Slow Cooker Carne Guisada – Easy & Delicious!

Slow Cooker Carne Guisada is a traditional Mexican dish packed with flavor and incredibly satisfying. Tender chunks of beef are slow-cooked in a rich and savory gravy, while Mexican-style rice adds the perfect accompaniment. This dish is perfect for a weekend family meal or a comforting dinner any day of the week.

Ingredients:

1. Beef Chuck Roast (2.5 pounds): This is the main protein source for the dish. It’s cut into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
2. Onion (1/2, diced): Adds a savory flavor to the dish.
3. Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Provides a pungent and spicy flavor.
4. Crushed Tomato (1/2 cup or 4 ounces): Adds a tangy and sweet flavor.
5. Onion Powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances the onion flavor in the dish.
6. Ground Cumin (1/2 to 1 teaspoon): Gives a warm and earthy flavor.
7. Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Intensifies the garlic taste.
8. Beef Bouillon Powder (1.5 tablespoons): Adds a rich, meaty flavor.
9. Salt (to taste): Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
10. Cracked Black Pepper (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon): Adds a spicy kick.
11. Water (1/2 cup + 1/3 cup for the slurry): Used for cooking and making the flour slurry.
12. All-Purpose Flour (5 tablespoons): Combined with water, make a slurry that thickens the gravy.

For the Mexican Style Rice:

1. Rice (1 cup): The base for the side dish.
2. Chicken Bouillon Cube (1): Adds a savory flavor to the rice.
3. Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the garlic flavor in the rice.
4. Ground Cumin (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a warm flavor to the rice.
5. Dried Minced Onion (1 teaspoon): Used as a substitute for fresh onion, adds a savory flavor.
6. Crushed Tomato (remaining from the carne guisada): Adds a tangy and sweet flavor.
7. Cracked Black Pepper (to taste): Adds a spicy kick.
8. Water (1 and 3/4 cup): Used for cooking the rice.

For the Burritos:

1. Refried Beans: Adds a creamy texture and savory flavor.
2. Cheese: Adds a creamy and tangy flavor.
3. Oversized Flour Tortillas: Wrap the ingredients and hold the burrito together.

Making The Slow Cooker Carne Guisada

Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Add the beef, onion, garlic, crushed tomato, onion powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, beef bouillon powder, salt, cracked black pepper, and water to the slow cooker. Mix well to combine.

Prepare Flour Slurry: In a separate bowl, combine a third cup of water with five tablespoons of all-purpose flour to create a slurry.

Add Slurry to Slow Cooker: Pour the slurry into the slow cooker. As the dish cooks, this will thicken the juices and turn them into gravy.

Cook Carne Guisada: Cover the slow cooker with a lid and set it high. Cook the mixture for about five to six hours or until the meat is tender. If you prefer to cook it on low, it will take around eight to 10 hours.

Stir Occasionally: After two hours of cooking, remove the lid and stir the ingredients to ensure they are well combined. Replace the lid and let it continue cooking.

Making Mexican Style Rice:

Toast the Rice: Toast one cup until golden in a separate pan.

Add Seasonings: Add the chicken bouillon cube, garlic powder, ground cumin, and dried minced onion to the pan. Stir well to combine.

Add Liquids: Pour in one and three-quarters cups of water and the remaining crushed tomato. Stir gently and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Cook the Rice: Cover the pan with a lid, lower the heat, and let it simmer for 15 to 18 minutes.

Let the Rice Rest: After the rice has cooked, turn off the heat and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes without lifting the lid. After 10 minutes, fluff the rice with a fork.

Assembling the Burritos:

Check the Carne Guisada: After about five hours, check the Carne Guisada. If the meat is tender, it is done.

Prepare the Burrito: On a flour tortilla, add a layer of refried beans, cheese, cooked carne guisada, and rice.

Wrap the Burrito: Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it up to enclose the fillings. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and fillings. Your carne guisada burritos are now ready to be enjoyed!

Tips and variations for this Slow Cooker Carne Guisada recipe:

1. Meat Choice: While this recipe uses beef chuck roast, you could also use other cuts of beef or even try it with pork or chicken for a different flavor.
2. Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the slow cooker, such as bell peppers, potatoes, or carrots, for added nutrition and flavor.
3. Spices: If you like spicy food, add some chopped jalapenos or a dash of cayenne pepper to the slow cooker.
4. Thickening: If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can increase the amount of flour in the slurry. Conversely, if you like a thinner gravy, reduce the flour.
5. Rice: The Mexican-style rice is a great accompaniment, but you could also serve the carne guisada with tortillas, over mashed potatoes, or with a side of beans.
6. Slow Cooker Time: If you’re not in a rush, cook the carne guisada on low for 8-10 hours instead of on high for 5-6 hours. This can result in even more tender meat.
7. Garnish: Consider garnishing your dish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of flavor.

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Slow Cooker Carne Guisada
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