The aroma of simmering beef fills the air, mingling with the earthy scent of tender potatoes. You can almost hear the hungry stomachs growling in anticipation of carne con papas—this dish has a way of bringing everyone together around the dinner table.
It’s Sunday evening, and your family gathers for dinner. You’re in the kitchen, preparing this mouthwatering meal that promises hugs in every bite. The combination of juicy meat and hearty potatoes creates a symphony that resonates with memories made over shared meals.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This carne con papas recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
- The rich flavors meld beautifully as it cooks, offering comfort in every bite.
- Its vibrant presentation will impress your guests while being versatile enough for any occasion.
I once made this dish for a family reunion, and let me tell you—my uncle Fred went back for seconds… and thirds! It’s clearly a crowd-pleaser.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Beef Chuck Roast: A great choice for its tenderness; look for marbling to ensure juicy flavor.
- Peeled Potatoes: Choose starchy varieties like Yukon Gold or Russets for a creamy texture.
- Onions: Sweet onions are perfect here; they add depth to the overall flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves are essential—minced finely for maximum aroma.
- Beef Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness while enhancing the beefy flavor.
- Vegetable Oil: For browning the meat; can also use olive oil if preferred.
- Seasoning (Salt & Pepper): Essential for bringing out all the flavors in your dish.
- Bay Leaves: These add an aromatic touch during cooking; simply remove before serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by peeling and chopping your potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Dice your onions and mince the garlic so everything is ready to go.
Sear the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chunks of beef until they’re browned on all sides—about 5 minutes should do it!
Add Aromatics: Once browned, add onions and garlic to the pot. Sauté until onions become translucent and fragrant—this step is where magic happens!
Pour in Broth and Seasonings: Add beef broth along with bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together—smell that? That’s dinner calling!
Add the Potatoes: Gently fold in your chopped potatoes. They’ll soak up all those delicious flavors as they cook together.
Simmer Away!: Bring everything to a gentle boil then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1.5 hours until the beef is fork-tender and potatoes are soft.
This process should have your kitchen smelling like a five-star restaurant while you sip on some iced tea or lemonade—no judgment here!
Now that your carne con papas is bubbling away like a masterpiece coming to life, you may want to consider how you will serve it up!
Serve hot garnished with fresh herbs if desired, alongside crusty bread or a simple salad. This dish pairs wonderfully with laughter shared at the dinner table as everyone digs into their plates.
Your homemade carne con papas will not only satisfy appetites but also create lasting memories around your dining room table—all without breaking a sweat! Enjoy every delightful bite!
You Must Know
- Flavor your carne con papas with fresh herbs for an aromatic twist.
- Use a mix of potato varieties for texture,Combining waxy and starchy potatoes creates a delightful contrast.
- Don’t rush the cooking process; let the meat sear properly before simmering.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by searing the meat until golden brown, then add your vegetables and simmer them together for rich flavor. This method ensures each bite is packed with deliciousness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap potatoes for sweet potatoes or add in carrots for a colorful twist! A dash of chili powder can also spice things up—just like that time I accidentally used way too much!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover carne con papas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to keep everything tender and tasty.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Searing meat well ensures deep flavor, so don’t skip this!
- Also, using different potato types enhances texture.
- Lastly, patience is key; let it simmer for all those flavors to meld perfectly.
My friends still rave about my carne con papas after our last dinner party. They couldn’t believe how simple yet flavorful it was! It’s one of those dishes that impresses without stressing out the cook.
FAQ
What type of meat works best for carne con papas?
Beef chuck or stew meat are ideal because they become tender while simmering.
Can I make carne con papas in advance?
Yes, it tastes even better after sitting overnight in the fridge!
What side dishes pair well with carne con papas?
Serve it alongside rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Carne con Papas
Carne con papas is a heartwarming dish featuring tender beef and creamy potatoes, simmered to perfection for a comforting family meal that brings everyone together.
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
- 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced (about 2 lbs)
- 2 medium sweet onions, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 bay leaves
Instructions
- Peel and chop the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Dice the onions and mince the garlic.
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, heat the vegetable oil. Sear the beef chunks until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- Add the onions and garlic, sautéing until the onions are translucent.
- Pour in the beef broth, then add bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Gently fold in the chopped potatoes until submerged in the broth.
- Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1.5 hours until the beef is fork-tender and potatoes are soft.
Notes
- Experiment with different potato varieties for enhanced texture.
- Add fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley before serving for an aromatic touch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
