This Mexican Carne Guisada con Papas 

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This Mexican Carne Guisada con Papas is a traditional comfort dish made with tender chunks of beef slowly simmered with potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, and warm Mexican spices. The result is a rich, flavorful stew with a savory gravy that is perfect served with warm tortillas, rice, or beans.


Ingredients

For the Carne Guisada

  • 2½ lbs (1.1 kg) beef chuck roast, cut into 1½-inch cubes
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1–2 jalapeños, chopped (optional)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup water (as needed)

Seasonings

  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp Mexican oregano
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp ground coriander
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Additions

  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 cup carrots, sliced
  • ½ cup peas
  • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for smoky heat

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

  1. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels.
  2. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
  3. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat.
  4. Brown the beef in batches until deeply seared on all sides.
  5. Remove beef and set aside.

2. Build the Flavor Base

  1. In the same pot, add onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
  2. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  3. Stir in cumin, chili powder, oregano, smoked paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper.
  4. Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.

3. Simmer the Carne Guisada

  1. Return the beef to the pot.
  2. Add tomatoes, bell pepper, jalapeños, bay leaf, beef broth, and water.
  3. Bring to a gentle boil.
  4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1½–2 hours until the beef is tender.

4. Add the Potatoes

  1. Add the chopped potatoes during the last 30–40 minutes of cooking.
  2. Continue simmering until the potatoes are tender and the gravy has thickened.
  3. Remove the bay leaf.
  4. Stir in cilantro and lime juice before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Carne Guisada con Papas with:

  • Warm flour tortillas
  • Corn tortillas
  • Mexican rice
  • Refried beans
  • Charro beans
  • Fresh avocado
  • Pico de gallo
  • Salsa verde
  • Pickled jalapeños

Tips for the Best Carne Guisada con Papas

  • Use beef chuck roast for the most tender, flavorful meat.
  • Searing the beef first creates a deeper, richer gravy.
  • Cut potatoes into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
  • Cook low and slow — the beef should almost fall apart.
  • For thicker gravy, mash a few potato pieces into the sauce before serving.

Storage

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat slowly on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth if needed.

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