Carne Guisada, Puerto Rican Beef Stew

Carne guisada is a classic Puerto Rican dish that warms the heart and fills the soul. This flavorful beef stew is made with tender chunks of beef, a rich tomato-based sauce, and a blend of traditional Puerto Rican seasonings that bring it all together. It’s the kind of dish perfect for a weeknight meal or a special family gathering.

Carne guisada shares its heartwarming essence with other Puerto Rican recipes like Sancocho (hearty stew) and Arroz con Pollo, a Puerto Rican one pot meal. These dishes all use Sofrito as a flavor foundation, along with Puerto Rican Garlic Paste, to create bold, comforting meals.

Like Arroz con Gandules, Asopao de Pollo is a traditional chicken soup from Puerto Rico served after parties and on cooler weather, but all-in-all a warm comforting soup any time of the year, or Instant Pot Pernil. Carne Guisada showcases the island’s love for blending savory seasonings with tender proteins, making it a staple that reflects Puerto Rico’s rich culinary traditions. It’s a dish that combines the love for family gatherings and a deep connection to heritage through food. Serve carne guisada with either arroz blanco (Puerto Rican white rice) or arroz amarillo (Puerto Rican yellow rice)

Why you would love this recipe

This recipe is pure comfort food—hearty, flavorful, and full of the vibrant spices that define Puerto Rican cooking. The tender beef and rich, savory sauce make it satisfying, and the potatoes and carrots give it a cozy, homey feel. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug, perfect for sharing with loved ones.

• Bold Flavor: It’s packed with bold, traditional Puerto Rican flavors like sofrito, sazón, and adobo.
• Tender and Juicy: The beef becomes tender and juicy, soaking up the rich tomato-based sauce.
• Versatility: It’s versatile and pairs perfectly with rice, tostones, or even by itself as a hearty stew.

Ingredient Notes

• Beef Stew Meat: The dish's star becomes tender and flavorful as it simmers. Some good cuts of meat would be Chuck Roast, Beef Stew Meat, Brisket, Round Roast, and Short Ribs.
• Sofrito: This blend of herbs and vegetables is the flavor base of many Puerto Rican dishes, adding depth and aroma.
• Achiote Oil: Provides color and a signature savory, slightly earthy taste.
• Potatoes: They absorb the flavors of the sauce and make the dish more filling.

See my recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Swap: Use pork, chicken thighs, or even tofu for a twist.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace meat with hearty vegetables like eggplant, mushrooms, or chickpeas.
• Spice Level: Add a diced jalapeño or crushed red pepper for some heat.
• Root Veggies: Use yuca, sweet potatoes, or taro instead of regular potatoes for a Caribbean flair. Sancocho is a great recipe that will incorporate root vegetables and meats.

How to make Carne Guisada

Here are the step-by-step instructions to make this hearty beef stew

1. Season meat with Loisa's adobo and sazón or a combination of salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, and oregano.
2. Heat achiote oil in a Dutch oven or large pot and sear and brown beef.
3. Remove the beef from the pot.
4. Add onion, celery, and peppers. Saute vegetables until transparent.
5. Add garlic, bay leaves, and sazon. Stir until incorporated.

6. Once vegetables are softer, add vinegar and deglaze the pot.
7. Add tomato sauce and incorporate.
8. Return the meat to the pot and mix it thoroughly.
9. Add carrots and beef broth. Cover and cook for 30 minutes.
10. Add potatoes, olives, and capers and incorporate. Cover and continue cooking for another 30 minutes.

11. I had forgotten to add frozen peas to the list, which is entirely optional.

12. Add the peas and pumpkin and adjust the liquid. You may add water or more broth to your preference for thickness. Continue to cook until vegetables are soft and meat is tender.

Expert Tips

• Serve: Carne guisada is traditionally served over white rice, but it’s also fantastic with tostones (fried green plantains) or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Pair it with a simple salad or avocado slices for a complete meal.
• Marinate ahead of time: Marinate the beef in the adobo seasoning or Mojo marinate for a few hours or overnight for a deeper flavor.
• If you like a thicker sauce, mash a few of the potatoes into the stew before serving.

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