Instant Pot Carne Guisada: The Ultimate Easy & Flavorful Mexican Beef Stew

Discover how to create the most tender, rich, and flavorful Mexican beef stew, Carne Guisada, with the incredible speed and convenience of your Instant Pot. This classic dish is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for a hearty family meal over rice or as a delicious filling for tortillas. Get ready to transform simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying culinary experience that tastes like it slow-cooked all day, but comes together in a fraction of the time!

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What is Carne Guisada? A Culinary Journey into Mexican Beef Stew

Carne Guisada, literally translating to “stewed meat” from Spanish, is a beloved traditional Mexican beef stew that holds a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of many, especially in regions like Texas and throughout Mexico. While “carne” often refers generally to meat, in this context, it almost always implies succulent beef. This isn’t just any beef stew; it’s a deeply flavorful, aromatic dish slow-cooked to perfection, typically featuring tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich, savory gravy infused with a vibrant blend of garlic, onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes, along with classic Mexican spices like cumin, oregano, and chili powder.

Traditionally, Carne Guisada is prepared by slow-simmering the beef for hours until it reaches a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a complex and comforting stew. However, thanks to modern kitchen appliances like the Instant Pot, you can achieve that same depth of flavor and incredible tenderness in a fraction of the time. The Instant Pot uses pressure cooking to tenderize the beef quickly, making this hearty Mexican classic accessible for even busy weeknights without compromising on its authentic taste. Whether served with warm tortillas for scooping up every drop of that delicious gravy or spooned over fluffy rice, Carne Guisada is a versatile and incredibly satisfying meal.

Is Instant Pot Carne Guisada Gluten-Free? Making Dietary Adjustments

The traditional Carne Guisada recipe often calls for flour to thicken the rich gravy, which means it isn’t inherently gluten-free. However, adapting this delicious stew to be gluten-free is incredibly simple and doesn’t sacrifice any of the flavor or texture! If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you can easily make a straightforward substitution to enjoy this hearty Mexican dish.

Instead of using wheat flour, we recommend substituting a cornstarch slurry to achieve that perfect, velvety consistency for your gravy. To do this, simply mix 2-3 tablespoons of cornstarch with a small amount of the reserved, room-temperature tomato juices (or cold water/broth) until a smooth paste forms. It’s crucial not to use hot liquid when mixing cornstarch, as it can clump. Once your beef is cooked and the Instant Pot is open, stir this slurry directly into the stew while it simmers on “Sauté” mode. The cornstarch will quickly thicken the sauce, providing the desired gravy-like texture. Remember to stir continuously for a few minutes until it reaches your preferred thickness.

Beyond the gravy, ensure all your serving accompaniments are also gluten-free. Opt for naturally gluten-free corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas, or serve your Carne Guisada over steamed white or brown rice, quinoa, or even polenta. Always check labels on any canned goods or spices to ensure they are certified gluten-free, though most basic spices are naturally free from gluten. With these simple modifications, everyone can enjoy a truly authentic and delicious Instant Pot Carne Guisada.

Time Needed for Instant Pot Carne Guisada: Efficiency Meets Flavor

One of the greatest advantages of making Carne Guisada in the Instant Pot is the significant reduction in cooking time compared to traditional stovetop or slow cooker methods. What typically takes hours of simmering can be achieved in a much shorter span, making this a fantastic option for a weeknight meal without compromising on depth of flavor or the tender texture of the beef.

Here’s a general breakdown of the time needed for this Instant Pot Carne Guisada recipe:

• Prep Time (10 minutes): This includes chopping your onion, green bell pepper, and mincing the garlic. If your beef stew meat isn’t pre-cut, you’ll also factor in the time to cube your beef roast.
• Active Sautéing/Setup (5-10 minutes): While not strictly required for this specific recipe’s initial steps, many Instant Pot recipes begin with sautéing the meat to brown it. For this streamlined recipe, you’re primarily layering ingredients.
• Pressure Building Time (15-20 minutes): The Instant Pot needs time to come up to pressure before the actual cooking cycle begins. This can vary based on the amount and temperature of the ingredients.
• Cook Time (25 minutes): This is the time your Instant Pot actively cooks the beef under high pressure, ensuring it becomes incredibly tender.
• Natural Pressure Release (NPR) (15 minutes): Allowing a natural pressure release for 15 minutes is crucial for keeping the beef moist and tender. Rushing this step with a quick release can sometimes result in tougher meat.
• Thickening the Gravy (5-7 minutes): After releasing pressure, you’ll switch to the “Sauté” mode to thicken the sauce with the flour slurry, stirring continuously until it reaches the desired consistency.

