Best Easy Carne con Papas Recipe

Beef and potato stew in a savory tomato-chile sauce, a beloved Mexican family comfort dish. Packed with protein and hearty flavors, it makes satisfying leftovers for meal prep.

Cook 90 min Difficulty NORMAL 380 kcal
#high protein #diabetic friendly #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes 2 lbs
  • russet potatoes, peeled and cubed 4 cups
  • yellow onion, chopped 1 cup
  • roma tomatoes, diced 2 cups
  • garlic cloves, minced 4 cloves
Seasonings/Sauce
  • vegetable oil 2 tbsp
  • chipotle chiles in adobo, minced 2 tbsp
  • ground cumin 2 tsp
  • dried oregano 1 tsp
  • bay leaf 1 piece
  • kosher salt 2 tsp
  • black pepper 1 tsp
  • beef broth 3 cups
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 27 g 28%
Protein 28 g 29%
Fat 16 g 43%
Serving size 320g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high. Sear the beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Set browned beef aside.

  2. 2

    In the same pot, reduce heat to medium and add chopped onion. Sauté until translucent, then stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  3. 3

    Add diced roma tomatoes, minced chipotle chiles, cumin, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for 3 minutes to bloom the spices, scraping up any browned bits.

  4. 4

    Return the beef to the pot along with accumulated juices. Pour in the beef broth. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-high, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 60 minutes until beef is tender.

  5. 5

    Add the cubed potatoes. Stir and simmer uncovered for another 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender and stew thickens to desired consistency. Remove bay leaf before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Carne con Papas recipe?
The foundational ingredient in Carne con Papas is beef chuck, which provides hearty protein content and rich flavor. Combined with russet potatoes, these components give the stew its signature texture and substance, while aromatics and chipotle chiles bring warmth and depth.
Q. How do I prevent the beef from becoming tough during cooking?
For tender beef, it’s crucial to sear the cubes thoroughly, then simmer them gently with the lid on for a full hour in beef broth. This slow, moist heat breaks down connective tissue for maximum tenderness. Avoid boiling the stew rapidly, which can make the meat tough.
Q. When should the potatoes be added, and why?
Add the potatoes after the beef has simmered for at least 60 minutes and is nearly tender. This sequencing ensures the potatoes don't overcook and break down, preserving their structure while allowing them to absorb the savory flavors of the stew.
Q. How many calories and how much protein are there per serving?
Each serving contains 380 kcal and provides approximately 28g of protein. Protein makes up about 29% of the recipe’s caloric value, supporting a balanced, hearty family meal that’s also satisfying for meal prep.
Q. What gives this dish its distinctive savory and smoky flavor?
The combination of chipotle chiles in adobo, cumin, and tomatoes delivers Carne con Papas its signature savory and smoky notes. Sautéing the aromatics and blooming the spices deepens these flavors, making each bite robust and comforting.
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