Carne con Papas: A Simple Yet Satisfying Recipe
This hearty Carne con Papas recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. It's a classic dish that's easy to make and incredibly flavorful, highlighting the delicious combination of tender beef and perfectly cooked potatoes. This recipe focuses on building layers of flavor, resulting in a dish that's both comforting and sophisticated.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Browning the Beef
- Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the beef on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
Step 2: Sautéing Aromatics
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Building Flavor
- Add the smoked paprika, oregano, and thyme to the pot. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, to toast the spices.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 4: Simmering to Perfection
- Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the cubed potatoes. Stir well to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1.5-2 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender and the potatoes are cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Serving & Enjoying
- Once the Carne con Papas is cooked, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for the Best Carne con Papas:
- Choose the right cut of beef: Stew meat is ideal for this recipe because it's tougher and becomes incredibly tender after a long simmer.
- Don't overcrowd the pot: Browning the beef in batches ensures that it browns properly and doesn't steam.
- Low and slow is key: Simmering the Carne con Papas on low heat allows the flavors to meld and the beef to become exceptionally tender.
- Adjust cooking time: Depending on your stove and the size of your beef cubes, you may need to adjust the simmering time. Check for doneness by easily piercing a potato and a piece of beef with a fork.
Serving Suggestions:
This hearty dish is delicious on its own. However, you can also serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful sauce. A simple green salad would also complement this rich and satisfying meal.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Carne con Papas! Remember to share your culinary creations using #CarneconPapas #BeefandPotatoes #HeartyMeal.