All in all, from start to finish, including all the chopping, pressure building, cooking, and thickening, your Instant Pot Carne Guisada will be ready in approximately **1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes**. This efficiency allows you to enjoy a rich, slow-cooked taste even on your busiest days!

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Instant Pot Carne Guisada

Crafting a truly authentic and delicious Carne Guisada begins with selecting the right ingredients. This recipe uses a balanced combination of fresh produce, hearty beef, and classic Mexican spices to create a stew that’s both comforting and incredibly flavorful. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for choosing the best quality components.

For the Stew:

• Water: We use ¾ cup of water initially, plus extra to create the thickening slurry. This provides the necessary liquid for pressure cooking and for adjusting gravy consistency. You can substitute beef broth for extra depth of flavor.
• Beef Stew Meat or Beef Roast (cut into cubes): 3-4 pounds of beef is ideal. Chuck roast is a fantastic choice for Carne Guisada because it’s well-marbled, which breaks down beautifully under pressure, yielding incredibly tender and flavorful results. Cut it into 1-inch to 1.5-inch cubes for even cooking.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Don’t be shy with seasoning the meat; it’s the foundation of flavor.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (or Plain Diced Tomatoes): 20 ounces. The “with green chilies” variety (like Ro*Tel) adds a fantastic Tex-Mex kick and a subtle warmth without being overly spicy. If you prefer a milder stew, plain diced tomatoes work perfectly. Remember to reserve the juices for the thickening slurry.
• Chopped Onion: 1 medium onion (yellow or white) provides a sweet and savory base.
• Diced Green Bell Pepper: 1 green bell pepper adds a fresh, slightly bitter note that complements the richness of the stew. You could experiment with red or yellow bell peppers for a sweeter profile, but green is traditional.
• Minced Garlic: 3 cloves, or more if you’re a garlic lover! Freshly minced garlic is always best for maximum flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: 3 tablespoons, used for thickening the gravy. As mentioned in the gluten-free section, cornstarch is a great alternative.
• Cumin: ½ teaspoon. Essential for that distinctive, earthy Mexican flavor.
• Oregano: ½ teaspoon. Mexican oregano, if you can find it, offers a more pungent and citrusy note than Mediterranean oregano, but regular dried oregano works well too.
• Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon. This is typically a blend of several chili types and other spices. Adjust to your heat preference – add more for a spicier kick, or opt for a mild chili powder if you prefer less heat.

Optional Garnishes (Highly Recommended!):

These garnishes elevate your Carne Guisada, adding freshness, texture, and additional layers of flavor.

• Fresh Cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro brightens up the dish with its herbaceous notes.
• Grated Cheese: Shredded Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican blend adds a creamy, savory finish.
• Pico de Gallo: A fresh salsa of diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños provides a zesty, refreshing counterpoint.
• Sour Cream (or Mexican Crema): A dollop of sour cream or its milder Mexican cousin, crema, adds a cool, tangy richness.

How to Make Instant Pot Carne Guisada: Step-by-Step Perfection

Preparing Carne Guisada in your Instant Pot is surprisingly simple, allowing you to achieve a tender, flavorful beef stew with minimal fuss. Follow these detailed steps to create a dish that tastes like it cooked all day, but is ready in under 90 minutes.

These instructions are specifically for making Carne Guisada in the Instant Pot. If you prefer a slow cooker method, you can find those instructions here.

1. Prepare Your Ingredients:

   Before you begin, ensure all your vegetables are prepped. Chop one onion and one green bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. Mince three cloves of fresh garlic. If your beef stew meat isn’t already cubed, cut 3-4 pounds of beef chuck roast into 1-inch to 1.5-inch pieces. This uniform size helps ensure even cooking.

