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Hearty Carne con Papas

Comforting Hearty Carne con Papas for Cozy Nights In

This Hearty Carne con Papas is a comforting Mexican beef and potato stew, perfect for cozy nights in.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Stew
  • 2 pounds Beef Chuck Roast Great for rich flavor; look for well-marbled cuts for tenderness.
  • 1 tablespoon Kosher Salt Essential for enhancing flavor; adjust to your personal taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Adds heat; use less if you prefer a milder dish.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Provides aromatic flavor; fresh garlic offers a bolder taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Infuses herbal notes; thyme can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin A must-have for that warm, earthy essence in the stew.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Perfect for browning the beef; vegetable oil is also a good option.
  • 4 medium Roma Tomatoes Forms the sauce base; opt for canned tomatoes if fresh aren't available.
  • 1 medium White Onion Adds natural sweetness; yellow onion works just as well.
  • 1 medium Serrano Pepper Introduces heat; swap with jalapeño for a gentler touch.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Cloves Fresh garlic enhances flavor; feel free to increase the amount for more intensity.
  • 4 cups Beef Broth Essential for adding depth; choose low-sodium for a healthier option.
  • 1 leaf Bay Leaf Imparts aromatic depth; don't forget to remove it before serving.
  • 2 medium Russet Potatoes Absorb all the flavors and give texture; Yukon Gold is a great alternative.
  • ¼ cup Cilantro Freshens the dish as a garnish; omit for allergies.
Optional Additions
  • 2 medium Carrots For extra nutrition and sweetness; dice them small for even cooking.
  • 1 medium Bell Peppers Brighten up the dish with color and flavor; use any variety you like.
  • 1 can Chipotle Peppers Add for a smoky heat if you're craving an extra kick in your Carne con Papas.
  • 1 cup Lentils A fantastic vegetarian substitute; they maintain flavor while offering a protein boost.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream or Coconut Milk Stir in for a creamy finish that adds richness to the stew.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • blender
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Begin by cutting the beef chuck roast into bite-sized pieces. Season generously with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, and ground cumin. Let the seasoned beef marinate for about 10 minutes.
  2. In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated beef in batches, browning it for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden and caramelized.
  3. While the beef is browning, blend the Roma tomatoes, white onion, serrano pepper, and garlic cloves in a blender until smooth.
  4. Once all the beef is browned, pour the prepared sauce over the meat in the pot. Add the remaining beef broth along with a bay leaf to infuse additional depth. Stir to combine, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to low.
  5. Next, cube the russet potatoes and carefully stir them into the simmering stew. Cover the pot again, allowing the potatoes to cook with the mixture for an additional 25 minutes, or until they are tender.
  6. Once the potatoes are tender, discard the bay leaf and stir in freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness. Allow the stew to rest for about 10 minutes before serving it warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Make your Hearty Carne con Papas a day ahead; allowing time for the flavors to deepen enhances the dish.

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