Carne Guisada con Carne Molida y Papas

A beloved comfort food from my childhood! This flavorful ground beef and potato stew is a nostalgic, soul-warming dish passed down from my mother, who added her own delicious twist to the traditional recipe. It’s hearty, comforting, and always a hit when shared with friends or family.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1 small fresh tomato, chopped
• 1/4 cup smoked Hatch green chiles (or any mild green chile), chopped
• 1/2 to 1 cup water (adjust for stew consistency)
• Vegetable oil, for sautéing and frying
• Warm tortillas, for serving

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Onions: In a large skillet or pot, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent and soft.

2. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan with the onions. Season with cumin, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess grease if needed.

3. Fry the Potatoes: In a separate skillet, heat oil and fry the diced potatoes until golden and crispy. Set aside.

4. Thicken the Stew: Once the beef is cooked, sprinkle the flour evenly over it. Stir well to coat the meat and allow the flour to cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw taste.

5. Combine and Simmer: Add the fried potatoes, diced tomatoes, fresh tomato, and green chiles to the beef. Stir to combine. Gradually pour in water, stirring continuously until the stew reaches your desired thickness. Let it simmer for about 10–15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.

6. Final Touch: Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve warm with soft, fresh tortillas.

Serving Suggestions:

This dish pairs perfectly with warm flour tortillas, a side of rice, or a scoop of creamy refried beans. It’s also excellent as a taco or burrito filling!

Nutrition & Time Info:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4–6
• Calories: ~350 kcal per serving

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This is a budget-friendly, family-approved dinner that’s packed with savory flavor and texture. The combination of crispy potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, tomato-based stew makes it an unbeatable weeknight meal or meal prep favorite. It’s authentic, satisfying, and always comforting!