tortillas can serve as a convenient alternative, though authenticity may vary slightly. Remember to keep your chopped onions and cilantro fresh to preserve the signature garnish that enhances your taco's flavor.
Tips
Make sure to brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which helps achieve a better sear and richer flavor. When thickening the stew, slowly whisk in the flour slurry to prevent lumps and allow the gravy to thicken evenly. Keep your tortillas warm in a tortilla warmer or wrapped tightly in a clean kitchen towel to maintain softness and flexibility for easier assembly. To enhance your Carne Guisada Taco experience, use fresh diced onions and cilantro just before serving to add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, slow-cooked beef.
Nutritions
Carne Guisada Tacos provide a substantial source of protein from the tender beef stew meat, essential for muscle repair and growth. The slow-cooking method preserves nutrients and blends flavors while keeping sodium content moderate through controlled seasoning. Corn tortillas contribute dietary fiber and essential minerals like magnesium, enhancing digestion and overall health. Your inclusion of fresh onions and cilantro adds antioxidants and vitamins, supporting your immune system and promoting well-rounded nutrition.
Storage
Store leftover Carne Guisada in an airtight container and refrigerate it within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Your beef stew will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the fridge, or you can freeze it for up to 3 months to extend its shelf life. When reheating, warm the stew gently on the stovetop or microwave, and reheat tortillas separately in a skillet or tortilla warmer to preserve their softness.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, substitute beef stew meat with shredded pork shoulder to add a slightly sweeter, richer flavor to your Carne Guisada tacos. You can also swap corn tortillas for soft flour tortillas if you prefer a more tender wrap. To deepen the stew's complexity, consider adding a splash of beer or a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce during the simmering step. If you want a thicker gravy without flour, reduce the beef broth by simmering uncovered for a longer period before adding the slurry.
Allergies
Carne Guisada Tacos contain beef stew meat, onions, garlic, and bell peppers, which are common allergens for some individuals. The use of all-purpose flour may introduce gluten, a concern for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. If you have food allergies, it's important to verify ingredient sources and preparation methods to ensure your meal is safe to enjoy.
Why this recipe?
Carne Guisada Taco from Taco Cabana boasts tender, slow-cooked beef simmered in rich spices, delivering authentic Tex-Mex flavors that appeal to many. Its savory gravy melds perfectly with warm tortillas, creating a satisfying and hearty meal that keeps customers coming back. Making a copycat recipe allows you to replicate this comfort food at home, tailoring the seasoning to your taste and enjoying a restaurant-quality dish anytime. Your kitchen can become the go-to spot for this beloved Tex-Mex classic, saving money while savoring quality.