Carne Guisada con Papas is a delicious, comforting Mexican dish made with tender beef stew, potatoes, and a flavorful sauce. It’s a hearty meal that pairs perfectly with warm tortillas, rice, or beans. The slow-cooked beef gets infused with aromatic spices, creating a rich, savory dish that’s easy to make and sure to satisfy.
Here’s a simple recipe for making Carne Guisada con Papas:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds beef stew meat (chuck roast or round, cut into bite-sized cubes)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large tomato, diced (or 1 can diced tomatoes, drained)
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth (or water)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef stew meat in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the beef on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the onion over medium heat until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the Tomatoes and Spices:
- Add the diced tomato (or canned diced tomatoes), cumin, chili powder (if using), oregano, and paprika to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and the spices to bloom.
4. Return the Beef and Add Broth:
- Add the browned beef back into the pot, along with any juices that have accumulated.
- Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce. Stir to combine. Add the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Simmer the Stew:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the beef simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and fully cooked. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom.
6. Add the Potatoes:
- After the beef has cooked and is tender, add the cubed potatoes to the pot. Stir everything together and continue cooking for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and fully cooked. If needed, add more beef broth or water to keep the stew from getting too thick.
7. Final Adjustments:
- Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
8. Serve:
- Serve the Carne Guisada con Papas hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired. You can enjoy this dish with warm corn or flour tortillas, rice, or refried beans.
Tips for Success:
- Beef Cut: Use chuck roast or round steak for the best texture. These cuts are great for slow cooking and will become tender as they cook.
- Spice Level: The chili powder is optional, so feel free to adjust the heat level based on your preference. If you like it spicy, you can add a fresh jalapeño or chipotle chili.
- Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mash a few of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot to thicken the broth.
- Slow Cooker Option: If you prefer to make this in the slow cooker, simply brown the beef in a pan, then transfer it to the slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
Storage:
- Leftovers: Store leftover Carne Guisada con Papas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors improve the next day!
- Freezing: This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
This Carne Guisada con Papas is a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. The tender beef and soft potatoes in the rich, savory sauce will make everyone at the table ask for seconds! Enjoy!
