Carne De Res Guisada – Dominican Beef Stew Recipe
Introduction
Carne De Res Guisada is a flavorful Dominican beef stew that combines tender meat with vibrant peppers and aromatic seasonings. Perfectly slow-cooked to develop rich, comforting flavors, this dish makes a hearty meal served alongside rice.

Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder
- 1 teaspoon light soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 pinch ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 1/2 cubanelle pepper, sliced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste
- Fresh cilantro, to taste, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut the beef into 1-inch pieces and set aside.
- Step 2: Juice the lime and crush the garlic cloves using a garlic press or mortar and pestle. Mix the garlic with dried oregano.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the beef with chicken bouillon powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, lime juice, light soy sauce, and the garlic-oregano mixture. Mix well. For deeper flavor, marinate overnight, although it’s optional.
- Step 4: Heat cooking oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook uncovered for 5 minutes.
- Step 5: Lower heat to medium, stir the beef, cover the pot, and cook until the meat absorbs its own juices.
- Step 6: When the pan is dry of juices, add 1/2 cup water at a time, cover, and continue cooking until the beef is tender. Add more water as needed during this process.
- Step 7: Once the beef is tender, add the sliced onion, cubanelle pepper, and red bell pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Step 8: Stir in the tomato paste and add enough water to create a stew-like gravy. Mix well, cover, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Step 9: Turn off the heat and stir in chopped fresh cilantro to taste. Serve hot with rice and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Marinating the beef overnight enhances flavor and tenderness but can be skipped if short on time.
- Substitute fresh herbs like parsley if cilantro isn’t preferred.
- Add a diced potato or carrot when adding peppers for a heartier stew.
- Use beef broth instead of water for richer gravy.
Storage
Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. This stew also freezes well for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, tougher cuts like chuck or stew meat work best as they become tender during slow cooking and absorb flavors well.
Do I have to marinate the beef overnight?
No, marinating overnight is optional but recommended to deepen the flavor. If short on time, you can cook the beef right after seasoning and still get a delicious stew.
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Carne De Res Guisada – Dominican Beef Stew Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Carne De Res Guisada is a flavorful Dominican beef stew featuring tender beef simmered with aromatic spices, peppers, and tomato paste to create a rich, comforting dish perfect for serving with rice.
Ingredients
Meat and Marinade
- 2 pounds Beef, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 cloves Garlic, crushed
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 Lime, juiced
- 2 teaspoons Chicken Bouillon Powder
- 1 teaspoon Light Soy Sauce
- 2 teaspoons Onion Powder
- 1 pinch Ground Black Pepper
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons Cooking Oil
- 1/2 Onion, sliced
- 1/2 Cubanelle Pepper, sliced
- 1/2 Red Bell Pepper, sliced
- 4 tablespoons Tomato Paste
- Water, as needed
Garnish
- Fresh Cilantro, chopped, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Cut the beef into 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking and tender texture.
- Juice the Lime: Extract the juice from one lime to add acidity and brightness to the marinade.
- Crush Garlic and Mix with Oregano: Use a garlic press or mortar and pestle to crush 4 garlic cloves and combine with 1 teaspoon dried oregano for a fragrant marinade base.
- Marinate the Beef: In a large bowl, combine the beef with chicken bouillon powder, onion powder, black pepper, lime juice, light soy sauce, and the garlic-oregano mixture. Mix thoroughly. For best flavor, marinate overnight, though this step is optional.
- Sear the Beef: Heat 2 tablespoons cooking oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook uncovered for 5 minutes to brown the meat and develop flavor.
- Simmer the Beef: Lower the heat to medium, stir the beef, cover the pot, and cook until beef releases and reabsorbs its own juices, creating flavorful meat.
- Add Water as Needed: When the pan juices evaporate, add water 1/2 cup at a time, cover, and continue cooking until the beef is tender. Repeat adding water as necessary to maintain moisture without drying the meat.
- Prepare Vegetables: Slice the onion, cubanelle pepper, and red bell pepper into thin strips.
- Chop Cilantro: Finely chop fresh cilantro for garnish and added fresh flavor.
- Add Vegetables and Tomato Paste: Once beef is tender, stir in sliced onion, cubanelle, red bell pepper, and 4 tablespoons tomato paste. Add enough water to create a stew-like gravy consistency. Stir well to combine.
- Cook Stew: Cover the pot and cook for another 3-5 minutes to soften vegetables and meld flavors.
- Finish and Serve: Turn off the heat, stir in chopped cilantro to taste, and serve the stew hot, ideally alongside steamed rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances the beef’s flavor and tenderness but is optional.
- Add water gradually to avoid making the stew too watery; the goal is a rich, stew-like gravy.
- Adjust seasoning at the end if desired, adding salt or more pepper as preferred.
- Serve with white rice or bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper with the vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus optional overnight marinating)
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Dominican
Keywords: Dominican beef stew, Carne De Res Guisada, beef stew recipe, Latin American beef stew, tomato beef stew, comfort food

