Carne Guisada for all intents and purposes is basically a Mexican beef stew made with fresh veggies and lean beef. It is a traditional Mexican dish and also very delicious. I personally like to use grass fed beef and organic veggies because it is a lot healthier than most grocery store meats but that is just my preference. You may use whichever you prefer.

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 lbs of beef chuck, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons of oil
• 1 medium white onion, diced
• 1/2 of any color bell pepper,stemmed and seeded, diced
• 2 Serrano chiles, stemmed and seeded, diced
• 5 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 15 oz can of fire roasted tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon of ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon of chili powder
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1/2 cup o chopped cilantro
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 bottle of Mexican beer (optional)
• 2 cups of water
• Salt and Pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

In a large dutch oven heat 1 tablespoon of the oil. Add in the meat, season with salt and pepper and let it brown on all sides. To ensure that you don't over crown the meat you may want to cook just part at a time.

Remove the meat with a slotted spoon and set aside until ready to use.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and add in the remaining oil. Now add in the onions, bell peppers, jalapenos, and Serrano chiles and cook for about 10 minutes or until the onions start to brown. Then add in the garlic and let everything cook for about another 30 seconds.

Once you have done this, add the cooked beef back into the dutch oven. Alas add in the tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, cilantro, oregano, bay leaf, beer (optional), and the water.

Turn the heat back up to high and let everything come to a boil. Once it is bubbling reduce the heat to low again and let it simmer for 2 to 4 hours. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

NOTE 1: Simmer longer for a more tender meat.

NOTE 2: If you prefer you may also replace the beef with chicken or even pork.

This hearty meat dish is just one of many delicious Mexican recipes that is simple to make and a meal that the whole family will love.

Eat this dish as is for a main course to a family meal or add in your favorite beans and top with cheese to turn it into a hearty chili to serve some hungry men during a super bowl or one of the other many sports they love.

I like to make this on a cold winter day served with a side of Spanish rice with lime and spicy cheese quesadillas.