Carne Guisada (Puerto Rican Beef Stew)

Carne Guisada is a deeply comforting Puerto Rican beef stew known for its rich, savory broth and tender, slow-simmered beef. Built on a flavorful base of sofrito, warm spices, and tomato sauce, this stew develops layers of complexity as it cooks low and slow. Carrots and potatoes soak up the seasoned broth, while pimento-stuffed olives add a subtle briny contrast that brightens the dish. Traditionally served with white rice, this stew is hearty, grounding, and full of cultural warmth—perfect for family meals or cozy evenings at home.

Stew Beef
Stew beef is ideal for long, slow cooking. As it simmers, the connective tissue breaks down, resulting in fork-tender meat that absorbs the rich flavors of the broth.

Sofrito
Sofrito is the backbone of Puerto Rican cooking. Made from blended aromatics like onions, peppers, garlic, and herbs, it creates depth, fragrance, and a distinctly Caribbean flavor profile.

All-Purpose Seasoning
This seasoning blend enhances the beef early on, ensuring every bite is well-seasoned and savory from the inside out.

Tomato Sauce
Tomato sauce provides body and gentle acidity, balancing the richness of the beef while contributing to the stew’s signature color and thickness.

Beef Broth
Beef broth forms the foundation of the stew, infusing it with deep umami flavor and helping tenderize the meat during the long simmer.

Red Wine (Optional)
Red wine adds complexity and subtle acidity, enhancing the savory notes of the beef and helping deglaze the pot for maximum flavor.

Cumin, Chili Powder & Oregano
These warm spices add earthiness and depth without overpowering the dish, complementing the natural flavors of the beef and sofrito.

Bay Leaves
Bay leaves gently perfume the stew as it simmers, adding a subtle herbal layer that rounds out the broth.

Pimento-Stuffed Olives
Olives introduce a briny, slightly tangy contrast that brightens the stew and balances its richness.

Carrots & Potatoes
These vegetables add natural sweetness, texture, and heartiness, making the stew a complete, nourishing meal.

Red Wine Vinegar
Added at the end, red wine vinegar lifts the flavors and brings balance, preventing the stew from tasting too heavy.

Carne Guisada begins by seasoning and searing the beef until deeply browned, creating a flavorful base for the stew. Once the beef is set aside, onions and sofrito are gently sautéed to release their aromatics, followed by warming spices that bloom in the oil. Beef broth, tomato sauce, and optional red wine are added to deglaze the pot, capturing every bit of flavor. The beef is returned to the pot and slowly simmered until tender, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. Carrots, potatoes, and olives are added toward the end so they cook just until tender, absorbing the rich broth. A splash of red wine vinegar finishes the dish, enhancing brightness and balance before serving.