Let’s talk about a dish that’s close to our hearts and a staple in Puerto Rican homes: Carne Guisada, or Puerto Rican Beef Stew. Whether you grew up with it or you’re just discovering this delicious dish, this recipe will bring you all the comfort food vibes and a taste of home. 

Why I Love Carne Guisada (and Why You Will Too)

Let’s be real: some days, we just need a bowl of something warm and filling. Carne Guisada is that dish for me. It’s the kind of stew that makes the whole house smell amazing, brings everyone to the table, and leaves you feeling nourished and happy. It’s especially great on cold rainy days. 

Carne Guisada is more than just beef and potatoes. It’s a celebration of our culture, our family traditions, and our love for food that’s both comforting and good for you. And yes, you can absolutely make it clean with whole food ingredients (nothing artificial here).

What is Puerto Rican Carne Guisada (Beef Stew)? 

If you’re new to Puerto Rican cooking, you might be wondering what makes our beef stew different from others. Carne Guisada has roots in Spanish, Taíno, and African cooking traditions. Over generations, Puerto Rican cooks have made it their own by adding sofrito (our signature blend of herbs and veggies), sazón, adobo, and sometimes olives or capers for a little extra “sabor.”

Every family has their own twist. Some add beer, some add peas, some keep it super classic. That’s the beauty of Puerto Rican food: it’s adaptable, resourceful, and always made with love.

Carne Guisada vs. Other Latin Beef Stews: What’s the Difference?

You might see “carne guisada” in other Latin cuisines, so what makes Puerto Rican Carne Guisada different or special? It’s all about the sofrito, its unique flavor profile and sazón. Sofrito is definitely the star of the show as usual. Our fresh (or even dehydrated) sofrito gives the stew its unmistakable aroma and depth.

Plus, no puede faltar el sazón y adobo. These blends add color, flavor, and that little something you can’t quite put your finger on. It also has a lighter, tomato-based broth. Not as thick or spicy as some Mexican versions, but loaded with herbs and veggies like potatoes and carrots. These root vegetables help soak up all that flavor and make the stew extra hearty.

Olives or no olives is the question? Just like anything, it’s optional. I personally add them because that’s how my mom would make it (she adds olives to everything whether you like them or not). Eventually I learned to love them. 

Why I Created Dehydrated Sofrito (and why it works for this recipe)

If you’ve ever hesitated to make Puerto Rican dishes because you didn’t want to whip up a huge batch of fresh sofrito, I feel you. That’s exactly why I created Healthy Rican’s dehydrated sofrito blend. It’s perfect for busy folks, solo cooks, or anyone who wants authentic flavor without the fuss (or freezer burn).

You can use it as a dry rub, sprinkle it on veggies, or rehydrate it for recipes like this one. Trust me, my mom and entire familia gave it their stamp of approval! And so did hundreds of happy customers. Check out the reviews on our site or on Amazon. 

The Best Side Dish Pairings for Carne Guisada

Okay, so you’ve got your stew simmering, what should you serve with it? Here’s how we do it in my house:

  • Arroz Blanco (Puerto Rican White Rice): The classic. Fluffy rice soaks up every drop of that savory sauce.
  • Tostones (Fried Green Plantains): Crunchy, salty, and totally addictive. Perfect for scooping up stew.
  • Avocado slices or salad: For a creamy and fresh contrast.

Nutrition Notes: Flavor Without Compromise

I’m all about making traditional dishes a little healthier, but never boring. Here’s how Carne Guisada fits in:

  • Protein-packed: Beef gives you protein and iron.
  • Veggie boost: Potatoes and carrots add fiber and vitamins.
  • Smart seasoning: Use the salt-free version of my adobo or dehydrated sofrito if you’re watching sodium.
  • Olive oil: For heart-healthy fat and that rich, satisfying mouthfeel.

FAQs About Carne Guisada

  • Is Puerto Rican Carne Guisada spicy?

Nope! It’s savory, aromatic, and cozy—not spicy. (But you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a kick.)

  • Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes—just check your broth and seasonings. All Healthy Rican blends are non-GMO and all-natural, with no weird additives.

  • Can I use a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Absolutely. Brown the beef and sauté the sofrito first for maximum flavor, then let your gadget do the work.

  • How do I store leftovers?

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Tastes even better the next day!

Ready to Cook? Here’s Our Puerto Rican Carne Guisada Recipe

This recipe is flexible—use fresh or dehydrated sofrito, whatever you have on hand. Add your own “sabor” (flavor) with extra veggies or a splash of beer if you like. The most important ingredient? LOVE!

 

Back to blog

Recipe

Puerto Rican Carne Guisada (Beef Stew)

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck or shoulder), cubed
  • 2 tbsp Healthy Rican Adobo
  • 1 tbsp Healthy Rican Sazón 
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1-2 heaping tbsp sofrito (fresh or Healthy Rican Dry Sofrito, rehydrated)
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth (or water + bouillon)
  • 2–3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 1/2 cup green olives (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Season: Pat beef dry and season with adobo and sazón. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
  2. Brown: Heat olive oil in a heavy pot over medium-high. Brown beef in batches; set aside.
  3. Build flavor: In the same pot, sauté sofrito, onion, bell pepper, and garlic until fragrant.
  4. Simmer: Add tomato sauce and broth, scraping up browned bits. Return beef (and juices), add bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook 45–60 minutes until beef is tender.
  5. Add veggies: Stir in potatoes, carrots, and olives. Simmer uncovered 15–20 minutes until veggies are soft and the sauce thickens.
  6. Finish: Adjust seasoning. Garnish with cilantro. Serve hot over white rice, with tostones and avocado on the side.

Pro Tips:

  • Browning the beef, don’t skip this part as it’ll help enhance the flavor. 
  • If you want a thicker stew, mash a few potato cubes into the sauce before serving.
  • Make it ahead! Carne Guisada is even better the next day.

Equipment & Notes

Ready to cook?

Grab Healthy Rican Adobo and Sazón and make this Carne Guisada tonight. I hope this recipe brings a little Puerto Rican comfort and culture to your table, wherever you are.

Don’t forget to tag @HealthyRican on social media so we can cheer you on, and sign up for our newsletter for more recipes, tips, and healthy living inspiration.

Because everyone deserves a healthy life con sazón!

Bring the flavor home

Explore our full collection of Healthy Rican seasonings, including staples like Adobo, Sazón, and Sofrito Seco. Whether you saw them in the recipe or want to try something new, these blends are made with all-natural ingredients and puro sabor.

1 7
Mayra Luz Colón, Healthy Rican Cookbook

NOW ON AMAZON AND BARNES & NOBLE

The Healthy Rican Cookbook

The Healthy Rican Cookbook is a guide to making traditional Puerto Rican dishes in a healthier way. But it’s more than just recipes—it’s also a resource for choosing wholesome ingredients and cooking with intention.

Using a holistic nutrition approach, Mayra shares tips on how to select nourishing foods and combine them in ways that support better digestion and overall wellness.

BUY AT BARNES & NOBLE
BUY ON AMAZON