Carne con papas is that cozy dish that wraps around you like a warm hug on a chilly day. Imagine tender pieces of meat, simmered to perfection in a savory broth, surrounded by soft, fluffy potatoes that soak up every delicious drop. The aromas wafting from the kitchen will make your stomach growl louder than your favorite sitcom character’s catchphrase.
This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience, often served during family gatherings where laughter and joy fill the air. I can still remember my grandmother’s kitchen, filled with the comforting scent of carne con papas bubbling away. It was our go-to for Sunday dinners, where we’d gather around the table, forks poised in anticipation of what was sure to be a flavor explosion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Carne con papas is easy enough for weeknight dinners yet fancy enough for special occasions
- The rich flavors meld beautifully, creating a comforting dish everyone will love
- With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll impress your family without a ton of effort
- Plus, who doesn’t love a recipe that warms both the heart and the belly?
I remember the first time I made carne con papas for my friends. They were skeptical at first but ended up going back for seconds and thirds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Beef Chuck Roast: A well-marbled cut ensures tenderness; ask your butcher for the best option if unsure.
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Potatoes: Choose starchy varieties like Russets or Yukon Gold for fluffy texture; peel them before cooking.
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Onion: A large yellow onion adds sweetness; chop it finely to enhance flavor infusion.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide depth; crush them lightly to release their aromatic oils.
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Bell Peppers: Any color works; they add sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
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Cilantro: Fresh cilantro enhances freshness; chop it just before serving for maximum flavor.
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Beef Broth: Use low-sodium broth; it allows you to control salt levels while keeping it flavorful.
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Spices (Cumin, Paprika): These bring warmth and depth; adjust according to your taste preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Sear the Beef: Begin by heating a large pot over medium-high heat. Add oil and sear diced beef until browned on all sides, which takes about 5-7 minutes.
Add Aromatics: Once the beef is browned, toss in chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, usually around 3-4 minutes.
Incorporate Vegetables: Mix in diced bell peppers and stir everything together for another 2-3 minutes until they start to soften slightly.
Add Potatoes and Broth: Pour in beef broth along with cubed potatoes. Ensure everything is submerged so that flavors meld beautifully throughout cooking.
Season Generously : Sprinkle cumin and paprika over the mixture. Stir well before bringing everything to a gentle simmer; cover with a lid for around 30-40 minutes.
Finish with Fresh Cilantro : Once the potatoes are fork-tender, remove from heat and stir in freshly chopped cilantro right before serving. Serve with crusty bread or rice!
Now you’ve got carne con papas that not only looks good but tastes even better! Each bite is a balanced symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for more – just try not to hog all of it yourself!
You Must Know
- Carne con papas is more than a meal; it’s a heartfelt hug on a plate
- This dish combines tender beef and savory potatoes, creating an aroma that pulls everyone into the kitchen
- Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, it warms both the belly and soul
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the beef until golden brown, then add onions and spices before incorporating the potatoes to create a rich flavor base.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in sweet potatoes for a twist or add some chili flakes for an unexpected kick that will surprise your taste buds.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to maintain tenderness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For juicy carne con papas, choose marbled beef cuts like chuck roast; it makes all the difference
- Always let the meat rest before slicing to keep those flavorful juices intact
- Remember, patience is key—allow enough time for the flavors to meld perfectly!
Sharing this recipe reminds me of family dinners at my grandmother’s house, where every bite brought back fond memories and laughter around the table.
FAQ
Can I use other meats for carne con papas?
Absolutely! Chicken or pork can be delicious substitutes in this comforting dish.
What type of potatoes work best?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are excellent choices due to their creamy texture when cooked.
How can I make carne con papas spicier?
Add jalapeños or cayenne pepper during cooking for an extra kick of heat that’ll warm you up!
Carne con Papas
Carne con papas is a heartwarming dish that brings together tender beef and fluffy potatoes in a savory broth, perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, diced
- 4 medium potatoes (about 1.5 lbs), peeled and cubed
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced beef and sear until browned on all sides (5-7 minutes).
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic; sauté until softened (3-4 minutes).
- Stir in diced bell peppers; cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add cubed potatoes and pour in the beef broth until all ingredients are submerged.
- Season with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cover and cook for 30-40 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped cilantro just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cups (350g)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
