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Mexican Beef Stew

Featured in Satisfying Hearty Mains.

Traditional Mexican stew combining beef chunks and potatoes in a tomato-based sauce seasoned with garlic, cumin, and oregano.
Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:13:15 GMT
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A pot of beef stew with potatoes and garnished with chopped parsley. Pin it
A pot of beef stew with potatoes and garnished with chopped parsley. | recipesbyclare.com

This Carne con Papas recipe brings back memories of my grandmother's kitchen. The way the tender beef and potatoes soak up that rich tomato sauce creates pure comfort in a bowl. Every time I make it my house fills with the most incredible aroma.

Simple Yet Special

What makes this dish so wonderful is how everyday ingredients transform into something extraordinary. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender and those potatoes soak up all that amazing sauce. Plus it gets even better the next day.

What You'll Need

  • Beef Chuck Roast: 2 pounds, seasoned and braised to tender perfection.
  • Seasonings: Garlic, cumin, oregano, black pepper, and a bay leaf for authentic Mexican flavors.
  • Tomatoes: 4 Roma tomatoes for a rich and slightly sweet base.
  • Onions and Garlic: 1 white onion and 2 cloves garlic, blended for depth and aroma.
  • Serrano Pepper: 1 pepper, whole, for a medium spice level.
  • Potatoes: 3 medium russet potatoes, diced, to absorb the flavors of the broth.
  • Cilantro: Fresh leaves for garnish and added brightness.
A bowl of beef stew with potatoes, garnished with cilantro, served alongside fluffy white rice. Pin it
A bowl of beef stew with potatoes, garnished with cilantro, served alongside fluffy white rice. | recipesbyclare.com

Let's Cook

Start with the Beef
Season well and get a good sear it makes all the difference.
Create the Sauce
Blend those fresh ingredients until smooth straining keeps it silky.
Build the Flavors
Let everything simmer together with that bay leaf.
Add the Potatoes
They'll cook to perfect tenderness in the rich sauce.
Finish with Style
Fresh cilantro brightens everything up right at the end.

Make It Perfect

Cut those potatoes into even pieces they'll cook more uniformly. If you're sensitive to heat skip the serrano or use jalapeño instead. And don't rush the simmering that's where the magic happens.

A rich beef stew with potatoes and fresh cilantro is simmering in a black pot, alongside garlic and cilantro sprigs in the background. Pin it
A rich beef stew with potatoes and fresh cilantro is simmering in a black pot, alongside garlic and cilantro sprigs in the background. | recipesbyclare.com

Serve It Right

Warm tortillas are essential for soaking up that delicious sauce. I love adding sliced avocado on top and a sprinkle of cotija cheese. A side of Mexican rice makes it a complete meal.

Keep It Fresh

This stew keeps beautifully in the fridge and actually tastes even better the next day. Perfect for meal prep just reheat gently adding a splash of broth if needed.

A bowl of hearty beef stew with potatoes, served over white rice and garnished with fresh cilantro. Pin it
A bowl of hearty beef stew with potatoes, served over white rice and garnished with fresh cilantro. | recipesbyclare.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How spicy is this stew?
Moderate heat from one serrano. Use jalapeño for less heat or skip pepper entirely for mild version.
→ Why let it rest before serving?
10 minute rest allows sauce to thicken slightly for better consistency.
→ What can I serve with it?
Traditionally served with rice and warm tortillas. Can top with cilantro, cotija cheese or avocado.
→ What cut of beef works best?
Chuck roast is ideal as it becomes tender when stewed while maintaining flavor.
→ Can I make it ahead?
Yes, flavors develop well overnight. Reheat gently, adding broth if needed.

Carne con Papas

Classic Mexican beef stew with potatoes in spiced tomato sauce. Ready in under an hour.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 6 Servings (6 servings)

Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 2 pounds beef chuck roast, 1-inch cubes.
02 3 teaspoons kosher salt, divided.
03 1 teaspoon black pepper.
04 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
05 ½ teaspoon dried oregano.
06 ½ teaspoon ground cumin.
07 2 tablespoons olive oil.
08 4 Roma tomatoes, quartered.
09 ½ white onion.
10 1 serrano pepper, stemmed.
11 2 cloves garlic.
12 2 cups beef broth.
13 1 bay leaf.
14 2 large russet potatoes, cubed.
15 ½ cup cilantro, chopped.

Instructions

Step 01

Toss beef with 2½ teaspoons salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and cumin.

Step 02

Brown meat in oil over medium-high heat, about 10 minutes.

Step 03

Blend tomatoes, onion, pepper, garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, and broth until smooth.

Step 04

Strain sauce into pot. Add bay leaf, simmer covered 10 minutes.

Step 05

Add potatoes, cook 25 minutes. Stir in cilantro, rest 10 minutes.

Notes

  1. Use jalapeño or omit pepper for less heat.
  2. Let rest to thicken sauce.
  3. Serve with rice and tortillas.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot or Dutch oven.
  • Blender.
  • Fine mesh strainer.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 432
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 26 g
  • Protein: 34 g