This Mexican Carne Guisada con Papas

Mexican Carne Guisada con Papas is a flavorful and hearty stew made with tender beef, potatoes, and a rich, savory tomato-based sauce. The dish is often served with warm tortillas or rice, and it’s perfect for a family meal or a cozy dinner. The potatoes absorb the flavors of the meat and the sauce, making every bite delicious.

Here’s a simple recipe for Carne Guisada con Papas:

Mexican Carne Guisada con Papas

Ingredients:

• For the Carne Guisada:

  • 2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck roast, flank steak, or round beef), cut into bite-sized cubes

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or olive oil)

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)

  • 2 tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can diced tomatoes)

  • 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for deeper flavor)

  • 2 tbsp ground cumin

  • 1 tsp chili powder

  • 1/2 tsp ground oregano (Mexican oregano if possible)

  • 1/2 tsp paprika

  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

  • 1-2 cups beef broth (or water)

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (optional, for extra depth)

• For the Papas (Potatoes):

  • 3-4 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and diced

  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

• To Finish:

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

  • Lime wedges (for serving)

  • Warm tortillas (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sear the Beef:

   • Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides. This should take about 6-8 minutes.

   • Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.

2. Cook the Vegetables:

   • In the same pot, add the diced onion and green bell pepper (if using). Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.

   • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Make the Sauce:

   • Add the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste (if using) to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for about 5 minutes, letting the tomatoes break down and release their juices.

   • Add the cumin, chili powder, oregano, paprika, black pepper, and soy sauce (if using). Stir well to combine and cook for another 1-2 minutes to let the spices bloom.

4. Add the Beef and Broth:

   • Return the browned beef to the pot and stir to combine. Pour in the beef broth, adding enough to cover the beef (about 1-2 cups). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and cook for about 1 to 1.5 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded.

5. Prepare the Potatoes:

   • While the beef is simmering, heat 1 tbsp oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes, until they are lightly browned and starting to soften. Season with salt and pepper. You don’t need to cook them through completely, as they will finish cooking in the stew.

6. Combine Potatoes and Beef:

   • Once the beef is tender, add the partially cooked potatoes to the pot with the beef and sauce. Stir to combine. Add a little more beef broth if needed to make sure the potatoes are mostly covered.

   • Cover and cook for another 20-30 minutes, until the potatoes are fully cooked and tender, and the stew thickens. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom.

7. Finish and Serve:

   • Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or cumin if needed.

   • Serve the Carne Guisada con Papas hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side for a burst of freshness.

   • Enjoy with warm tortillas or over rice for a more filling meal.

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Tips:

• Tender Beef: If you want even more tender meat, you can use a pressure cooker (Instant Pot) to speed up the cooking process. Cook on high pressure for about 30-35 minutes, and then release the pressure manually.

• Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, peas, or corn for a more hearty stew.

• Spicy Kick: Add a chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper for a spicy kick, or use chipotle in adobo for smoky heat.

Serving Suggestions:

• Rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up all the flavorful gravy.

• Tortillas: Warm corn or flour tortillas are perfect for scooping up the carne guisada and potatoes.

• Side Salad: A simple side salad of fresh lettuce, tomato, and avocado would balance the richness of the dish nicely.

This Carne Guisada con Papas is a warm, satisfying meal with a deep, flavorful sauce that everyone will love. It’s perfect for a family dinner or for meal prepping for the week! Let me know how it turns out if you give it a try!