How to Make Authentic Cuban Carne con Papas at Home

If you’re craving a warm and comforting meal packed with Latin flavor, this authentic Cuban Carne con Papas recipe is the perfect choice. A traditional Cuban beef and potato stew, it’s known for its rich tomato-based sauce, tender chunks of slow-cooked beef, and the signature sofrito—a blend of onions, garlic, and peppers that defines Cuban cuisine.

Carne con Papas, which translates to “beef with potatoes,” is a beloved Cuban comfort food often enjoyed at family gatherings and Sunday dinners. Its deep, savory flavor comes from simple ingredients cooked slowly to perfection, allowing the Cuban spices like cumin, oregano, and bay leaf to infuse every bite.

Whether you’re exploring authentic Cuban food for the first time or bringing a taste of home to your kitchen, this recipe shows you how to make Carne con Papas at home with easy steps and everyday ingredients. The result? A hearty, one-pot meal that’s perfect with rice, fried plantains, or crusty Cuban bread.

Essential Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need

To make this authentic Cuban Carne con Papas recipe, you’ll only need simple ingredients that come together to create rich flavor and comforting texture. Each item plays an essential role in building the deep, savory taste of this traditional Cuban beef and potato stew.

Authentic Cuban Carne con Papas with tender beef and potatoes in a rich tomato sauce, served with rice.

🥩 Main Ingredients

2 pounds (900 g) beef stew meat – cut into medium chunks; chuck or shoulder works best for tenderness.
2 tablespoons olive oil – for browning the meat and enhancing flavor.
1 large onion, finely chopped.
1 green bell pepper, diced.
4 garlic cloves, minced.
2 medium tomatoes, chopped, or 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce.
2 tablespoons tomato paste – to thicken and intensify the sauce.
2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes.
1 cup (240 ml) beef broth or water – helps simmer and tenderize the beef.
1 teaspoon ground cumin – a key Cuban spice that gives earthy warmth.
1 teaspoon dried oregano – adds aromatic balance.
1 bay leaf – for a subtle herbal depth.
Salt and black pepper, to taste.
(Optional) ½ cup green olives or carrots, for extra flavor and texture.

💡 Tip: For even more authentic flavor, make a quick sofrito by sautéing your onion, garlic, and bell pepper in olive oil before adding the beef and tomatoes. This is the heart of many Cuban dishes.

🍲 Recommended Tools and Utensils

Having the right kitchen tools makes cooking Carne con Papas easier and ensures the beef cooks evenly and stays tender:

Large Dutch oven or heavy pot with lid – ideal for slow cooking and flavor development.
Wooden spoon or spatula – to stir without scratching the pot.
Sharp chef’s knife – for cutting meat and vegetables.
Cutting board – to prep ingredients safely.
Measuring spoons and cups – to maintain the right flavor balance.
Serving bowl or deep dish – perfect for presenting this hearty Cuban comfort food.

💬 Pro Tip: Use a cast iron Dutch oven if you have one—it retains heat beautifully and helps the slow-cooked beef develop deep, caramelized flavor while keeping the potatoes tender.

Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Cuban Carne con Papas

Follow these steps to make a rich, tender, and flavorful Cuban Carne con Papas that’s perfect for family dinners or weeknight comfort food.

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Peel and cube 2 large potatoes into roughly 1-inch pieces.
Chop 1 large onion and 1 green bell pepper finely.
Mince 4 garlic cloves.
Cut 2 pounds (900 g) beef stew meat into medium chunks.
Measure out 1 cup beef broth, 1 cup tomato sauce, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, and spices (1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp oregano, 1 bay leaf, salt, and pepper).

💡 Tip: Prepping everything first makes the cooking process smoother and prevents overcooking.

2. Make the Sofrito (Flavor Base)

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat.
Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic; sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes to enhance its sweetness.

💡 SEO Tip: This step forms the heart of the authentic Cuban flavor, known as sofrito.

3. Brown the Beef

Increase heat to medium-high.
Add the beef chunks to the pot in a single layer; avoid overcrowding.
Brown the meat for 4–5 minutes per side until nicely caramelized.

