Get ready to transform your dinner routine with this incredible Cuban classic that's about to become your new family favorite! Imagine tender, succulent beef chunks melting in your mouth, perfectly cooked potatoes swimming in a rich, flavorful sauce, and all of this magic happening in under an hour thanks to the miracle of your Instant Pot. This Carne con Papas isn't just a meal – it's a culinary journey that brings the vibrant flavors of Cuba straight to your dining table with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Cuban
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the beef chuck cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat olive oil until shimmering. Working in batches, brown the beef cubes on all sides to develop a deep golden crust, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove browned meat and set aside.
- In the same Instant Pot, add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return the browned beef to the Instant Pot and add tomato sauce, beef broth, stirring to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing, and select Manual/Pressure Cook on High Pressure for 35 minutes.
- Once cooking completes, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Add cubed potatoes to the pot, stir gently, and cook on High Pressure for an additional 5 minutes.
- Quick release the pressure, open the lid, and let the stew rest for 5 minutes before serving. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired, alongside white rice or crusty bread.
Tips
- Pat the beef dry before seasoning to ensure perfect browning and maximum flavor development.
- Brown the meat in batches to avoid overcrowding, which prevents proper caramelization.
- Use chuck roast for the most tender and flavorful results – its marbling breaks down beautifully during pressure cooking.
- Don't skip the natural pressure release, as it helps tenderize the meat even further.
- Cut potatoes into uniform, medium-sized cubes to ensure even cooking.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the cooking liquid.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, use the Sauté function after cooking to reduce the liquid slightly.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can brighten the dish and add a fresh finishing touch.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make a larger batch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 110mg
