5 Delicious Papas con Carnes Recipes to Try

In the world of comfort foods, few dishes can compete with the heartiness and flavor of papas con carne—potatoes with meat. This classic dish from Latin American cuisine combines the humble potato with various meats and spices, creating meals that are not only satisfying but rich in flavor. Here, we explore five diverse and delicious papas con carnes recipes that you can easily prepare at home. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to expand your culinary repertoire, these recipes will surely become a staple in your kitchen.

1. Spicy Beef and Potato Casserole

If you love a bit of spice, this beef and potato casserole is the perfect dish for you. Here’s how you can make it:

• Ingredients:
• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
• 6 large potatoes, peeled and sliced
• 2 onions, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Method:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, brown the beef with onions and garlic. Add salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin.
3. Layer the potatoes in a greased baking dish. Add the beef mixture on top, then pour over the beef broth and diced tomatoes.
4. Bake covered for 1 hour, then uncover, increase the heat to 400°F (200°C), and cook for another 30 minutes until the top is browned and bubbly.

2. Peruvian Lomo Saltado

This fusion dish from Peru combines stir-fry techniques with traditional flavors:

• Ingredients:
• 1 lb beef tenderloin, sliced into strips
• 2 large potatoes, cut into fries
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 tomatoes, sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Cilantro for garnish
• Method:
1. Start by frying the potatoes until golden brown, set aside.
2. In the same skillet, quickly sear the beef with garlic, then set aside.
3. Stir-fry onions and tomatoes, add soy sauce, vinegar, and oyster sauce. Toss in the beef and fried potatoes.
4. Serve immediately with cilantro garnish over rice or quinoa.

3. Colombian Ajiaco

Ajiaco is a traditional Colombian potato and corn stew with chicken:

• Ingredients:
• 4 chicken breasts or thighs
• 3 kinds of potatoes (russet, red, and baby potatoes)
• 1 cup of corn kernels
• 2 ears of corn on the cob, cut in half
• 1 avocado, for serving
• ¹⁄₂ cup heavy cream, for serving
• Capers, for serving
• 1 bunch of guasca or cilantro
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Method:
1. Boil the chicken with salt until cooked, shred and reserve the broth.
2. Cook all potatoes and corn cobs in the chicken broth.
3. Add shredded chicken back to the pot. If using guasca, add it now.
4. Simmer until all ingredients are tender, then serve hot with avocado slices, cream, and capers.

4. Carne Guisada with Potatoes

A straightforward, comforting stew from Mexico:

• Ingredients:
• 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
• 4 large potatoes, cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Method:
1. Brown beef in a pot. Add onions and garlic, cook until translucent.
2. Add spices, tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth. Simmer for 45 minutes.
3. Add potatoes and continue cooking until they’re tender.
4. Serve with tortillas or rice.

5. Argentinian Papas Bravas with Chimichurri Beef

This dish features fried potatoes and grilled beef with chimichurri:

• Ingredients:
• 1 ¹⁄₂ lbs beef flank steak
• 4 large potatoes, cut into cubes
• Chimichurri Sauce:
  • ¹⁄₂ cup finely chopped parsley
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • ¹⁄₂ cup olive oil
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• Method:
1. Boil and fry the potatoes until crispy outside, soft inside. Season with salt.
2. Grill the steak to your preferred doneness.
3. Top the steak with chimichurri sauce, serve alongside the potatoes.

🌟 Note: Ensure the potatoes are well-fried for a crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender meat in all these dishes.

These five papas con carnes recipes illustrate the versatility and comfort that this type of meal can provide. Each one reflects a different cultural touch from Latin American cuisine, offering not only delicious taste but also a journey through different culinary traditions. Try them out, and you'll find that potatoes and meat can be transformed into something truly extraordinary with just the right ingredients and techniques.

Can I use different types of meat for these recipes?

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Yes, while these recipes are optimized for beef, you can easily substitute with pork, chicken, or even lamb, adjusting the cooking time as necessary for tenderness.

Are these dishes gluten-free?

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Many of these recipes are naturally gluten-free, but always check your ingredients for gluten content, especially in broth and sauces.

How can I make the dishes less spicy?

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To reduce spiciness, simply omit or reduce the amount of chili powder or choose mild versions of tomatoes with green chilies, and skip the red pepper flakes in the chimichurri sauce.