2. Assemble in the Instant Pot:

   Pour ¾ cup of water into the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Then, add your beef stew meat. This initial layer of liquid helps prevent a “burn” notice from the Instant Pot. Generously season the beef with salt and pepper to your preference. Even if you forget this step now (it happens!), don’t worry—this recipe is very forgiving, and you can always adjust seasoning at the end.

   Next, drain the juice from a 20-ounce can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (or plain diced tomatoes) into a 2-cup measuring cup. Set this reserved juice aside, as it will be crucial for thickening the gravy later. Place the drained tomatoes directly over the beef in the Instant Pot. Finally, add your minced garlic, chopped onion, and diced green pepper on top of the tomatoes. Avoid stirring at this stage; layering the ingredients helps the Instant Pot come to pressure properly.

   

3. Pressure Cook the Beef:

   Close the Instant Pot lid and make sure the sealing valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting (use high pressure if your model offers the option) and set the timer for 25 minutes. It will take about 15-20 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure before the cooking time begins. Once cooking is complete, allow a Natural Pressure Release (NPR) for 15 minutes. This slow release helps the beef stay exceptionally tender and juicy. After 15 minutes, carefully move the sealing valve to the “Venting” position to release any remaining pressure, then open the lid.

4. Season and Stir:

   Once the lid is open, add 1 teaspoon of chili powder, ½ teaspoon of oregano, and ½ teaspoon of cumin to the cooked beef and vegetables. Stir everything together thoroughly, incorporating the spices and breaking up any large tomato pieces. This is a great time to taste and adjust the seasonings. Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or additional chili powder if you like a spicier or more robust flavor; customize it to your family’s preference.

   

5. Thicken the Gravy:

   Recall the reserved tomato juice you set aside. Add enough extra water to this juice to make a total of 1½ cups of liquid. Warm this liquid slightly in the microwave or on the stovetop. In a separate bowl, whisk 3 tablespoons of flour into the warmed liquid until completely smooth and free of lumps. This creates your thickening slurry.

   

   Turn your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Once the liquid in the pot starts to simmer, slowly pour in the flour mixture while stirring constantly. Continue stirring for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken to your desired consistency. The stew will come to a hard boil, which is normal for thickening.

   

6. Rest and Serve:

   Once your gravy is perfectly thickened, turn off the Instant Pot to stop the hard boil. Let the stew sit for about 10 minutes; this allows the flavors to settle and the gravy to further set. If you’re not serving immediately, you can switch the Instant Pot back to “Keep Warm” or “Slow Cooker” mode to maintain its temperature. Finally, transfer your delicious Instant Pot Carne Guisada to serving bowls.

   Garnish generously with fresh cilantro, grated cheese, a spoonful of pico de gallo, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately with warm tortillas for dipping, or spoon over fluffy rice for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy this truly authentic and easy Mexican beef stew!

   

Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Carne Guisada

Carne Guisada is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. Its rich, savory gravy and tender beef are the stars, but the right accompaniments can elevate the entire dining experience. Here are some popular and delicious ways to serve your Instant Pot Carne Guisada:

• Classic with Tortillas: This is arguably the most traditional way to enjoy Carne Guisada. Serve it with warm flour or corn tortillas (for a gluten-free option). The tortillas are perfect for scooping up the tender beef and soaking up every last drop of that incredible gravy. You can even make small street-style tacos.
• Over Rice: For a hearty and filling meal, serve your Carne Guisada over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice. The rice soaks up the flavorful sauce beautifully and provides a wonderful texture contrast.
• Tacos and Burritos: Use Carne Guisada as a filling for soft tacos or burritos. Add your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, extra cheese, diced avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice for a complete Tex-Mex feast.
• Carne Guisada Bowls: Create customizable bowls by starting with a base of rice or quinoa, then topping with Carne Guisada and all your preferred garnishes (cilantro, cheese, pico de gallo, sour cream, avocado slices).
• With Beans: A classic pairing with Mexican cuisine, a side of refried beans or charro beans complements the richness of the stew perfectly.
• As a Topping: Get creative! Spoon Carne Guisada over nachos, quesadillas, or even baked potatoes for a unique and delicious twist.
• Fresh Salad: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the stew.

