Carne Guisada Hondureña
A savory and tender Honduran-style beef stew, slow-cooked in a rich, aromatic sauce with vegetables. This dish is a staple in Honduran homes, often served with rice and beans.

🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Beef chuck roast(cut into 1.5-inch cubes)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 2 medium Bell peppers(any color, chopped)
- 4 minced Garlic cloves
- 400 g Tomatoes(diced)
- 4 cups Beef broth
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 1.5 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 2 medium Potatoes(peeled and cut into chunks)
- 2 medium Carrots(peeled and cut into chunks)
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides. Remove beef and set aside.
- 3
Add chopped onions and bell peppers to the pot. Cook until softened, about 7-10 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- 4
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 5
Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, cumin, and oregano. Bring to a simmer.
- 6
Return the seared beef to the pot. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- 7
Add the potato and carrot chunks to the pot. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30-45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- 8
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Stir in fresh cilantro just before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can brown the beef in butter instead of oil.
- ✓If the stew becomes too thick, add a little more beef broth or water.
- ✓This dish tastes even better the next day, allowing the flavors to deepen.
🔄 Variations
- Add a bay leaf to the stew while it simmers for an extra layer of flavor.
- Include other root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes.
- For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper.