Ground Beef and Potato Stew (Carne Guisada) | CookOS

Ground Beef and Potato Stew (Carne Guisada)

Name: Ground Beef and Potato Stew (Carne Guisada)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tbsp cooking oil; 1 small onion, diced; 3 Anaheim peppers, diced; 1 jalapeño, diced; 3 Roma tomatoes, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 lbs ground beef; 4 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp ancho powder; 2 tsp ground cumin; 2 tsp dried oregano; salt, to taste; 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced; 2 cups water or broth; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 4 tsp beef bouillon powder; chopped cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Carne guisada is a Mexican ground beef and potato stew that simmers in a seasoned broth of chili powder, ancho, and fresh peppers. This one-pan meal delivers tender potatoes and savory beef in under an hour, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.

🌍Mexican 🏷️Carne guisada 🏷️Ground beef stew 🏷️Beef and potatoes 🏷️Tex-mex Comfort food

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Total

45 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$32–$53

Recipe Source

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Ingredients

1 tbsp cooking oil
1 small onion, diced
3 Anaheim peppers, diced
1 jalapeño, diced
3 Roma tomatoes, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 lbs ground beef
4 tsp chili powder
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp ancho powder
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp dried oregano
salt, to taste
4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
2 cups water or broth
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
4 tsp beef bouillon powder
chopped cilantro, for garnish (optional)optional

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Instructions

1
Heat oil in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
2
Add the diced onion, Anaheim peppers, and jalapeño. Sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
3
Stir in the diced Roma tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
4
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
5
Add the ground beef to the pan. Season with chili powder, black pepper, ancho powder, ground cumin, oregano, and salt.
6
Break up the meat with a spoon and mix everything together. Cook for about 4 minutes, until the beef is browned.
7
Add the diced potatoes and stir to combine. Cook for 5 minutes.
8
Reduce the heat to medium. In a separate measuring cup, whisk together the water (or broth), all-purpose flour, and beef bouillon powder until smooth.
9
Pour the broth mixture into the pan and stir to combine.
10
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
11
Turn off the heat and stir in optional chopped cilantro.
12
Serve hot with your favorite sides.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Brown the ground beef thoroughly before adding onions and peppers—this builds flavor and helps the meat break into small, tender pieces.
Dice Anaheim and Roma tomatoes finely so they break down into the broth and thicken it naturally without needing a slurry.
Simmer gently once potatoes are added; vigorous boiling can break them apart unevenly.
Taste and adjust seasoning at the end—the chili and ancho powders develop more flavor as they simmer.

Substitutions

Anaheim peppers → poblano peppers (milder, earthier)
Roma tomatoes → canned diced tomatoes, drained (use 1 cup; reduce fresh tomato amount)
Ancho powder → additional chili powder (use 1 tsp extra; less fruity but works)
Jalapeño → serrano pepper (spicier, shorter cooking time)

Storage & make-ahead

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months; reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding water if needed to restore consistency.

Common Questions

Can I use ground beef or chunks of beef for carne guisada?

Both work, but ground beef creates a more broken-down, rustic texture that thickens the broth naturally. Chunks require longer simmering (1.5–2 hours) for tenderness.

What can I substitute for Anaheim peppers?

Use poblano peppers for similar mild heat and earthiness, or bell peppers for no heat. Avoid substituting with jalapeños alone, as they lack the mild, fruity flavor.

How do I know when the potatoes are done?

Pierce with a fork—they should break apart easily without being mushy. Typically 20–25 minutes from a boil.

Can I make carne guisada ahead?

Yes. Make it fully, cool, and refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding water if it's too thick.

What's the difference between ancho powder and chili powder?

Ancho powder is made from dried poblano peppers and is mild and fruity; chili powder is a blend of dried chiles, cumin, and garlic. Both add depth here, but ancho is milder.