Cuban Carne Con Papas Recipe

Tender beef simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with potatoes, peppers, and spices, creating a hearty, comforting dish full of Cuban warmth.

by BdRecipes
Published: Updated:

Cuban cuisine is rich in flavors and traditions, and one dish that always captures our hearts is Cuban Carne Con Papas.

This hearty beef stew, made with tender beef and soft potatoes, brings a warm and comforting taste to the table. It’s not just a meal; it’s a cultural experience that reminds us of family gatherings and home-cooked goodness.

As we’ve traveled through Cuba, we’ve tasted many variations of this classic dish. Each bowl tells a story, blending savory spices and the love of home cooking.

We can’t wait to share our favorite Carne Con Papas recipe with you, one that is easy to make and perfect for any day of the week.

Join us as we explore this beloved Cuban staple. From gathering the ingredients to cooking techniques, we’ll guide you through making a dish that is sure to become a favorite in your own home.

Let’s dive into the delightful world of Carne Con Papas!

5. Cuban Carne Con Papas Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Cuban Carne Con Papas Recipe

We adore this recipe because it brings a taste of Cuba right to our kitchen. The rich flavors of beef and spices are comforting and satisfying.

Hearty Ingredients:

  • Tender beef
  • Creamy potatoes
  • Savory tomato sauce

Each bite is a delightful mix of textures and tastes that make us feel at home.

Simple to Prepare:
One of the best parts about Carne Con Papas is how easy it is to make.

With just a few steps, we can have a delicious meal simmering on the stove or in our crockpot.

Perfect for Sharing:
This dish is ideal for family gatherings or cozy nights. It serves well with a side of fluffy white rice, making it a complete meal.

Versatile for Any Occasion:
Whether it’s a chilly day or a special family dinner, this recipe shines.

We appreciate that it requires common ingredients, so we can make it anytime without a hassle.

What Makes This Recipe Special

Cuban Carne Con Papas is more than just a meal; it’s a taste of history and culture. Here’s why we love this recipe:

  • Hearty Ingredients: The dish combines tender beef and soft potatoes. This makes for a filling meal that warms our hearts.
  • Savory Sauce: The savory tomato sauce is rich and flavorful. It brings all the ingredients together and adds depth to each bite.
  • Comfort Food: We often find ourselves in need of comfort food. This dish is perfect for cozy days when we want something familiar and soothing.
  • Family Tradition: Many families enjoy making Carne Con Papas for gatherings. It’s a dish that sparks conversation and brings loved ones together.
  • Versatile Serving Options: We love serving it with fluffy white rice. It’s a great way to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • Cultural Connection: By cooking Carne Con Papas, we feel a connection to Cuban heritage. It’s exciting to think about the many families who have enjoyed this dish over the years.

In every bite, we taste the love and tradition that this recipe embodies. It’s a reminder of the joy of sharing meals with family and friends.

Cooking Equipment Needed

To make Cuban Carne Con Papas, we’ll need a few essential pieces of equipment. Here’s a simple list to help you gather everything.

  • Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: This is where we will brown the meat and sauté the vegetables. A heavy pot helps evenly distribute the heat.
  • Slow Cooker (optional): If you prefer a hands-off approach, a slow cooker works great. We can transfer the ingredients after browning for a tender stew.
  • Cutting Board and Knives: We’ll need a sturdy cutting board and sharp knives to cut the beef and chop the vegetables.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: These will help us add the right amount of oil, wine, and other ingredients to our dish.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: A wooden spoon is great for stirring the ingredients without scratching our cookware.
  • Ladle: We’ll use this to serve our delicious stew once it’s finished cooking.

Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. We love collecting these tools from our travels, each with a special story.

Let’s get cooking!

5. Cuban Carne Con Papas Recipe

Cooking Instructions

To make Cuban Carne Con Papas, we follow a simple process that brings out rich flavors. Here’s how we do it:

  1. Sear the Meat
    We start by cutting beef stew meat into 1-inch cubes. Season with salt and pepper.Heat a bit of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and brown the meat for about 4-5 minutes.
  2. Prepare Potatoes
    While the meat is cooking, we chop some potatoes into bite-sized pieces. This adds heartiness to the dish.
  3. Add Ingredients
    Once the meat is browned, we add the potatoes along with onions, garlic, and tomatoes.We then pour in some beef broth and let it simmer.
  4. Season It Up
    We like to add:

    • Cumin
    • Oregano
    • A pinch of bay leaves

    This seasoning really brings out the Cuban flavors.

  5. Cook Until Tender
    We let everything simmer on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours.The meat and potatoes should be tender when done.
  6. Serve
    Lastly, we plate the dish hot, often with a side of rice or bread.It’s a comforting meal we always enjoy.

Give it a try; it’s perfect for a cozy dinner!

Cooking Tips

Making Cuban Carne Con Papas can be a rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help you along the way.

Choose the Right Meat
We recommend using beef chuck or round. These cuts become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.

Prepare Your Ingredients
Chop your vegetables and dice the meat into 1-inch cubes before cooking. This helps everything cook evenly.

Sear the Meat
Before adding everything to the pot, sear the meat in a bit of olive oil. Browning the meat adds rich flavor.

Layer Flavors
Add your spices and herbs gradually. This builds depth in the dish.

Cooking Method
Using a slow cooker is a great way to prepare Carne Con Papas. It allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Adjust Seasoning
Taste your stew as it cooks. You can always add more salt or spices later.

Add Potatoes Last
To avoid overcooking, add the potatoes during the last hour of cooking. This ensures they stay firm and delicious.

Storage
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They taste great for several days.

Ingredients Needed for the Cuban Carne Con Papas Recipe

Vegetable Oil
Beef chuck stew meat
Large Green Pepper
Large Onion
Cloves Garlic
Dry Cooking Wine
Water
Beef Bouillon Cube
Tomato Sauce
Complete seasoning
Ground cumin
Smoked paprika
Bay leaves
Salt + Pepper
Russet potatoes

24 Great Cuban Recipes

Instructions For Preparing the Cuban Carne Con Papas Recipe

Brown the Beef & Sauté the Vegetables
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat and brown the beef on all sides for about 5 minutes, then set aside. Add the remaining oil and sauté the green peppers and onions until tender, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Deglaze & Simmer the Stew
Pour in the cooking wine and deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits. Cook for 1–2 minutes until slightly reduced. Stir in the water, crushed bouillon cube, tomato sauce, complete seasoning, cumin, smoked paprika, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then return the beef to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, checking occasionally and adding ½ cup of water if needed to prevent drying out.

Cook Until Tender & Add Potatoes
If the beef is still tough after an hour, continue cooking until fork-tender, adding water as needed. Once tender, add the potatoes and cook on low for another 30 minutes until they are soft. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve immediately over white rice. Enjoy!

5. Cuban Carne Con Papas Recipe

FAQs For the Cuban Carne Con Papas Recipe

Question: What is the Cuban Carne Con Papas Recipe?
A: The Cuban Carne Con Papas recipe is a traditional Cuban beef and potato stew slow-cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce with spices, creating a hearty and flavorful dish.

Question: What type of meat is best for the Cuban Carne Con Papas Recipe?
A: The Cuban Carne Con Papas recipe typically uses beef stew meat or chuck roast, as these cuts become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.

Question: How long does it take to cook the Cuban Carne Con Papas Recipe?
A: The Cuban Carne Con Papas recipe usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to cook on the stovetop, allowing the beef to become tender and the flavors to develop.

Question: What can I serve with the Cuban Carne Con Papas Recipe?
A: The Cuban Carne Con Papas recipe pairs well with white rice, fried plantains, or Cuban bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Question: Can I make the Cuban Carne Con Papas Recipe in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, the Cuban Carne Con Papas recipe can be made in a slow cooker by cooking on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender.

5. Cuban Carne Con Papas Recipe

Cuban Carne Con Papas Recipe

Tender beef simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with potatoes, peppers, and spices, creating a hearty, comforting dish full of Cuban warmth.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cuban
Servings 6
Calories 460 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil vegetable, canola, etc
  • 2 lbs beef chuck stew meat cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 bell pepper large green diced
  • 1 onion large diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup cooking wine dry vino seco
  • 2 cups water plus more as needed
  • 1 cube beef bouillon
  • 8 ounces tomato sauce
  • 1/2 tablespoon complete seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika smoked
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt + pepper to taste
  • 3 potatoes large Russet peeled and quartered

Instructions
 

Brown the Beef & Sauté the Vegetables

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat and brown the beef on all sides for about 5 minutes, then set aside. Add the remaining oil and sauté the green peppers and onions until tender, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Deglaze & Simmer the Stew

  • Pour in the cooking wine and deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits. Cook for 1–2 minutes until slightly reduced. Stir in the water, crushed bouillon cube, tomato sauce, complete seasoning, cumin, smoked paprika, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then return the beef to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, checking occasionally and adding ½ cup of water if needed to prevent drying out.

Cook Until Tender & Add Potatoes

  • If the beef is still tough after an hour, continue cooking until fork-tender, adding water as needed. Once tender, add the potatoes and cook on low for another 30 minutes until they are soft. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve immediately over white rice. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 460kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 32gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 104mgSodium: 377mgPotassium: 1147mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 893IUVitamin C: 51mgCalcium: 58mgIron: 5mg
Keyword Cuban Carne Con Papas Recipe
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

5. Cuban Carne Con Papas Recipe

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4 comments

BdRecipes February 22, 2025 - 1:31 am

5 stars
This Cuban Beef Stew was rich, hearty, and bursting with flavor. The beef was so tender after simmering, and the potatoes soaked up the delicious sauce beautifully. Served with white rice, it was a complete meal that my guests absolutely loved. They kept commenting on how comforting and satisfying it was!

Reply
Ramona April 5, 2025 - 10:32 pm

I cant believe they didnt mention the secret ingredient in the Cuban Carne Con Papas recipe! Its what makes it truly unique and delicious. Maybe they want to keep it a mystery, but I need to know!

Reply
Jazmin May 10, 2025 - 11:20 am

Im not convinced about this Cuban Carne Con Papas recipe. Seems like a lot of hype for just meat and potatoes. Anyone else feel like its overrated? Lets discuss!

Reply
Nathan May 19, 2025 - 11:46 am

I cant believe they didnt mention the secret ingredient in the Cuban Carne Con Papas recipe! I swear, thats what really takes it to the next level. Do you guys have any guesses on what it could be?

Reply
5 from 1 vote

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