Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup/150g)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 1 teaspoon/5g)
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped (approx. 1 cup/150g)
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional) (approx. 1 tablespoon/5g)
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can (411g) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 4 cups (950ml) beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) all-purpose flour
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) lime juice
  • 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) salt
  • 1/3 cup (75ml) vegetable shortening or lard
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm water

Instructions:

  1. Season beef cubes generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat oil in the Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear beef in batches until browned on all sides. Remove beef and set aside.
  3. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using) to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
  5. Add diced tomatoes and beef broth to the pot. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  6. Return the browned beef to the pot. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1.5-2 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
  7. In a small bowl, whisk together flour with 1/4 cup (60ml) of cold water to make a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering stew. Cook, stirring constantly, until the gravy has thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
  8. Stir in lime juice. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  9. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in shortening or lard using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  10. Gradually add warm water, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
  11. Cover the dough and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
  12. Divide the dough into 12-16 equal portions. Roll each portion into a thin circle, about 6-8 inches in diameter.
  13. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Cook each tortilla for about 30-60 seconds per side, or until lightly browned and puffy. Keep warm in a tortilla warmer or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel.
  14. Serve the Carne Guisada hot with warm flour tortillas.