Carne con Papas – Mexican Style Beef and Potatoes Stew
Carne con Papas, or Mexican-style beef and potatoes stew, is a traditional comfort dish that’s both hearty and flavorful. The combination of tender beef and soft, flavorful potatoes simmered in a rich, spiced tomato broth makes this a dish that’s loved across generations in Mexican cuisine. It’s perfect for family meals, offering both depth of flavor and simplicity.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs of beef stew meat (chuck roast or sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 ½ lbs of potatoes (Russet or Yukon gold work well), peeled and cut into large chunks
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 3 large tomatoes or 1 can (14 oz) of crushed tomatoes
- 2-3 cups beef broth or water
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (preferably Mexican oregano)
- 2-3 whole cloves or a pinch of ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for extra spice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
- 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper (optional, for heat)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
- Season the Beef: Begin by seasoning the beef cubes with salt, pepper, ground cumin, and paprika. Let it sit for about 10 minutes while you prepare other ingredients.
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef cubes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the beef on all sides until you get a deep golden-brown color, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, lower the heat to medium and add a little more oil if necessary. Toss in the chopped onion, garlic, and the optional chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper if you want extra spice. Sauté until the onions become translucent and soft, around 4-5 minutes.
- Add the Spices: Once the onion mixture is ready, stir in the dried oregano, coriander, bay leaves, and whole or ground cloves. Let the spices cook for an additional minute until they’re fragrant, which will help deepen the flavor of the stew.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Liquid
- Tomatoes: If you’re using fresh tomatoes, blend them in a blender or food processor until smooth. Add the blended tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes if using canned) and the tomato sauce to the pot. Cook this mixture for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it darkens slightly and reduces a bit.
- Deglaze: Add the beef broth or water to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. These browned bits add extra depth and flavor to the stew.
Step 4: Simmer the Stew
- Add the Beef Back In: Return the browned beef cubes, along with any juices that may have accumulated, back into the pot. Stir to coat the beef with the sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the Beef: Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the beef is fork-tender. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom.
Step 5: Add the Potatoes
- Add Potatoes: After the beef has simmered and is almost tender, add the peeled and cubed potatoes to the stew. Stir gently to combine the potatoes with the sauce.
- Cook the Potatoes: Continue simmering the stew for another 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the beef is fully cooked. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
Step 6: Final Adjustments
- Consistency: If the stew appears too thick, feel free to add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency. You want the broth to be slightly thick but still liquid enough to soak into the potatoes.
- Optional Garnish: Just before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Step 7: Serve
Serve Carne con Papas hot, accompanied by warm tortillas, rice, or beans. A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the stew just before eating adds a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the beef.
For extra spice lovers, serve it with additional chopped jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce on the side.
Cooking Tips:
- Meat choice: Chuck roast is ideal for this dish because of its marbling, which breaks down during slow cooking to give the meat a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. You can substitute other cuts, but avoid lean cuts, as they won’t become as tender.
- Make-Ahead Option: This dish can be prepared ahead of time as it tastes even better the next day. Just reheat gently over low heat.
- Variations: Some families like adding vegetables like carrots or peas to the stew for a more varied texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Carne con Papas is a timeless Mexican stew that brings comfort and flavor with every bite. The combination of tender beef, potatoes, and aromatic spices creates a dish that’s both satisfying and versatile. Perfect for serving at family gatherings or enjoying as a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.