💡 Pro Tip: Browning creates deep flavor through the Maillard reaction—don’t skip this step!

4. Add Liquids and Spices

Pour in 1 cup beef broth and 1 cup tomato sauce.
Sprinkle in 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp oregano, 1 bay leaf, plus salt and black pepper to taste.
Stir to combine, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.

💡 Optional: Add ½ cup green olives or sliced carrots for variation.

5. Simmer with Potatoes

Add the cubed potatoes to the pot.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45–50 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Check that beef is tender and potatoes are cooked through. If needed, add a splash of water or broth to maintain saucy consistency.

💡 Visual Cue: The sauce should thicken slightly, coat the beef and potatoes, and smell aromatic with Cuban spices.

6. Final Touches

Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper.
Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Let the stew rest 5 minutes for flavors to meld.

7. Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with white rice, fried plantains (tostones), or crusty Cuban bread.
Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.

Serving Ideas and Flavor Variations

After making your authentic Cuban Carne con Papas, you can elevate it with creative serving ideas or flavor variations to suit any occasion or taste preference.

1. Traditional Cuban Sides

Serve with fluffy white rice to soak up the savory sauce.
Add fried plantains (tostones or maduros) for a sweet or crispy contrast.
Offer crusty Cuban bread to mop up the stew’s flavorful sauce.

💡 Tip: These classic sides enhance the traditional Cuban comfort food experience.

2. Flavor Boosters

Stir in green olives or pimento-stuffed olives for a briny, tangy kick.
Add sliced carrots or bell peppers for extra color, nutrients, and texture.
Finish with a squeeze of lime juice or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for freshness.

💡 Pro Tip: These subtle adjustments make your Cuban beef and potato stew more vibrant without losing authenticity.

3. Spicy or Mild Variations

For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne while simmering.
To keep it mild, simply omit hot peppers—letting the Cuban spices like cumin and oregano shine.
Experiment with smoked paprika for a slightly smoky depth that complements the beef.

💡 SEO Tip: Mentioning variations helps Google understand this post covers all Carne con Papas versions, improving ranking for related searches.

4. Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Options

Prepare the stew a day in advance; flavors develop beautifully overnight.
Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge or freeze portions for up to 3 months.
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave; add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.

💡 Tip: Meal-prep-friendly ideas appeal to busy readers searching for easy Cuban dinner recipes.

✅ Extra Suggestion: You can also pair Carne con Papas with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced, colorful meal.

Tips, Storage, and Reheating

This section provides your readers with expert advice on making the best Carne con Papas, storing leftovers safely, and reheating without losing flavor. It naturally incorporates keywords, entities, and LSI terms like Cuban beef stew, authentic Carne con Papas recipe, slow-cooked beef, and comfort food.

1. Expert Tips for Perfect Carne con Papas

Brown the beef properly: Browning your meat before simmering develops rich, deep flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pot for even caramelization.
Cut potatoes evenly: Ensures they cook uniformly alongside the beef, preventing mushy or undercooked pieces.
Slow and steady simmer: Cooking over low heat allows flavors from the sofrito, cumin, oregano, and bay leaf to fully infuse the stew.
Adjust seasoning gradually: Taste as you go, especially after adding potatoes, since they can absorb salt and spices.

2. How to Store Carne con Papas

Refrigeration: Allow the stew to cool slightly before transferring to airtight containers. Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label containers with the date for convenience.
Meal prep-friendly: This recipe works perfectly for weekly meal prep; the flavors improve after a day or two, making leftovers tastier.

3. Reheating Carne con Papas

Stovetop method: Reheat gently over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Microwave method: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1–2 minute intervals, stirring between each interval.
Maintain tenderness: Avoid overheating to prevent the slow-cooked beef from drying out.

💡 Serving tip: Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley when reheating to refresh the flavors and presentation.

4. Bonus Tips for Enhanced Flavor

For deeper flavor, let the stew sit overnight in the fridge before serving.
Add a splash of sherry or red wine while reheating for richness.
Serve with steamed white rice or fried plantains to make a complete, hearty Cuban comfort meal.