Don’t forget the garnishes! Fresh cilantro, grated cheese, pico de gallo, and sour cream are not just for show; they add essential layers of flavor and texture that complete the Carne Guisada experience.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Instant Pot Carne Guisada

Carne Guisada is one of those dishes that often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld and deepen. It’s also excellent for meal prepping or freezing for future quick meals. Here’s how to properly store and reheat your leftovers:

Storage:

• Refrigerator: Once cooled to room temperature (within 2 hours of cooking), transfer the Carne Guisada to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, Carne Guisada freezes beautifully. Portion the cooled stew into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: This is generally the best method for reheating Carne Guisada as it allows for even heating and helps maintain the gravy’s consistency. Transfer the stew to a saucepan or pot over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally, adding a splash of water or beef broth if the gravy has become too thick, until heated through.
• Microwave: For individual portions, the microwave is a quick and convenient option. Place a serving in a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the beef.
• Instant Pot (Sauté Mode): If you have a large amount of leftovers, you can reheat them in the Instant Pot using the “Sauté” function. Add the stew to the inner pot and heat on low sauté, stirring frequently, until warmed through. Again, add a bit of liquid if needed to loosen the gravy.

No matter how you reheat it, a freshly chopped sprinkle of cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and some warm tortillas will make your leftovers taste just as good as the first time!

Delicious Carne Guisada Variations: Customize Your Stew

While the classic Instant Pot Carne Guisada recipe is perfect as is, it’s also wonderfully adaptable! Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to suit your personal taste preferences. Here are a few ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:

• Kick Up the Heat: For those who love a spicy stew, there are several ways to add more fire.
  • **Fresh Chiles:** Sauté a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper with your onions and bell peppers.
  • **Canned Chiles:** Add a can of diced green chilies (medium or hot) in addition to, or instead of, the mild ones.
  • **Chipotle in Adobo:** A spoon or two of minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce will add a smoky heat and a beautiful depth of flavor.
  • **Spicy Chili Powder:** Use a hot chili powder blend or add a pinch of cayenne pepper with your other spices.
• Add More Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and texture of your stew by incorporating other vegetables.
  • **Potatoes:** Diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet work well) can be added with the beef and other vegetables. They’ll absorb the flavors and become incredibly tender.
  • **Carrots & Celery:** A classic stew base, these can be added alongside the bell peppers and onions for extra flavor and nutrients.
  • **Corn & Peas:** Stir in frozen corn or peas during the thickening stage for a touch of sweetness and color.
• Different Beef Cuts: While chuck roast is highly recommended for its marbling and tenderness, you can experiment with other cuts suitable for stewing. Short ribs or even brisket, cut into cubes, can yield excellent results, though cooking times might need slight adjustment.
• Broth vs. Water: For an even richer flavor profile, substitute beef broth or stock for some or all of the water in the recipe.
• Aromatic Additions: Consider adding a bay leaf during pressure cooking for an extra layer of herbal notes. Remove it before serving. A dash of Worcestershire sauce can also subtly enhance the umami of the beef.

Remember, cooking is an art, and these variations are merely starting points. Feel free to adjust and combine elements to create your ultimate Instant Pot Carne Guisada!

Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Carne Guisada

Here are answers to some common questions you might have when making this delicious Mexican beef stew in your Instant Pot:

Q: What is the best cut of beef for Carne Guisada?

A: Chuck roast is highly recommended for Carne Guisada. Its marbling and connective tissues break down beautifully under pressure, resulting in incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef that’s full of flavor. You can also use pre-cut “beef stew meat,” which is often chuck roast.

Q: Can I brown the beef before pressure cooking?

A: While this recipe is designed for a quick and easy, no-brown method in the Instant Pot, browning the beef first can add an extra layer of rich, caramelized flavor. If you choose to brown, do so in the Instant Pot on “Sauté” mode with a little oil before adding the other ingredients. Be sure to deglaze the pot thoroughly to avoid a “burn” notice.

Q: Why did my Instant Pot give a “burn” notice?

A: A “burn” notice usually occurs when there’s something stuck to the bottom of the pot or not enough liquid. In this recipe, layering the water, beef, and then the tomatoes and vegetables is key. The water and liquid from the tomatoes help prevent scorching. If you brown the meat, always deglaze the pot well before adding other ingredients and pressure cooking.

Q: My gravy isn’t thickening. What should I do?

