Carne con Papas is a warm and comforting dish made with tender pieces of beef cooked alongside hearty potatoes. It’s packed with flavor and perfect for a cozy dinner!
I love how the beef gets so soft and juicy, while the potatoes soak up all the yummy sauce. It’s a dish that makes everyone at the table smile! 😊
This meal is super easy to prepare. Just throw everything in a pot and let it simmer. It’s great for busy days when you need something filling and tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: Use cuts like chuck or round for their rich flavor and tenderness. If you need a leaner option, try using sirloin. For a vegetarian alternative, consider using hearty mushrooms or jackfruit, which can mimic the texture of beef!
Potatoes: I prefer using Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture. However, Russets work just as well. For a lower-carb version, cauliflower can be a great substitute when boiled or mashed.
Onion and Garlic: Onions are key for flavor. If you’re sensitive to them, shallots can be a milder substitute. For garlic, garlic powder can be used, but I find fresh garlic adds a much richer taste.
Spices: Smoked paprika adds a lovely depth; if you don’t have it, regular paprika works, though you may miss that smoky quality. Cumin is essential for its warmth, but if you’re out, coriander can provide some similar notes.
Beef Broth: Homemade broth is the best! If you can’t make it, store-bought works fine. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth or even mushroom broth for extra flavor.
How Do I Ensure the Beef is Tender?
To get that melt-in-your-mouth texture, it’s all about the cooking time and temperature. Here are the steps to follow:
- Brown the beef cubes well; this gives more flavor to the dish.
- Low and slow is the way to go! Once you’ve added the broth, keep the heat low and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. This is what breaks down the connective tissues in the meat!
- Check periodically and give it a gentle stir. If it looks like it’s getting too thick, add a splash of water or broth.
Patience is key here! The longer you cook, the better the flavors develop, and the beef gets tenderer.
Delicious Carne Con Papas Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Main Dish:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) beef stew meat, cut into cubes
- 6 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks or boiled for serving
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large tomato, chopped (or 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For The Garnish:
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
- Optional: 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation, plus 1.5 to 2 hours for cooking. This includes letting the beef simmer until it’s nice and tender. So, grab a good book or relax while it cooks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Searing the Beef:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Brown the beef in batches, making sure all sides get a nice sear for about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until it’s soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant.
3. Building Flavor:
Now, stir in the chopped tomato and tomato paste. Let this cook for about 2-3 minutes to really deepen those flavors. Then, sprinkle in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, and dried oregano, stirring everything together until well combined.
4. Simmering the Beef:
Return the browned beef back to the pot. Now, pour in the beef broth or water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This is the secret to making the beef super tender and delicious!
5. Cooking the Potatoes:
While the beef is simmering, prepare the potatoes. Boil them in a pot of salted water until they’re tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes. Once tender, drain them.
6. Optional Crisping:
If you want your potatoes a little crispy, you can pan-fry the boiled chunks in a bit of oil until they’re golden and crispy on the outside.
7. Final Assembly:
To serve, place the crispy (or boiled) potato chunks at the bottom of a large dish. Spoon the tender beef and its delicious sauce right over the potatoes.
8. Garnishing:
Finish off your dish with fresh rosemary sprigs on top and sprinkle with sun-dried tomatoes if you’re using them. They add a nice touch and extra flavor!
Enjoy this comforting Carne Con Papas hot for a hearty meal that delivers tender beef and savory potatoes in a rich, aromatic sauce. It’s a cozy dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat is great for this dish, you can also use chuck roast or brisket for even more flavor. Just make sure to cook it long enough to get tender!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months, but make sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve texture.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Yes! If you enjoy a kick, adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper will spice things up nicely. Just adjust according to your taste preference!
What Can I Serve with Carne Con Papas?
This dish is wonderful on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce. A simple salad or steamed vegetables would complement it well too!
