How to Make Easy Carne Molida con Papas │ Mexican Recipe
Español This is one of the easiest and most delicious dinner ideas when you have no clue what to cook. Mexican moms always turn to carne con papas when time is tight, but they still want to put something hearty, flavorful, and nutritious on the table for their family.

The best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile! Use it as a perfect filling for tacos or quesadillas, serve on top of a tostada or simply serve it as a guisado with a side of Mexican rice (arroz rojo) and frijoles puercos next to warm corn tortillas. And just like that, you’ve got a delicious homemade meal ready in less than 30 minutes.
Just like Bistec a la Mexicana this recipe is a Mexican comfort dish for sure!
Let me show you how we make carne con papas in the north of Mexico, specifically in my hometown of Chihuahua. Now you can enjoy this authentic carne con papas recipe in English!

Why You’ll Love This Carne Molida con Papas Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in about 30 minutes.
- Mexican Comfort Food: The perfect blend of ground meat, tender potatoes, and roasted peppers creates a meal full of nostalgia and flavor.
- Versatile Dish: Use it as a main dish, a filling for tacos or flour tortillas quesadillas, or serve it alongside Mexican rice and beans.
- Budget-Friendly: With simple, affordable ingredients, it’s a great option for feeding a large family.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make this delicious Carne Molida con Papas recipe:
- 2 pounds ground beef (carne molida) – Lean ground beef works best for a flavorful and less greasy dish.
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped you can use yellow onion if prefer.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cup diced potatoes (In Mexico we use the yellow potatoes for most recipes but you could use russet potatoes)
- – Cut into small pieces for quicker cooking.
- 1 cup poblano or Anaheim pepper strips (rajas) – Roasted and peeled (see below for tips).
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil or cooking oil
For this recipe, you can use poblano or Anaheim peppers. In Chihuahua, we usually use chile chilaca (Anaheim pepper), which we often swap in for dishes where other parts of Mexico use poblano, like chile con queso. It adds a unique flavor that makes this dish even more special.

How to Roast Poblano or Anaheim Peppers
Roasting peppers gives them that authentic Mexican flavor that makes this dish unforgettable. Here’s how to do it:
- Place your peppers over an open flame or under a broiler until the skin is charred and blistered.
- Transfer the peppers to a plastic bag or cover them with a kitchen towel to steam for 5 minutes.
- Peel off the charred skin, remove the seeds, and cut the peppers into thin strips (rajas).


Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1- Cook the Potatoes:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and sauté until golden brown and cooked through (about 8–10 minutes).


- 2- Add Onion and Garlic:
Stir in the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.


- 3- Brown the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Sprinkle in the salt, cumin, and oregano. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked.


- 4- Add the Roasted Peppers:
Stir in the poblano or Anaheim pepper strips. Let the flavors meld together for another 3–5 minutes.


- 5- Optional Step: If you prefer a saucier dish, add ½ cup of tomato sauce or beef broth and let it simmer for a few minutes. For a drier version, allow the juices to cook down completely.
- 6- Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your carne molida con papas with warm tortillas, Mexican rice, or beans. Add your favorite toppings like queso fresco, sour cream, or avocado for extra flavor. Find here a list of taco toppings.


Tips for the Best Carne Molida con Papas
- Fresh Ingredients: Fresh peppers, onions, and potatoes make a huge difference in flavor.
- Make It Saucy: For a guisado-style dish, serve with the beef juices, do not let them consume in the heat.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheats beautifully.

FAQ
What is Carne Molida con Papas?
It’s a traditional Mexican dish made with ground beef, potatoes, and spices. Often served as a main dish with tortillas or rice, it’s a comfort food staple in Mexican households.
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork are great substitutes.
What Can I Serve with Carne Molida con Papas?
Serve it with warm tortillas, Mexican red rice, or refried beans. You can also use it as a filling for tacos, quesadillas, or chiles rellenos.

Is Carne Molida con Papas Spicy?
This recipe is mild, but you can adjust the spice level by adding serrano peppers or chipotle peppers.
Carne molida con papas is more than just a recipe—it’s a reflection of love, family, and tradition. It’s the dish you make when you’re short on time but still want to serve something flavorful and nourishing.
Carne Molida con Papa Mexican Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1.5 cup diced potatoes
- 1 cup poblano or anaheim pepper strips
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the Potatoes:Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and sauté until golden brown and cooked through (about 8–10 minutes).
- Add Onion and Garlic:Stir in the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Brown the Ground Beef:Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Sprinkle in the salt, cumin, and oregano. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
- Add the Roasted Peppers:Stir in the poblano or Anaheim pepper strips. Let the flavors meld together for another 3–5 minutes.
- Optional Step: If you prefer a saucier dish, add ½ cup of tomato sauce or beef broth and let it simmer for a few minutes. For a drier version, allow the juices to cook down completely.
- Serve and Enjoy:Serve your carne molida con papas with warm tortillas, Mexican rice, or beans. Add your favorite toppings like queso fresco, sour cream, or avocado for extra flavor. Find here a list of taco toppings.
Nutrition
