Before getting started, here’s a brief overview to help you understand what to expect.
Cuisine style leans toward Mexican and Latin-inspired.
Prep time stays around 10 minutes.
Cook time is about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes.
This recipe comfortably serves 4 people.

This papá asado recipe is all about roasted potatoes that are fluffy on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and loaded with toppings that turn them into something special.
Hi, my name is Dipendra Kumar. I like cooking food for my family and friends. I am a pro chef.
Whenever I create a recipe, I develop the method myself. If the method is correct and precise, then Iwill share it with you all through social media.
I usually bake or air fry the potatoes whole, then open them up and stuff them with butter, cheese, beef, and fresh toppings.
It’s filling, comforting, and easy enough to make any day of the week.
Papas Asadas (Roasted Potatoes)
Papas asadas mean roasted potatoes, but technique really matters here. I always scrub the potatoes well and pierce them with a fork before cooking.
That helps steam escape and keeps the inside from becoming dense. Cooking them at a high temperature gives the skin a better texture, which I personally love.
Sometimes I wrap them in foil when I want extra softness, and sometimes I leave them unwrapped when I want crispier skins. Both methods work, and neither one is wrong.
Papas con Carne Asada
Adding beef turns papas asadas into a full meal. I usually use finely diced beef cubes, but ground beef works just as well when that’s what I have.
The key is seasoning the meat well and letting it cook until the juices evaporate and the beef browns. That’s where the flavor really develops.
This part can be made while the potatoes cook, which makes the whole recipe feel easier and less rushed.
Papa Criolla Asada Option
When I can find papa criolla, I love using it for papas asadas. These small yellow potatoes roast beautifully and don’t need peeling.
They cook faster than large russet potatoes and have a naturally buttery texture.
You can roast them whole with oil, salt, and pepper, or top them just like regular papas asadas with cheese and crema.
Cuban-Style Papas Asadas
Cuban-style papas asadas are usually cut into chunks instead of baked whole. They’re roasted with olive oil, garlic, paprika, herbs, salt, and pepper.
This version skips heavy toppings and focuses more on seasoning and texture. I like making this style when papas asadas are served as a side dish rather than the main event.
Mexican Papas Asadas
Mexican papas asadas are my favorite version when I want something indulgent.
The potatoes are baked whole, opened up, mashed with butter, and layered with cheese, nacho cheese sauce, seasoned beef, crema, and pico de gallo.
They’re rich, messy, and absolutely worth it, especially when served with tortilla chips on the side.
Ingredients
The ingredients are important. For example, in this recipe, if you use the right ingredients, the food will taste delicious. It will be even better if you stick to my basic instructions.
| Amount | Unit | Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | large | Russet potatoes | or 4 small |
| 1 | lb | Beef cubes or ground beef | finely diced |
| 1 | tbsp | Chile lime rub | adjust to taste |
| 2 | tsp | Seasoned salt | |
| 2 | tbsp | Oil | divided |
| 8 | tbsp | Butter | softened |
| – | – | Salt | to taste |
| – | – | Black pepper | to taste |
| 1 | cup | Nacho cheese sauce | warmed |
| 1 | cup | Shredded cheese | good melting cheese |
| – | – | Mexican crema | for topping |
| – | – | Pico de gallo | fresh |
| – | – | Tortilla chips | for serving |
Equipment Needed
| Amount | Equipment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Air fryer or oven | either works |
| 1 | Large skillet | for cooking beef |
| 1 | Baking sheet | If using the oven |
| 1 | Fork | for piercing potatoes |
| 1 | Knife | for slicing |
| 1 | Spoon | for mixing and mashing |
How to Make Papá Asado Recipe
Step 1
I start by preheating my oven or air fryer to 400°F. I wash the potatoes, dry them well, and pierce them all over with a fork. I lightly coat them with oil.
Step 2
I place the potatoes in the air fryer basket or directly on the oven rack or baking sheet. I cook them for about 60 minutes, checking for softness. Larger potatoes may need a little extra time.
Step 3
While the potatoes cook, I heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. I add the beef and season it with chile lime rub and seasoned salt.
Step 4
I cook the beef for 10 to 14 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes. First, the beef releases juices, then those juices evaporate, nd the meat begins to brown.
Step 5
Once the potatoes are fully cooked, I remove them from the oven or air fryer. I cut a slit down the top of each potato and gently push the ends inward to open them.
Step 6
I add butter, salt, and pepper directly into each potato. I mash the inside with a spoon until fluffy and well combined.
Step 7
I stir shredded cheese into the potato so it melts into the hot filling.
Step 8
I top each potato with cooked beef, nacho cheese sauce, and extra shredded cheese.
Step 9
I return the potatoes to the oven or air fryer for a few minutes, just until the cheese on top melts.
Step 10
I finish by topping with Mexican crema and pico de gallo.
Step 11
I serve the papas asadas hot with tortilla chips on the side.
Recipe Tips
I’ve learned that fully cooking the potatoes makes a huge difference, so I always test them before slicing. I also season at every stage, especially the potato flesh itself.
If you like crispy skin, skip the foil. If you prefer extra softness, wrap the potatoes while cooking.
Nutrition Benefits
- Potatoes provide potassium, which supports muscle and nerve function
- They are a good source of vitamin C, especially when eaten with the skin
- Beef adds protein and iron, helping keep the meal filling
- Pico de gallo adds fresh vegetables and antioxidants
- Using moderation with cheese and sauce keeps the meal more balanced
My Personal Tips
I love setting out all the toppings and letting everyone build their own papá asado. It makes dinner feel relaxed and fun.
Sometimes I swap beef for chicken or mushrooms, and it still turns out great. I don’t stress too much about exact measurements; I just cook until it feels right.

Papá Asado Recipe
Equipment
- Air fryer or oven Either works well
- Baking sheet Only needed if using oven
- Large skillet For cooking beef
- Fork To pierce potatoes
- Knife For slicing potatoes
- Spoon For mashing and mixing
Ingredients
- 2 large Russet potatoes Or 4 small
- 1 lb Beef cubes or ground beef Finely diced
- 1 tbsp Chile lime rub Adjust to taste
- 2 tsp Seasoned salt
- 2 tbsp Oil Divided
- 8 tbsp Butter Softened
- – – Salt To taste
- – – Black pepper To taste
- 1 cup Nacho cheese sauce Warmed
- 1 cup Shredded cheese Any good melting cheese
- – – Mexican crema For topping
- – – Pico de gallo Fresh
- – – Tortilla chips For serving
Instructions
Step 1
- I preheat my oven or air fryer to 400°F. I wash the potatoes, dry them well, pierce them all over with a fork, and lightly coat them with oil.

Step 2
- I place the potatoes in the air fryer basket or on a baking sheet and cook them for about 60 minutes, until they’re very soft inside.

Step 3
- While the potatoes cook, I heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the beef.

Step 4
- I season the beef with chile lime rub and seasoned salt, then cook for 10–14 minutes, stirring every few minutes until browned and fully cooked.

Step 5
- Once the potatoes are done, I cut a slit down the top of each one and gently push the ends inward to open them up.

Step 6
- I add butter, salt, and pepper directly into the potato and mash the inside until fluffy.

Step 7
- I stir shredded cheese into the hot potato so it melts completely.

Step 8
- I top each potato with cooked beef, nacho cheese sauce, and more shredded cheese.

Step 9
- I return the potatoes to the oven or air fryer for a few minutes, just until the cheese on top melts.

Step 10
- I finish by topping with Mexican crema and pico de gallo.

Step 11
- I serve the papá asado hot with tortilla chips and enjoy right away.

Notes
FAQs:-
What is papá asado?
Papá asado is a roasted potato dish, usually baked or air-fried, then topped with butter, cheese, meat, and fresh toppings.
What potatoes are best for papá asado?
Russet potatoes work best because they get fluffy inside and crispy on the outside.
Can I make papá asado in an air fryer?
Yes, papá asado cooks very well in an air fryer at 400°F for about 50–60 minutes.
Is papá asado a main dish or a side dish?
It can be both. With meat and cheese, it works as a full meal. Plain, it’s a side dish.
Can papá asado be made vegetarian?
Yes, just skip the meat and add beans, veggies, or extra cheese instead.
Conclusion
I really love this papá asado recipe because it’s comforting, flexible, and always satisfying.
I’ve made it so many times, and it never fails to make everyone happy at the table. I hope you try it, tweak it to your taste, and enjoy every warm, cheesy bite, because honestly, that’s what good food is all about.
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