This Puerto Rican Beef Stew (Carne Guisada) – Slow Cooker Recipe is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you go about your day. When dinnertime rolls around, you'll have an incredibly tender and flavorful dish waiting for you!
Did You Know?
Pro Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What cut of beef is best for carne guisada?
Chuck roast or beef stew meat are the best choices. These tougher cuts have more connective tissue that breaks down during slow cooking, creating tender, fall-apart meat.
2. What is sofrito and why is it important?
Sofrito is a Puerto Rican flavor base made from onions, peppers, cilantro, garlic, and culantro blended together. It forms the aromatic foundation of carne guisada.
3. What gives Puerto Rican beef stew its color?
Sazon seasoning with annatto (achiote) gives the stew its signature golden-orange color. Tomato sauce adds depth and richness to the overall hue.
4. Can I make carne guisada in an Instant Pot?
Yes — pressure cook on high for 35-40 minutes with natural release. You get the same tender meat and rich sauce in about an hour total.
5. What potatoes work best in this stew?
Yukon Gold or russet potatoes both work well. Yukon Golds hold their shape better, while russets break down slightly and naturally thicken the sauce.
6. How long should carne guisada cook in the slow cooker?
8-10 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. The beef should be fork-tender and the sauce thick and flavorful.
7. What is the difference between carne guisada and regular beef stew?
Puerto Rican carne guisada uses sofrito, sazon, alcaparrado (olives and capers), and tomato sauce — giving it a distinct Caribbean flavor different from European-style stews.
8. What should I serve with carne guisada?
White rice is the most traditional pairing. The saucy stew over fluffy rice is a staple of Puerto Rican home cooking. Tostones or bread also work well.
9. Can I freeze carne guisada?
Yes, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. The flavors actually deepen after freezing and reheating. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
10. What is alcaparrado and where can I find it?
Alcaparrado is a Puerto Rican condiment of green olives stuffed with pimiento and capers in brine. Find it in the Latin foods aisle or any Hispanic grocery store.
Watch How to Make This
Puerto Rican Beef Stew (Carne Guisada) – Slow Cooker Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the Slow Cooker:Set your Ninja Crockpot (or any slow cooker with stovetop function) to high heat.
- Set your Ninja Crockpot (or any slow cooker with stovetop function) to high heat.
- Caramelize Sugar & Sear Beef:Add olive oil and 1 spoon of sugar.Allow the sugar to burn slightly until golden brown.Add the cubed beef and sear until browned on all sides.
- Add olive oil and 1 spoon of sugar.
- Allow the sugar to burn slightly until golden brown.
- Add the cubed beef and sear until browned on all sides.
- Season the Beef:Sprinkle with ~1 teaspoon Adobo, black pepper to taste, and 1 packet of Sazón.Stir in 2 tablespoons sofrito.
- Sprinkle with ~1 teaspoon Adobo, black pepper to taste, and 1 packet of Sazón.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons sofrito.
- Thicken the Base:Add 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, stirring to coat the beef.Mix in 1 cup tomato sauce and 4 cups beef broth.
- Add 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, stirring to coat the beef.
- Mix in 1 cup tomato sauce and 4 cups beef broth.
- Add Vegetables:Stir in potatoes, onions, bell peppers, celery, and cherry tomatoes.Mix everything well so vegetables are coated in sauce.
- Stir in potatoes, onions, bell peppers, celery, and cherry tomatoes.
- Mix everything well so vegetables are coated in sauce.
- Slow Cook:Switch setting to slow cooker high for 4 hours.OR set to slow cooker low for 8 hours if you’ll be out longer.If cooking stovetop only: simmer on medium-low for ~2 hours.
- Switch setting to slow cooker high for 4 hours.
- OR set to slow cooker low for 8 hours if you’ll be out longer.
- If cooking stovetop only: simmer on medium-low for ~2 hours.
- Add Pearl Onions Near the End:At the 3½ hour mark (if cooking on high), stir in the white pearl onions.Switch back to stovetop-high mode briefly to reduce excess liquid if desired.
- At the 3½ hour mark (if cooking on high), stir in the white pearl onions.
- Switch back to stovetop-high mode briefly to reduce excess liquid if desired.
- Finish & Serve:Switch the setting to “warm” until ready to eat.Serve hot with white rice or your favorite side dish.
- Switch the setting to “warm” until ready to eat.
- Serve hot with white rice or your favorite side dish.
Notes
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, in the microwave, or in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and preparation.
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