Carne con Papas: A Simple and Flavorful Mexican Beef and Potato Stew

Carne con papas, or beef and potatoes stew, is a beloved traditional dish in Mexican cuisine. The comforting combination of tender meat cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce with hearty potatoes makes it a satisfying meal for any occasion. This recipe is not only delicious but also perfect for beginner cooks, thanks to its straightforward steps and easily accessible ingredients. Whether you’re new to cooking or simply looking for a comforting, homey meal, this stew will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

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Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Beginners

For anyone new to cooking, carne con papas is an excellent dish to start with. It’s simple, yet full of flavor, which makes it easy to follow without feeling overwhelmed. The recipe uses common ingredients that are easy to find at most grocery stores, and each step is clearly laid out, ensuring that you won’t feel lost in the process. With manageable cooking times and straightforward techniques, this stew builds confidence in the kitchen while delivering a delicious result.

Additionally, it allows for some flexibility. Whether you choose chicken or beef as your main protein, the cooking method remains largely the same, making it easy to swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand. The simplicity of the recipe doesn’t compromise on taste—every bite is rich with the flavors of tomatoes, garlic, onions, and spices.

Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this hearty stew:

• 2 pounds beef chuck roast, diced into 1-inch cubes
• or
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 teaspoons kosher salt, divided, plus more as needed
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 Roma tomatoes, quartered
• ½ white onion
• 1 serrano pepper, stemmed
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 cups beef or chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• ½ cup cilantro, chopped

Preparation

Step 1: Season the Meat

Begin by preparing the beef or chicken. In a large bowl, combine the diced meat with 2 ½ teaspoons of kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and cumin. Mix everything together thoroughly until the meat is evenly coated in the spices. This step ensures that your protein will have a delicious, well-seasoned base.

Step 2: Sear the Meat

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully add the seasoned meat to the pot. Let it sear and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning. You want the meat to develop a rich, golden-brown crust, which will add depth to the flavor of the stew.

Step 3: Blend the Sauce

While the meat is browning, it’s time to prepare the sauce. In a blender, add the quartered Roma tomatoes, ½ white onion, 1 serrano pepper, and 2 cloves of garlic. Blend everything until smooth. This vibrant tomato sauce will form the base of the stew, providing a tangy, slightly spicy layer of flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Sauce

Pour the blended tomato mixture into the pot with the browned meat through a fine mesh strainer. Discard any pulp that remains. Stir in 2 cups of beef or chicken broth and 1 bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 10 minutes. The low simmer allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Add the Potatoes

Now it’s time to introduce the potatoes. Stir in the peeled and cubed potatoes, ensuring they are submerged in the flavorful sauce. Cover the pot again and cook for an additional 25 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the meat is fully cooked.

Step 6: Finish the Dish

Once everything is cooked, remove the bay leaf from the pot. Stir in ½ cup of chopped cilantro for a fresh and fragrant finish. Let the stew sit for about 10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Carne con papas is best served warm with sides that complement its rich flavors. Rice is a popular option, absorbing the hearty juices from the stew. Warm corn tortillas or flour tortillas are perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce. You can also enhance the presentation by adding toppings like chopped cilantro, cotija cheese, or sliced avocado.

Storage Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the stew over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if the sauce thickens too much.

Beginner Tips

For those new to cooking, here are a few helpful tips to ensure success:

• Choosing the right protein: Beef chuck roast or boneless chicken thighs are ideal for this stew, as they both become tender when simmered. The choice depends on your preference—beef offers a richer, heartier taste, while chicken yields a lighter, more neutral flavor.
• Blending the tomatoes: Make sure to blend the tomatoes until smooth to avoid lumps in your sauce. This helps ensure a uniform texture throughout the stew.
• Spice adjustments: The level of spiciness can be customized by using fewer or more serrano peppers. If you prefer a milder flavor, swap the serrano for a jalapeño or skip the pepper altogether.
• Testing for doneness: To check if the meat or chicken is fully cooked, pierce it with a fork or cut into a piece—if it’s tender and easily falls apart, it’s ready. Potatoes are done when you can easily slide a fork into them without resistance.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

For beginner cooks, here are some common challenges you may encounter:

• Meat browns too quickly: If the meat is browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to avoid burning the spices.
• Vegetables overcook: Be sure to stir the potatoes occasionally and check for doneness around the 20-minute mark—once they’re fork-tender, they’re ready.
• Too much liquid: If you find the stew has too much broth, remove the lid during the simmering process to let some of the liquid evaporate.

Conclusion

Carne con papas is more than just a dish—it’s a gateway into the warmth and comfort of traditional Mexican home cooking. Its simplicity and versatility make it a perfect recipe for beginner cooks who may feel intimidated by more complex meals. With just a handful of basic ingredients, this stew delivers a depth of flavor that feels like it took hours to prepare, even though it comes together in less than an hour.

By choosing either chicken or beef, you can tailor this recipe to your personal tastes or the ingredients you have on hand. Both options result in a stew that’s tender, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. The tomato-based sauce, infused with garlic, onion, and a hint of spice, is a true star, perfectly complementing the richness of the meat and the heartiness of the potatoes.

What makes this recipe even more special is its ability to adapt to your preferences. Love a little extra heat? Add more serrano peppers. Prefer a milder dish? Swap in a jalapeño or leave the peppers out entirely. You can even experiment with toppings like cotija cheese, avocado slices, or a sprinkle of lime juice to make the dish uniquely yours.

Carne con papas is also a fantastic recipe to practice fundamental cooking skills, like seasoning, browning meat, blending sauces, and simmering to perfection. These are building blocks for countless other dishes, making this stew not only a delicious meal but also a valuable learning experience for beginner cooks.