Mexican Picadillo is a savory and slightly spicy dish made with ground beef, tender potatoes, tomatoes, and a blend of warm spices. This classic comfort food is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a filling taco or burrito stuffing. It’s rich, satisfying, and packed with authentic Mexican flavors!

Cooking Time ⏳

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

My Cooking Experience 👩‍🍳

With 4-5 years of cooking experience, I’ve perfected Mexican Picadillo by mastering the balance of spices and textures. Cooking the potatoes just right and letting the flavors meld together makes this dish truly irresistible.

Ingredients 🛒

1 lb ground beef
2 tbsp olive oil
½ cup onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
2 medium potatoes (diced)
1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
½ cup tomato sauce
1 cup beef broth
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
½ tsp chili powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ cup frozen peas (optional)
½ cup diced carrots (optional)
Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions 🍽️

1. Sauté the Aromatics 🧄🧅

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 2 minutes.

2. Cook the Beef 🥩

Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.

3. Simmer the Picadillo 🍅

Stir in diced potatoes, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add cumin, oregano, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender.

4. Final Touches and Serve 🍽️

Add peas and carrots (if using) and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice, tortillas, or as a filling for tacos and burritos.

Variations 🔄

Spicy Version: Add a diced jalapeño or extra chili powder for more heat.
Healthier Option: Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner dish.
Vegetarian: Replace meat with lentils or black beans for a plant-based version.
Extra Flavor: Stir in a splash of lime juice before serving for a zesty kick.

Equipment You’ll Need 🔪

Large skillet
Cutting board
Knife
Stirring spoon
Spatula

Why You’ll Love It ❤️

Quick and easy one-pan meal 🍲
Authentic Mexican flavors 🌮
Perfect for meal prep and leftovers 🍽️
Customizable with different veggies and spices 🌱

Nutritional Information 📊

Calories: ~350 per serving
Protein: 28g
Carbs: 25g
Fat: 18g

Storage Tips ❄️

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave.
Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months in a sealed container.

Conclusion 🏁

Mexican Picadillo is a simple yet delicious dish that is comforting, versatile, and bursting with bold flavors. Whether served over rice, in tacos, or on its own, it’s sure to become a family favorite! 🌶️🍛

Admin