Carne con papas is a delightful dish that transports you straight to the heart of comfort food. Picture succulent pieces of beef simmered in a rich, savory sauce, surrounded by tender potatoes soaking up all those flavors. The warm aroma wafts through your kitchen, pulling everyone in like moths to a flame. It’s a dish that speaks of home-cooked love and hearty family gatherings.
I remember the first time I tried carne con papas at my abuela’s house. The moment I stepped inside, the savory scent wrapped around me like a cozy blanket. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside, perfect for Sunday dinners or any occasion where you need a little extra love on your plate.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Carne con papas is easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends
- The flavor profile is rich and comforting, with melt-in-your-mouth beef and soft potatoes
- Visually, the dish is stunning with its vibrant colors and inviting aroma
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with rice, salad, or crusty bread for an amazing meal
When I made this for my friends last month, their delighted reactions were priceless—especially when they went back for seconds!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Beef Chuck Roast: Opt for well-marbled cuts for maximum flavor and tenderness during cooking.
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Potatoes: Use waxy varieties like Yukon Gold for creaminess that holds up during cooking.
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Onions: Sweet onions work best; they caramelize beautifully and enhance the flavor.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth; avoid pre-minced versions if possible for better taste.
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Beef Broth: Homemade broth elevates the dish; store-bought works too but choose low-sodium options.
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Tomato Paste: This ingredient thickens the sauce while adding a touch of sweetness.
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Cumin and Paprika: These spices lend warmth and richness; feel free to add more based on your preference.
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Bay Leaves: Just a couple will infuse deep flavors throughout the cooking process.
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Olive Oil: For browning the meat; it adds a lovely richness to the overall dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by chopping your beef into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1 inch in size. Dice your onions and mince the garlic while keeping everything close at hand for easy access.
Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef pieces in batches so they brown nicely without overcrowding—about 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
Add Aromatics and Spices: Toss in your onions and minced garlic once the beef has developed a beautiful crust. Sauté them until translucent—this should take about 3-4 minutes while stirring gently.
Incorporate Tomato Paste and Broth: Stir in tomato paste until it coats everything evenly before pouring in beef broth along with cumin and paprika. Scrape up any bits stuck on the bottom of your pan.
Add Potatoes & Simmer Away!: Gently fold in diced potatoes along with bay leaves. Bring everything to a boil before reducing to low heat—cover and let it simmer for about 1 hour or until everything is tender.
Final Touches & Serve!: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed; remove bay leaves before serving. Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice for an extra treat!
With these steps complete, you’ll have created a delectable plate of carne con papas that will leave everyone asking for more! Enjoy every savory bite as you bask in your culinary triumph!
You Must Know
- Cooking carne con papas is not just about the ingredients; it’s a celebration of flavors and culture
- The rich aroma filling your kitchen can make anyone feel at home
- Trust me, it’s a dish that brings people together, igniting conversations and laughter around the table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the meat for deep flavor, then sauté onions and garlic before adding potatoes. This sequence ensures everything cooks evenly and absorbs those delicious flavors.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in sweet potatoes for a twist or add bell peppers for extra color and taste. Everyone loves a personal touch that makes the dish uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low heat to keep the meat tender and potatoes fluffy without drying them out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the best carne con papas, ensure your meat is well-marinated for flavor depth
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible to enhance aroma and taste
- Always let the dish rest before serving; this allows flavors to meld beautifully
Cooking carne con papas brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter was as abundant as the food on our plates. There’s something special about sharing this hearty dish with loved ones.

FAQ
What type of meat is best for carne con papas?
Choose beef chuck or brisket for tender, flavorful results that melt in your mouth.
Can I make carne con papas in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just brown the meat first, then add everything else for slow cooking magic.
How can I spice up my carne con papas?
Consider adding cumin or smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor that surprises your taste buds.
Carne con Papas
Carne con papas is a comforting, savory dish that combines tender beef and creamy potatoes in a rich sauce, perfect for any family gathering or cozy dinner. The delightful aroma and hearty flavors will transport you to a place of warmth and nostalgia. Simple to prepare yet full of flavor, this dish is sure to impress your friends and loved ones.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
- 1 large sweet onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches until golden, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add onions and garlic; sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste before adding beef broth, cumin, and paprika. Scrape any bits off the bottom of the pot.
- Fold in potatoes and bay leaves; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1 hour until everything is tender.
- Adjust seasoning as needed; remove bay leaves before serving hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg


