Carne Con Papas is a tasty dish made with tender beef and soft potatoes cooked together in a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s like a warm hug on a plate!
Honestly, who can resist a meal that brings together meat and potatoes so perfectly? I love to serve it with rice or bread to soak up all that yummy sauce. You might want seconds! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: This is the heart of the dish. I recommend using chuck roast for a good balance of flavor and tenderness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, sirloin can work too, but it may not be as tender.
Potatoes: I prefer using Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. They become buttery and soft when cooked. For a healthier choice, sweet potatoes can be a great substitute as they add a different flavor and sweetness.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics are essential for building flavor. You can swap yellow onions with red or white ones if that’s all you have. Shallots can also work. Fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder can be an alternative in a pinch.
Spices: Cumin and smoked paprika give this dish depth. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or even chili powder can add a different taste. Adjust based on your spice level preference!
How Do I Brown the Beef Perfectly?
Getting a great sear on your beef is key to flavor. Here’s how:
- Make sure your pot or skillet is hot before adding the oil.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches to ensure even browning.
- Let the beef sit without moving it for a few minutes to form a nice crust.
Once browned, remove the beef and let it rest briefly before adding it back to the pot. This lock in those tasty juices!
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Potatoes?
Adding potatoes at the right time is key. Here’s how to ensure they turn out perfectly:
- Add them during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking. This way, they absorb the flavors without getting mushy.
- Make sure the potato chunks are similar in size for even cooking.
Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking! You want them fork-tender but not falling apart.
How to Make Carne Con Papas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Main Dish:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into chunks
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, blended or finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups beef broth or water
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty dish takes about 15 minutes for preparation and then around 1.5 to 2 hours for cooking. Once everything is simmering, you can relax while it transforms into a savory delight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Searing the Beef:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef chunks and season with salt and pepper. Brown the meat on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step locks in flavor. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside for later.
2. Sautéing the Aromatics:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until the onions turn translucent and are wonderfully fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This builds a lovely base for your sauce.
3. Adding the Tomatoes:
Next, stir in the blended tomatoes and tomato paste. Allow the mixture to cook for about 5 minutes, letting it simmer gently and thicken slightly while mixing in those delicious flavors.
4. Mixing in the Spices:
Now it’s time to add your spices! Sprinkle in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, (chili powder if you like a kick), dried oregano, and drop in the bay leaf. Stir it well so everything is nicely combined.
5. Bringing It All Together:
Return the browned beef back to the pot and pour in the beef broth or water. Raise the heat and bring everything to a boil. Once bubbling, lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours. You want the beef to become tender and soak up all those lovely flavors.
6. Cooking the Potatoes:
After the beef is tender, add the potato chunks. Cover the pot again and let them cook with the beef for another 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are fully cooked and tender.
7. Final Touches:
Check and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking, then remove the bay leaf. The dish should look rich and delicious at this point!
8. Serving Time:
Garnish your Carne Con Papas with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley before serving. Enjoy this delightful dish with warm bread or steamed rice – it’s perfect for soaking up that wonderful sauce!
Bon Appétit!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat is ideal for this recipe due to its tenderness, you can also use chuck roast or even brisket if you prefer. Just remember to adjust cooking times if you choose leaner cuts, as they may require less time to cook until tender.
Can I Make Carne Con Papas in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can! After browning the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the broth, potatoes, and spices, then cook on low for about 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. This will yield deliciously tender results!
What Should I Serve with Carne Con Papas?
This dish pairs well with warm bread, white rice, or even mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. For a lighter option, consider serving it with a side salad to balance the richness of the stew.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to maintain moisture.