A: Ensure you’ve followed the instructions for creating the flour slurry correctly. The liquid should be warm (not boiling) when mixing in the flour to prevent lumps, and you need to stir constantly while simmering on “Sauté” mode. If it’s still too thin after 5-7 minutes, you can make a small additional slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water) and whisk it in, continuing to stir until desired thickness is reached.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

A: Yes, Carne Guisada is traditionally a slow-cooked dish! You can find specific instructions for the slow cooker method here. The ingredient list would be similar, but the cooking process and times will differ.

Q: What can I do with leftover Carne Guisada?

A: Leftovers are fantastic! Besides reheating and serving as is, you can use Carne Guisada as a filling for burritos, enchiladas (like a Tex-Mex Beef Casserole), tostadas, or even as a topping for loaded fries or nachos.

More delicious soups and stews:

Full Recipe Card: Instant Pot Carne Guisada

Instant Pot Carne Guisada: Quick & Tender Mexican Beef Stew

4.41 from 76 votes

Carne guisada, a rich and tender Mexican beef stew, is incredibly quick and easy to make in the Instant Pot. Enjoy this flavorful dish over rice or served with warm tortillas for a comforting meal.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Course Main Dish

Cuisine Latin American, Mexican, Tex-Mex

Servings 10 servings

Calories 217

Ingredients

  

• ¾ cup water, plus extra for slurry (or beef broth for richer flavor)
• 3-4 pounds beef stew meat, chuck roast cut into 1 to 1.5-inch cubes preferred
• salt and pepper to taste
• 20 ounces canned diced tomatoes with green chilies or plain diced tomatoes, juices reserved
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or 2-3 tablespoons cornstarch for gluten-free)
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon oregano (Mexican oregano if available)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to preference)

Optional Garnishes:

• fresh cilantro, chopped
• grated cheese (Monterey Jack, Cheddar, or Mexican blend)
• pico de gallo
• sour cream (or Mexican crema)

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Instructions

• Chop 1 large onion and 1 green bell pepper. Mince 3 cloves garlic. If using a beef roast, cut into 1 to 1.5-inch cubes.
• Pour ¾ cup water into the Instant Pot and add the 3-4 pounds beef stew meat. Season with salt and pepper as preferred.
• Drain the juice from the 20 ounces canned diced tomatoes with green chilies into a 2 cup measuring cup; reserve the juices. Place the drained tomatoes over the meat in the Instant Pot. Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and diced green pepper on top. Do not stir.
• Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the sealing valve to “Sealing.” Cook on manual pressure (or “Pressure Cook” on high) for 25 minutes. Allow a Natural Pressure Release (NPR) for 15 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure and open the lid. Add ½ teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon oregano, and 1 teaspoon chili powder, then stir well to combine and incorporate the spices.
• Add enough additional water (or beef broth) to the reserved tomato juice to make a total of 1½ cups liquid. Heat this liquid in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm.
• Whisk 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour into the warm liquid until thoroughly combined and lump-free. Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Once the stew begins to simmer, gradually pour the flour mixture into the cooked meat, stirring constantly. Continue to stir for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken into a rich gravy.
• Turn off the Instant Pot to stop the hard boil, and let the stew rest for 10 minutes. If not serving immediately, you can turn it back on to “Slow Cooker” or “Keep Warm” mode to maintain temperature.
• Garnish your Instant Pot Carne Guisada with fresh chopped cilantro, grated cheese, pico de gallo, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately with warm tortillas for dipping or over rice. Enjoy!

Notes

1. If you prefer mild over spicy food, opt for plain canned diced tomatoes instead of the diced tomatoes with green chilies.
2. Leftovers from Carne Guisada are incredibly versatile! Use them to make delicious beef enchiladas, a Tex-Mex Beef Casserole, or hearty burritos.
3. These instructions are specifically for making Carne Guisada in the Instant Pot. For slow cooker instructions, please find them here.
4. The provided nutrition data does not include any optional garnishes.
5. To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a mixture of 2-3 tablespoons of cornstarch whisked into the room temperature reserved juices (do NOT heat the liquid when using cornstarch initially). Serve with corn tortillas or rice instead of flour tortillas to keep it gluten-free.

Nutrition per serving

Calories: 217 cal
Carbohydrates: 6 g
Protein: 31 g
Fat: 6 g
Sodium: 437 mg
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 2 g

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