Carne Guisada con Papas is a traditional and comforting Latin American dish made with tender beef, potatoes, and a flavorful sauce. It’s commonly enjoyed in various countries, including Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. The slow-cooked beef and potatoes create a rich, hearty meal that’s perfect with rice or tortillas.Here’s a simple recipe for Carne Guisada con Papas:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (such as chuck or brisket), cut into cubes
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric (optional, for color)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Brown the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat in batches to avoid overcrowding, and brown the beef on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef and set it aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.
- Add tomatoes and spices: Add the chopped tomatoes, cumin, oregano, turmeric (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices.
- Deglaze the pot: Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to lift any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Simmer the stew: Return the browned beef to the pot along with the bay leaf. Add enough water or additional beef broth to just cover the beef. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- Add the potatoes: Once the beef is tender, add the cubed potatoes to the pot. If needed, add more broth or water to ensure the potatoes are covered. Cook for another 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the stew has thickened.
- Add peas (optional): About 5 minutes before serving, add the frozen peas (if using) and cook until heated through.
- Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot with rice, tortillas, or crusty bread.
This Carne Guisada con Papas is a flavorful, hearty dish that’s great for family meals. The tender beef and soft potatoes in a rich, savory sauce will be a hit at the table!
