Carne con Papas Recipe
This Carne con Papas Recipe is pure Cuban comfort in a bowl—the kind of dish that immediately transports you to a bustling Havana kitchen, where rich aromas and hearty, familiar flavors rule the day. Succulent beef simmers gently with potatoes, onions, herbs, and a chorus of savory spices, all brought together in a tomato-kissed sauce that’s perfect for soaking up with rice or with the crustiest bread you can find. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado of Latin cuisine Main Course.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Carne con Papas Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a crucial role—whether it’s adding a deep savoriness, a note of freshness, or that iconic vibrant color. Take a look at how each ingredient adds its magic to this comforting Cuban classic:
- Beef stew meat (1.5 lbs, cut into 1-inch cubes): The star of the show; choose a marbled cut for meltingly tender beef after a slow simmer.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For browning the beef and sautéing the veggies; this adds depth and a subtle fruity note.
- Onion (1 small, diced): Brings sweetness and body to the stew as it cooks down.
- Green bell pepper (1, diced): Adds color and a fresh, earthy flavor that balances the tomato base.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Essential for that signature aromatic Cuban touch.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Intensifies the savory base and gives a gorgeous color.
- Tomato sauce (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and enhances the rich, tomato-forward profile.
- Ground cumin (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a warm, smoky undertone typical of Latin stews.
- Oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the dish with classic herbal notes that build complexity.
- Bay leaf (1): Slowly releases a subtle, fragrant depth to the simmering liquid.
- Beef broth (2 cups): The flavorful backdrop that ties all the ingredients together.
- Dry white wine (1/2 cup, optional): Adds a lovely acidity and extra layer of flavor; totally worth it if you have some on hand.
- Potatoes (3 medium, peeled and diced): They soak up all those savory juices and thicken the stew naturally.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Customizes the seasoning and enhances every flavor in the pot.
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional): Throws in a burst of color and freshness right at the end.
How to Make Carne con Papas Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Beef for Maximum Flavor
Set a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, drizzle in the olive oil, and let it get nice and shimmering. Season your beef with salt and pepper on all sides, then add it to the hot oil in batches if needed—don’t crowd the pot. Let each piece get a beautiful golden-brown sear, turning as needed, about 5 to 7 minutes total. Once browned and irresistible, remove the beef and set it aside. This step locks in the juices and flavor, setting the stage for a rich, hearty stew.
Step 2: Build the Aromatic Base
In the same pot (don’t wash away that flavor!), add your diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté these aromatics for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, just until the onion turns translucent and everything smells amazing. The veggie mixture pulls up those browned bits left in the pan, infusing your Carne con Papas Recipe with savory depth.
Step 3: Layer in Seasonings and Tomato
Stir in the tomato paste, letting it cook for a minute to caramelize slightly, which deepens the flavor. Add the tomato sauce, cumin, oregano, and bay leaf too. Give everything a good mix—it’s already starting to resemble classic Cuban home cooking! This is your moment to let the seasonings bloom and bring their punch to the party.
Step 4: Simmer Low and Slow
Return the beautifully seared beef (and any accumulated juices) right back to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and white wine if you’re using it. Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the Carne con Papas Recipe gently bubble away for 1 hour, or until the beef is fork-tender. Low and slow is the secret here—this is when the magic really happens.
Step 5: Add Potatoes and Finish Cooking
After your hour is up, add the diced potatoes to the pot. They need about 20 to 25 minutes to become perfectly tender, soaking up all those incredible flavors. Keep simmering until the potatoes are cooked through but not falling apart. At this point, taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving!
Step 6: Garnish and Enjoy
Right before serving, sprinkle over some chopped fresh parsley if you like a pop of color and herbal brightness. Now’s the perfect time to grab your favorite side dish and invite everyone to the table—dinner is ready!
How to Serve Carne con Papas Recipe
Garnishes
A finishing sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is classic for this dish, but feel free to try a squeeze of fresh lime or a dash of extra black pepper if you’re feeling bold. The green flecks from parsley not only brighten the look but add an herby sparkle that wakes up all the hearty flavors of your Carne con Papas Recipe.
Side Dishes
Traditionally, this stew shines brightest served alongside fluffy white rice, which soaks up all the savory juices, or a hunk of crusty bread for mopping up the sauce. If you want to go further, think about adding sweet fried plantains (maduros), a bit of avocado, or a simple green salad to add freshness and balance to your meal. The options are as warm and inviting as the recipe itself!
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist on tradition, serve the Carne con Papas Recipe over creamy mashed potatoes for an ultra-comforting spin. Or, try ladling it into individual bowls and topping with crispy shallots for a textural surprise. You can even use leftovers to stuff into soft rolls or tortillas for a next-day sandwich that rivals any lunchbox classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let the stew cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. Carne con Papas Recipe actually gets better overnight as the flavors mingle and deepen, making your next meal even more satisfying.
Freezing
This stew is freezer-friendly, making it perfect for future cravings. Portion it into individual freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. It’ll last up to three months—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place the Carne con Papas Recipe in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If it looks too thick, splash in a bit of water or broth. Microwave reheating works as well—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring between each, to make sure it heats evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While stew meat is convenient, cuts like chuck, brisket, or even short ribs work beautifully. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized cubes for even cooking.
What if I don’t have white wine?
No worries—the recipe is still delicious without it. You can substitute with a bit more beef broth, or even a splash of apple cider vinegar for a hint of acidity.
Is this Carne con Papas Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it is naturally gluten-free as long as your beef broth and tomato products are certified gluten-free. Always double-check ingredient labels if you have dietary concerns.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
You sure can! After browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, adding the potatoes in the last 2 hours for perfect texture.
How can I thicken the stew if it’s too watery?
An easy trick is to mash a few of the cooked potatoes right into the stew before serving. It thickens up beautifully and makes the sauce even more luscious.
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistibly homey about sharing a bubbling pot of Carne con Papas Recipe with friends and family. The flavors are bold, the process is simple, and the memories made around this meal are guaranteed to last. Give it a try—you’re in for pure Cuban comfort!
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Carne con Papas Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful Cuban beef stew, Carne con Papas is a hearty dish featuring tender beef, potatoes, and a rich tomato-based sauce. This classic recipe is perfect for a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Stew:
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 3 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot, season beef with salt and pepper, then sear until browned. Set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, sauté onion, green bell pepper, and garlic until softened.
- Add Flavor: Stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, cumin, oregano, and bay leaf, and cook briefly.
- Simmer: Return beef to the pot, add broth and wine, if using. Simmer covered for 1 hour.
- Add Potatoes: Add potatoes and cook until tender, about 20-25 minutes.
- Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning, remove bay leaf, garnish with parsley, and serve with rice or bread.
Notes
- For a thicker stew, mash some cooked potatoes into the sauce before serving.
- This recipe can be adapted for a slow cooker, cooking on low for 7-8 hours.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cuban
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
