Mexican picadillo is like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s a dish that brings comfort and satisfaction, combining ground beef, potatoes, and a medley of spices in a savory tomato sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, this recipe is both approachable and deeply flavorful.
What Is Picadillo?
Picadillo is a traditional Mexican dish made from ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables cooked in a tomato-based sauce. It’s a versatile meal that can be served over rice, used as a taco filling, or enjoyed with warm tortillas. The beauty of picadillo lies in its simplicity and the depth of flavor achieved through slow cooking and the careful blending of spices.
Ingredients for 6 Servings
To prepare picadillo for six people, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (preferably 80/20 for a balance of flavor and lean meat)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and carrot. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add the Spices and Tomato Paste: Stir in the ground cumin, ground cinnamon, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Incorporate the Vegetables and Broth: Add the diced potatoes and tomatoes to the skillet. Pour in the beef broth or water, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer Until Tender: Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let the picadillo simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the picadillo is cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Picadillo is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:
- Over Rice: Serve the picadillo over a bed of white or Mexican rice for a hearty meal.
- In Tacos: Use the picadillo as a filling for soft corn or flour tortillas, adding your favorite toppings like salsa, avocado, or cheese.
- With Tortillas: Serve alongside warm tortillas for dipping and scooping.
- As a Filling: Use the picadillo as a filling for empanadas, tamales, or stuffed peppers.
Variations and Tips
- Additions: Some variations of picadillo include ingredients like raisins, olives, or capers for added sweetness and brininess. Feel free to experiment with these additions to suit your taste.
- Spice Level: Adjust the level of heat by adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce during cooking.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.
- Storage: Leftover picadillo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
FAQs
What is Mexican Picadillo?
Mexican Picadillo is a traditional ground beef and vegetable stew cooked in a savory tomato-based sauce.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 hearty servings.
Can I use other meats instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely, carrots, peas, or zucchini work well.
How spicy is Picadillo?
It’s mildly spiced but you can add jalapeños or hot sauce for heat.
Can I make Picadillo ahead of time?
Yes, it stores in the fridge for 3 days or freezes for up to 3 months.
What can I serve Picadillo with?
It goes great over rice, in tacos, with tortillas, or as empanada filling.
Are raisins and olives traditional in Picadillo?
Some variations include them for sweetness and briny flavor.
How long does it take to cook Picadillo?
About 40-45 minutes from start to finish.
Can Picadillo be made vegetarian?
Yes, substitute lentils or plant-based meat for the beef.
Conclusion
Mexican picadillo is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting tradition that brings people together. With its rich flavors and versatility, it’s a dish that can be enjoyed in countless ways. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing a meal to share with friends, picadillo is sure to satisfy and delight.
Mariana is a passionate home cook who creates delicious, easy-to-follow recipes for busy people. From energizing breakfasts to satisfying dinners and indulgent desserts, her dishes are designed to fuel both your body and hustle.
When she’s not in the kitchen, she’s exploring new flavors and dreaming up her next recipe to share with the Foodie Hustle community.