Carne Con Papas: The Ultimate Beef and Potato Stew Recipe
Introduction to Carne Con Papas
Carne Con Papas, a delectable beef and potato stew, is a culinary delight that warms the heart and fills the belly. This comforting dish combines tender chunks of beef with hearty potatoes, simmered to perfection in a flavorful broth. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, it’s a recipe that blends rich flavors with simplicity, making it an ideal meal for any occasion.
A Personal Story Behind My Carne Con Papas Journey
Growing up, Carne Con Papas was a staple in my family’s kitchen. My grandmother would often prepare this dish on chilly evenings, filling our home with its mouthwatering aroma. Each bite evokes memories of laughter, love, and the joy of sharing a meal with those I cherish. Now, I carry on this tradition, passing it down to the next generation, ensuring that the warmth of this dish continues to bring us together.
What Makes This Carne Con Papas Recipe Special?
This Carne Con Papas recipe stands out because of its rich flavor profile, developed through careful seasoning and slow cooking. The combination of fresh vegetables, spices, and tender beef creates a stew that is both hearty and satisfying. Furthermore, the addition of lime juice and cilantro at the end brings a refreshing brightness to the dish, elevating it to a whole new level. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that reflects the heart of home cooking.
The Full Carne Con Papas Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped
- 1 serrano pepper, chopped (optional)
- 5 cloves garlic, chopped
- 4 large Roma tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth, divided
- 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground cumin
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the cubed beef with salt and pepper, then sear the meat on all sides until browned, about 5 minutes. Tip: Make sure not to overcrowd the pot to ensure even browning.
- While the beef is browning, combine the onion, jalapeno, serrano (if using), garlic, tomatoes, 1.5 cups of beef broth, Mexican oregano, cumin, and additional salt and pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
- Once the beef is browned, pour in the remaining 0.5 cup of beef broth to deglaze the pan. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for added flavor.
- Pour the blended tomato sauce into the pot with the beef. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Add the bay leaf and diced potatoes to the pot. Cover and let it simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the beef and potatoes are tender. Tip: You can simmer longer if you prefer a softer texture.
- Remove the bay leaf, then stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve your delicious stew over steamed rice or with warmed tortillas for a hearty meal! Tip: For a thicker stew, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot before serving.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Carne Con Papas
Carne Con Papas is wonderfully versatile. It pairs excellently with steamed rice, which soaks up the rich broth, or with warm tortillas that can be used to scoop up the tender meat and potatoes. For added nutrition, consider including other vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers in the stew. You can also adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer peppers according to your taste preference.
Frequently Asked Questions About Carne Con Papas
Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, while chuck roast is preferred for its tenderness, you can use other cuts like brisket or round. Just ensure they are well-marbled for the best flavor.
Is this dish spicy? The heat level can vary depending on the type and amount of peppers used. For a milder version, you can omit the jalapeno and serrano peppers or use less.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? Absolutely! Simply follow the same steps for browning the meat and preparing the sauce, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
What can I serve with Carne Con Papas? Alongside rice or tortillas, you can serve a fresh salad or grilled vegetables to balance the meal.
Carne Con Papas
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 1 large jalapeno pepper, chopped
- 1 large serrano pepper, chopped (optional)
- 5 cloves garlic, chopped
- 4 large Roma tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth, divided
- 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground cumin
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 2 fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 large juice of lime
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the cubed beef with salt and pepper, then sear the meat on all sides until browned, about 5 minutes. Tip: Make sure not to overcrowd the pot to ensure even browning.
- While the beef is browning, combine the onion, jalapeno, serrano (if using), garlic, tomatoes, 1.5 cups of beef broth, Mexican oregano, cumin, and additional salt and pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
- Once the beef is browned, pour in the remaining 0.5 cup of beef broth to deglaze the pan. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for added flavor.
- Pour the blended tomato sauce into the pot with the beef. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Add the bay leaf and diced potatoes to the pot. Cover and let it simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the beef and potatoes are tender. Tip: You can simmer longer if you prefer a softer texture.
- Remove the bay leaf, then stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve your delicious stew over steamed rice or with warmed tortillas for a hearty meal! Tip: For a thicker stew, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot before serving.