Carne Con Papas - Easy Beef Stew Recipe

Craving a hearty, comforting meal that's packed with flavor and steeped in tradition? Look no further than Carne con Papas, the ultimate beef stew recipe that's a true Cuban classic! This isn't just any stew; it's a beloved dish that brings families together, a staple in many Latin American homes for good reason. Imagine tender, slow-cooked beef and soft potatoes swimming in a rich, savory tomato-based sauce – pure culinary bliss!
Carne con Papas (which simply means "meat with potatoes") boasts humble origins but delivers extraordinary taste. It's a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined with a little love and the right spices, can create something truly magical. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting your cooking journey, you'll find this easy family dinner recipe incredibly straightforward to prepare. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a special Sunday gathering, offering that comforting, home-cooked feel we all cherish. Get ready to discover your new favorite slow cooked beef dish!

Ingredients

• 2 Idaho potatoes (peeled and diced)
• 1 green bell pepper (chopped)
• 1/2 white onion (chopped)
• 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1.75 lbs beef stew meat (diced)
• 16 oz tomato sauce
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup white cooking wine
• 1 tbsp Sazon completa
• 1 packet Sazon con achiote
• 1/2 tbsp salt
• 2 bay leaves

Directions

1. Make the Sofrito : Grab your favorite Dutch oven or a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once it's shimmering, add your chopped green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and white onion. Sauté these veggies for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become beautifully translucent and fragrant. Now, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can really smell that garlic goodness – careful not to burn it! This aromatic base is your sofrito, the heart of our stew’s flavor.
2. Cook the Beef : Push your sofrito to the side of the pot, creating a space in the middle. Add the diced beef stew meat to the hot pan. Brown the beef on all sides for about 5 minutes. You're not cooking it all the way through, just getting a nice sear for extra flavor and texture. Once browned, mix the beef thoroughly with the sofrito.
3. Simmer to Perfection : Pour in the tomato sauce, water, and white cooking wine. Stir everything together to combine. Now, add your Sazon completa, the packet of Sazon con achiote, and the 1/2 tablespoon of salt. Give it another good stir. Finally, nestle the diced potatoes and the bay leaves into the mixture. Bring the stew to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 30-40 minutes. The goal is for the beef to become wonderfully tender and the potatoes to be cooked through and soft. Before serving, remove the bay leaves.