Slow-Simmered Salvadoran Beef Carne Guisada

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender beef chunks simmered in a rich tomato-adobo sauce with bell peppers and traditional spices, perfect served over white rice. This latin american-inspired beef ready in about 145 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, vegetable oil, large, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 130 min Serves 6 Latin American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs beef chuck cubes and brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes total. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large diced yellow onion, 1 medium sliced red bell pepper, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup tomato sauce, 2 cups beef broth, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 bay leaf, and 2 tbsp white vinegar. Return browned beef to the pot and bring to a simmer.
  4. Step 4: Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is fork-tender and sauce has thickened.
  5. Step 5: Remove bay leaf and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving. Serve with steamed white rice or warm corn tortillas for a hearty Salvadoran meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Salvadoran Beef Carne Guisada take to make?

Total time is about 145 minutes (15 min prep + 130 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Simmered Salvadoran Beef Carne Guisada?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Salvadoran Beef Carne Guisada?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Simmered Salvadoran Beef Carne Guisada for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow-Simmered Salvadoran Beef Carne Guisada?

Latin American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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