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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Introduce minced garlic and paprika to the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously for 45-60 seconds to release aromatic flavors without burning.
- 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.
- Reduce heat and allow the liquid to concentrate, approximately 4-6 minutes, creating a thick, rich sauce that coats the meat and vegetables.
- 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.
- 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