Get ready to transport your taste buds to the heart of Mexico with this mouthwatering Carne con Papas recipe that will make your family beg for seconds! This hearty beef and potato stew is more than just a meal - it's a warm embrace of traditional flavors that promises to transform your dinner table into a celebration of Mexican home cooking. With tender, perfectly seasoned beef and creamy potatoes swimming in a rich, aromatic broth, this dish is the ultimate comfort food that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 kg beef, cubed
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by cutting beef into 1-inch cubes, ensuring even sizing for consistent cooking. Pat beef dry with paper towels to promote better browning.
- Season beef cubes generously with salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika, mixing thoroughly to coat each piece evenly.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil and brown beef cubes in batches, allowing space between pieces to ensure proper caramelization.
- Remove browned beef and set aside. In the same pot, sauté chopped onions until translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Return browned beef to the pot and pour in beef broth. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover.
- Cook beef on low heat for approximately 25-30 minutes, allowing meat to become tender and develop rich flavors.
- Add cubed potatoes to the pot, stirring gently to combine with the beef and broth. Continue cooking for an additional 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. The sauce should be slightly thickened and meat should be very tender.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley, accompanied by warm tortillas or rice.
Tips
- Meat Matters: Choose a well-marbled cut like chuck roast for maximum tenderness and flavor. Always pat the beef dry before browning to achieve that perfect caramelization.
- Browning is Key: Take your time when browning the beef. Don't overcrowd the pan - cook in batches to ensure each piece gets a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in flavor.
- Low and Slow: The secret to melt-in-your-mouth beef is gentle, slow cooking. Keep the heat low and let the meat simmer patiently to break down tough connective tissues.
- Potato Perfection: Cut potatoes into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. Add them later in the cooking process to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Seasoning Secrets: Toast your spices briefly before adding them to enhance their flavor. Don't be afraid to adjust seasonings to taste - cooking is an art, not just a science!
- Make Ahead Magic: This dish tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance. The flavors will continue to develop and deepen overnight.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with warm tortillas, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a bright, fresh finish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 100mg
