I remember the first time I attempted making Carne Molida. I was a bit nervous, expecting it to be a culinary disaster. Surprisingly, everything went smoothly! The biggest hiccup came when I overestimated the spice levels, and my dish turned out a tad too spicy for my taste. But hey, that’s the beauty of cooking — a chance to learn and grow! I found that reducing the cumin a bit and adding a touch more onion gave it that fresh pop I was aiming for, and voila! Perfection achieved!
Carne Molida
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450 g ground beef (you can use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter option)
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 bell pepper diced (feel free to use any color you like)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth or vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist
- Optional toppings: cilantro cheese, sour cream, and avocado!
Instructions
- Sizzle the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks, letting it brown evenly. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Veggies: Once your beef is nice and brown, toss in the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Stir everything together, cooking until the veggies are tender, around 4-5 minutes. Your kitchen should start smelling incredible!
- Spice It Up: Now it’s time for the spices! Add your cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together and let the flavors meld for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Liquid: Pour in your broth to keep everything moist and delicious. Let it simmer and let it do its thing for about 8-10 minutes. This step is crucial for creating that hearty base we all love!
- Customize and Serve: Once it's perfectly seasoned and simmered, taste and tweak if necessary! If you're feeling fancy, serve it up in tacos or over rice, and don't forget those optional toppings like cilantro, cheese, or spicy salsa!
Nutritional Information
| Nutrition | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 |
| Protein | 26g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 7g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Fiber | 1g |
5 Tips for This Recipe
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- Feel free to add additional veggies like corn or black beans!
- Control the heat—add fresh jalapeños if you want some extra kick!
- Let it simmer longer for richer flavors.
- Experiment with spices; add oregano or cinnamon for a twist!
5 FAQs for This Recipe
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day.
- Is Carne Molida gluten-free? Yes, just ensure your broth is gluten-free as well!
- Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes! Just store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- What can I serve with Carne Molida? Tacos, rice, lettuce wraps, or stuffed peppers are all great options!
- How do I make it more or less spicy? Adjust your spice measurements based on your heat tolerance!
5 Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Label containers with the date to keep track of freshness.
- Cool down the dish completely before refrigerating to maintain texture.
- For freezing, use durable freezer bags to save space.
- Reheat in a skillet on low heat with a splash of water to enhance moisture.
5 Common Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the beef, which can make it tough and dry.
- Not seasoning adequately – flavor is key!
- Skipping the simmering step — it’s essential for depth of flavor.
- Packing the skillet too tightly – make sure there’s room for the beef to brown.
- Not tasting before serving. Always check for flavor adjustments!
Final Thoughts
Cooking Carne Molida has truly transformed my weeknight dinner game. It’s an easy dish to prepare that comes packed with flavor and versatility. Remember, the kitchen is all about experimenting, learning, and having fun! If things don’t go perfectly, that’s okay—all part of the journey. I encourage you to try out this recipe, make it your own, and share it with family and friends.
So, whether you’re a seasoned chef or a total newbie, this Carne Molida recipe welcomes all! Get ready to dive into a world of amazing taste. I promise you won’t regret it!
Let’s get cooking and enjoy the deliciousness together!
