Description
Carne con Papas is a traditional Mexican beef and potato stew featuring tender chunks of beef chuck simmered in a rich, flavorful tomato and chili sauce. This hearty dish blends aromatic spices, fresh cilantro, and a touch of lime juice for a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Seasonings
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or other vegetable oil or lard
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped
- 1 serrano pepper, chopped (optional, for spicier flavor)
- 4-5 cloves garlic, chopped
- 4 large Roma tomatoes, chopped (or 2 15-ounce cans diced tomatoes)
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
Liquids and Spices
- 2 cups beef broth, divided (1.5 cups for the sauce, 0.5 cups for deglazing the pan)
- 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground cumin
Instructions
- Sear the Beef: Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season the cubed beef with salt and pepper, then sear the meat on all sides until browned, about 5 minutes. This locks in the beef’s flavors and adds depth to the stew.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce: While the meat cooks, combine onion, jalapeno, serrano pepper (if using), garlic, tomatoes, 1.5 cups beef broth, Mexican oregano, cumin, and additional salt and pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth to create a well-seasoned sauce.
- Deglaze the Pan: After browning the beef, pour in the remaining 0.5 cup beef broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to capture savory flavors.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the blended tomato sauce into the pot with the seared beef. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low to allow flavors to meld.
- Simmer with Potatoes: Add the bay leaf and diced potatoes to the pot. Cover and simmer gently for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the beef and potatoes are tender. Simmer longer if desired for enhanced flavor and tenderness.
- Finish and Season: Remove the bay leaf, then stir in chopped cilantro and lime juice. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed to achieve balanced flavor.
- Serve: Serve the carne con papas hot, ideally over steamed rice or accompanied by warmed tortillas for a fulfilling meal experience.
Notes
- Serrano pepper is optional but adds additional heat; omit if you prefer a milder stew.
- You can substitute fresh Roma tomatoes with canned diced tomatoes for convenience without sacrificing flavor.
- Simmering the stew longer enhances tenderness and develops deeper flavors.
- Serve with warm tortillas or rice to complement the rich sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
