Carne Guisada

Cookbook Category: Beef, Tex-Mex

Carne Guisada is best described as a kind of Mexican stew that varies both in ingredients and in cooking methods, often depending upon region. This version relies upon slow oven roasting to produce a fall-apart-tender result.

2 pounds chuck roast, trimmed and cut in bite-size pieces
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 cup chopped celery
3 or 4 jalapeños, stems and seeds removed, chopped
2-1/2 cups beef stock
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons chili powder

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Place the meat cubes in a paper or plastic bag. Sprinkle the flour over them, close the bag and shake to coat the meat lightly and evenly.

In a Dutch oven or heavy skillet, heat the oil over high heat. Add the meat and brown quickly. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat.

Cover the Dutch oven or skillet and place in the oven. Roast for 2 hours. Makes 6 servings