Have you ever craved a dish that wraps you in a warm, comforting hug? Something hearty, flavorful, and deeply satisfying? That’s exactly what carne con papas delivers. This traditional Mexican stew blends tender beef, soft potatoes, and a robust tomato-based sauce into a meal that feels like a love letter to your taste buds.
Let’s dive into why this dish is a staple in so many kitchens and how you can make it at home.
What is Carne Con Papas?
Think of carne con papas as the Mexican answer to a classic beef stew. But instead of a thick, gravy-like broth, this stew is enriched with a vibrant tomato sauce infused with garlic, onions, and peppers. It’s hearty yet light, making it a perfect meal for any season. Whether served with warm tortillas or a side of rice, it’s the kind of dish that makes you want to savor every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavors: Sometimes, the best dishes come from pantry staples. With just beef, potatoes, tomatoes, and a few seasonings, you’ll create a meal bursting with authentic flavor.
- Customizable to Your Taste: Love spice? Add an extra serrano pepper. Prefer a milder flavor? Swap it for a jalapeño or skip it altogether.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Like a fine wine, carne con papas gets better with time. The flavors meld overnight, making leftovers a next-day delight.
Carne con Papas – Traditional Mexican Beef Stew Recipe
Ingredients
- Beef chuck roast 2 lbs: Cut into bite-sized cubes. It’s tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
- Russet potatoes 2 large: Peeled and cubed for an earthy, comforting touch.
- Tomatoes 4 Roma
- White onion 1/2
- Garlic 2 cloves
- Serrano pepper 1
- Beef broth 2 cups
- Seasonings: Kosher salt black pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and cumin.
- Olive oil 2 tbsp
- Bay leaf 1
- Fresh cilantro 1/2 cup, chopped
Instructions
- Season and Sear: Toss the beef cubes with salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and cumin. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef and sear on all sides until browned.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a blender, combine the tomatoes, onion, garlic, serrano pepper, and beef broth. Blend until smooth. Strain the sauce through a fine mesh strainer into the pot with the beef.
- Simmer the Stew: Add the bay leaf to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the Potatoes: Stir in the cubed potatoes. Cover and cook for another 25 minutes, or until the potatoes and beef are tender.
- Finish and Serve: Discard the bay leaf and stir in the chopped cilantro. Let the stew rest for 10 minutes off the heat to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Serve with warm tortillas or rice for the ultimate comfort meal.
Notes
- To reduce spiciness, use jalapeño or omit peppers altogether.
- For a spicier kick, add an extra serrano pepper.
- Allow the stew to rest for 10 minutes post-cooking to thicken the sauce.
- Serve with warm tortillas, rice, or top with cilantro, cotija cheese, or avocado.
Images Credit: Isabel Eats
Tips for Success
- Control the Spice: Adjust the heat by adding more or fewer peppers. You can even skip the serrano and opt for a milder jalapeño.
- Uniform Potato Pieces: Cut your potatoes evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Thicker Sauce?: Let the stew simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
Tips & Variations
- Use chicken or pork instead of beef for a variation.
- Add diced carrots or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure the broth used has no additives containing gluten.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for 5-7 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Storing and Reheating
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store carne con papas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Whether you’re new to Mexican cooking or a seasoned pro, carne con papas is a must-try recipe. It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with authentic flavors that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
Looking for More Easy Mexican-inspired Recipes?
Here are some must-try recipes that bring authentic Mexican vibes to your kitchen:
- Homemade Mexican Mazapan
- Bean and Cheese Tamales Recipe
- Mexican Tres Leches Latte Coffee
- Mexican Lentil Soup (Lentejas)
- Mexican Huaraches Food
- Champurrado: Mexican Chocolate Drink Recipe
- Cortadillo: Mexican Pink Cake Recipe
- Mexican Carlota de Limón -Lime Icebox Cake
Give these recipes a try and bring the vibrant taste of Mexico to your table!
Tried This Recipe?
I’d love to hear how this Carne con Papas, traditional Mexican stew turned out! Leave a comment or tag @foodiecreator on Instagram, and #foodiecreator on social media to show off your creation.
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