Caldito de Papas: A Quick & Delicious Comfort Meal 🥔🍲
When you’re craving something hearty, simple, and full of flavor, Caldito de Papas (Potato Soup with Ground Beef) is a go-to Mexican classic. It’s budget-friendly, made with everyday pantry ingredients, and comes together in under 45 minutes. Pair it with soft, homemade flour tortillas, and you’ve got the ultimate comfort meal that will bring the whole family to the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️
- Quick & simple: Ready in about 30–40 minutes.
- Comforting & hearty: Potatoes, beef, and a rich tomato broth make it satisfying.
- Budget-friendly: Made with affordable, humble ingredients.
- Perfect pairing: Homemade flour tortillas take it to the next level.
Ingredients đź›’
For the Caldito de Papas:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 tsp beef bouillon (for rich, deep flavor)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp ground cumin (adds warmth and depth)
- 1 tsp ground garlic (or 2 fresh garlic cloves, minced)
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup Rotel tomatoes (or diced tomatoes with green chiles)
- 1 ½ – 2 cups water (adjust depending on how soupy you prefer)
For the Homemade Flour Tortillas:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup lard (or vegetable shortening for a lighter version)
- 1 tsp baking powder (for soft, fluffy tortillas)
- ½ tsp salt
- About Âľ cup warm water (adjust as needed for a soft dough)
Step-by-Step Instructions 👩‍🍳
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon (about 10–15 minutes).
- Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 2: Add Seasonings and Potatoes
- Stir in the beef bouillon, salt, pepper, cumin, and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes to bloom the spices.
- Add tomato sauce and Rotel tomatoes, mixing well.
- Stir in the diced potatoes and pour in 1 ½ to 2 cups of water, depending on your desired consistency.
Step 3: Simmer Until Potatoes Are Tender
- Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft and easily pierced with a fork.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
How to Make Homemade Flour Tortillas 🌮
Step 4: Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the lard (or shortening) using your fingers or a pastry cutter until crumbly.
- Slowly add warm water, mixing until a soft, smooth dough forms.
Step 5: Roll & Cook the Tortillas
- Divide the dough into golf ball–sized pieces.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out each ball into a thin circle.
- Heat a dry skillet or comal over medium-high heat.
- Cook each tortilla for 30–45 seconds per side, until golden brown spots appear.
Tips & Variations 🌟
- Spice it up: Add jalapeños or chili powder for heat.
- Veggie boost: Toss in diced carrots, zucchini, or corn with the potatoes.
- Make it cheesy: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the hot soup before serving.
- Shortcut tortillas: If you’re short on time, serve with warm store-bought tortillas.
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
Serve Caldito de Papas hot, with warm tortillas on the side for dipping or scooping. Add a simple salad, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice for extra brightness.
Final Thoughts đź’
This Caldito de Papas with Homemade Flour Tortillas proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a flavorful, hearty meal that’s perfect for weeknights, rainy days, or when you just need a little taste of home.