Carne con Papas (Mexican Beef and Potatoes)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️

Simple and comforting. Tender beef and potatoes simmer together in a flavorful tomato-based sauce for a hearty, satisfying meal.

It’s a family favorite. This is the kind of traditional Mexican recipe that reminds me of home, family, and my mom’s cooking.

Simple ingredients. This recipe uses everyday ingredients like beef, potatoes, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and serrano chiles.

Perfect for a weeknight dinner. It’s filling, comforting, and easy to serve with warm tortillas, rice, or beans.

A Taste of Durango 🦂

I feel like I can make Carne con Papas in my sleep. LOL. I’ve made it so many times that I don’t really have to think about it.

It reminds me of Durango, my mom, and my aunts cooking. Traditional food from Durango is hearty and comforting, with plenty of meat, potatoes, beans, and homemade tortillas.

If you enjoy this style of Durango cooking, try my Caldillo Durangueño, another traditional dish from my family’s home state.

Ingredients

🥩 To Make The Beef

2 tablespoon olive oil

2 ½ lbs chuck roast beef chopped into 1-inch pieces

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon ground pepper

1 teaspoon ground cumin

¼ teaspoon ground oregano

½ onion diced (for the beef)

2 potatoes peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces

2 tablespoon tomato paste

🥫 To Make The Sauce

3 Roma tomatoes quartered

½ onion rough chopped (for the sauce)

2 garlic cloves

2 serrano peppers stems removed

1 teaspoon beef bouillon

4 cup water

👩🏼‍🍳 Instructions

Chop up the beef into 1-inch pieces.

Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and cumin.

Here, we are using chuck roast. This is the same cut to make Slow Cooker Birria. It has a good amount of fat in it to give the dish flavor.

For a leaner cut without as much fat, try top loin, bottom round, or eye of round steak.

🙋🏻‍♀️ Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carne con Papas?

Carne con Papas is a traditional Mexican dish made with beef and potatoes simmered in a savory tomato and chile sauce. It’s a hearty home-style meal that is commonly served with warm corn tortillas, rice, or beans.

What cut of beef is best for Carne con Papas?

I use chuck roast because it has enough fat to stay flavorful and tender as it cooks. Cut the beef into small, bite-sized pieces before cooking. You can also use another beef cut suitable for stewing, but cooking time may vary.

Is Carne con Papas spicy?

It can be, but it doesn’t have to be. This recipe uses serrano chiles, but you can use fewer serranos for a milder sauce or substitute jalapeños. If the sauce is too spicy, blend in another tomato to balance the heat.

Can I make Carne con Papas ahead of time?

Yes. Carne con Papas can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The leftovers are also great the next day, although the potatoes may soften slightly as they sit in the sauce.

Is Carne con Papas the same as Caldillo Durangueño?

No. They are similar Mexican beef and potato dishes, but they are different recipes. Caldillo Durangueño is a traditional dish from Durango that is typically made with chile pasado. Carne con Papas has a tomato-based sauce and is prepared differently.

Is Carne con Papas the same as Carne Guisada con Papas?

The names are sometimes used interchangeably, but preparations vary by region and family. This version starts by searing the beef and then simmers it in a tomato and chile sauce with potatoes.