Sizzling Mexican Picadillo Recipe: A Fiesta of Homestyle Flavors

Comfort meets tradition in this hearty Mexican picadillo recipe that brings pure satisfaction to your dinner table.

Ground beef simmers with vibrant vegetables and aromatic spices, creating a delectable one-pan meal.

Tender meat mingles with soft potatoes and bright bell peppers, offering a symphony of flavors.

The dish carries generations of culinary wisdom passed through Mexican kitchens.

Each spoonful tells a story of home-cooked warmth and love.

Served with warm tortillas or rice, this picadillo transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Prepare to savor every delicious bite of this classic Mexican comfort food.

Mexican Picadillo: Hearty Comfort Bowl

• Dive into a traditional Mexican dish packed with rich, bold tastes that transport you straight to a vibrant Mexican kitchen.
• Prepare this hearty meal in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a delicious home-cooked dinner.
• Enjoy this recipe as a standalone dish, taco filling, or serve over rice, offering multiple serving options for different meal preferences.
• Loaded with potatoes, peppers, and ground beef, this recipe provides a balanced meal with protein and vegetables in every bite.

All You Need For Savory Picadillo

• Ground Beef: The primary protein that forms the hearty foundation of this classic Mexican dish.

• Potatoes, Onion, Poblano Pepper, Jalapeno Pepper: A colorful and flavorful blend of vegetables that adds texture and depth to the picadillo.

• Garlic, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices and seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Crushed Tomatoes, Beef Broth: Liquid ingredients that create a rich and savory sauce for the picadillo.

Kitchen Gear For Picadillo Perfection

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking ground beef and sautéing vegetables.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping potatoes, onions, peppers, and garlic.
• Chef's knife: Perfect for precise vegetable and meat preparation.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for breaking up ground beef and stirring ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Helpful for adding spices like paprika accurately.
• Measuring cup: Useful for measuring beef broth and crushed tomatoes.

Cooking Up Classic Mexican Picadillo

Step 1: Brown The Protein

Place ground beef in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature.

Break meat into small crumbles while cooking until completely browned.

Transfer cooked meat to a separate plate, keeping a thin layer of rendered fat in the pan.

Step 2: Sauté Veggie Base

• Diced potatoes
• Chopped onions
• Sliced poblano peppers
• Minced jalapeño peppers

Cook vegetables until they become tender and develop slight caramelization, approximately 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: Enhance With Aromatics

Introduce minced garlic and paprika to the vegetable mixture.

Stir continuously and cook until fragrant, which takes about 60-90 seconds.

Step 4: Create Flavor Profile

Return browned beef to the skillet.

• Crushed tomatoes
• Beef stock

Bring mixture to a robust boil, then reduce heat.

Allow liquid to reduce and concentrate flavors, roughly 5 minutes.

Step 5: Final Seasoning And Plating

Sprinkle kosher salt and black pepper according to personal preference.

Transfer to serving dishes and enjoy this classic Mexican comfort dish immediately.

Picadillo Tips For Rich Flavor

• Remove additional grease from ground beef to create a lighter, less oily dish that lets vegetable flavors shine.
• Cut potatoes, onions, and peppers into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the picadillo.
• Control heat by removing seeds from jalapeños or using fewer peppers for a milder version suitable for sensitive palates.
• Toast spices like paprika briefly before adding other ingredients to release their full aromatic potential and create a more complex taste profile.
• Serve picadillo with warm tortillas, over rice, or as a filling for tacos and empanadas to keep meals interesting and adaptable.

Picadillo Mix-Ins & Twists

• Vegetarian Picadillo: Replace ground beef with crumbled tofu or lentils for a plant-based protein option that maintains the dish's hearty texture and flavor.
• Low-Carb Picadillo: Swap potatoes with cauliflower or zucchini to reduce carbohydrates while keeping the traditional Mexican taste profile.
• Chicken Picadillo: Use ground chicken instead of beef for a lighter protein alternative that still delivers rich, spicy notes.
• Slow Cooker Picadillo: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, allowing flavors to meld together more deeply with minimal hands-on preparation.

Serving Mexican Picadillo With Sides

• Fiesta Flavor Companions: Warm corn tortillas pair perfectly, soaking up the rich meaty sauce and adding authentic Mexican texture.
• Zesty Side Kick: Fresh cilantro and lime wedges brighten the dish, providing a tangy contrast to the hearty picadillo.
• Rice Harmony: Fluffy white or Mexican-style rice creates a complete meal, catching all the delicious sauce and adding extra satisfaction.
• Comfort Plate Enhancer: Top with crumbled queso fresco or a dollop of sour cream for creamy richness that complements the savory meat mixture.

Storage For Picadillo Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer picadillo to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through and steaming, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• What is picadillo in Mexican cuisine?

Picadillo is a traditional Mexican dish made with ground beef, diced vegetables, and spices, typically served as a filling for tacos, burritos, or enjoyed on its own.

• Is picadillo spicy?

The spice level can be adjusted by controlling the amount of jalapeño pepper used. This recipe includes both poblano and jalapeño peppers, which add mild to moderate heat.

• Can I use different types of meat for picadillo?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives to create your own version of the dish.

• What are the key vegetables in Mexican picadillo?

The traditional recipe includes potatoes, onions, poblano peppers, and jalapeño peppers, which provide a rich, layered flavor profile to the dish.

Mexican Picadillo Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican picadillo brings comfort and flavor to traditional home cooking. Savory ground beef simmered with vegetables creates a versatile dish perfect for tacos, rice bowls, or enjoying on its own.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 pound (454 grams) potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 poblano pepper
• 1 jalapeno pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons oregano
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 (14.5 ounces/411 grams) can tomatoes, crushed
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) beef broth
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumbling the meat as it cooks until no longer pink. Transfer the meat to a plate, keeping 1 tablespoon of rendered fat in the pan.
2. Sauté diced potatoes, onions, poblano, and jalapeño peppers in the reserved beef drippings for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until vegetables soften and begin to caramelize.
3. Introduce minced garlic and paprika to the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously for 45-60 seconds to release aromatic flavors without burning.
4. Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, then pour in crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Increase heat to create a rapid simmer, stirring periodically to prevent scorching.
5. Reduce heat and allow the liquid to concentrate, approximately 4-6 minutes, creating a thick, rich sauce that coats the meat and vegetables.
6. Taste the picadillo and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
7. Plate the picadillo hot, optionally garnishing with fresh cilantro or serving alongside warm tortillas for a complete meal.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting jalapeño and poblano pepper quantities for mild or spicy preferences.
• Drain excess beef fat for a lighter version of the dish, maintaining rich flavor profiles.
• Consider using lean ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for healthier protein options.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or diced carrots during cooking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg