The Best Savory Mexican Picadillo Recipe: Beef & Potatoes Magic

Culinary adventures with mexican picadillo always spark excitement in my kitchen.

Comfort meets tradition through this hearty dish blending tender ground beef and soft potatoes.

Spices dance across each bite, creating a symphony of flavors that transport you to vibrant mexican streets.

Simple ingredients come together with surprising complexity, turning an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Home cooks will appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together, requiring minimal preparation.

Fragrant seasonings and robust textures promise a satisfying dinner that connects you to authentic mexican cuisine.

Every forkful invites you to savor the rich, time-honored culinary heritage behind this delicious one-pan wonder.

Great Pairings For Savory Mexican Picadillo With Ground Beef And Potatoes

• Perfectly Pair Vibrant Mexican Flavors
• Complement Picadillo with Crisp Margaritas: A zesty lime margarita cuts through the rich beef and potatoes, balancing the dish's hearty spices with bright citrus notes.
• Match with Fresh Cilantro Rice: Serve alongside cilantro-lime rice to enhance the Mexican-inspired flavor profile, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal experience.
• Select Robust Red Wine Companion: Choose a medium-bodied Spanish Tempranillo or Mexican Cabernet Sauvignon to match the picadillo's deep, savory complexity and spice elements.
• Elevate with Refreshing Mexican Beer: Light and crisp Mexican lagers like Modelo or Pacifico provide a cool counterpoint to the warm, robust picadillo, cleansing the palate between bites.

How To Store Savory Mexican Picadillo With Ground Beef And Potatoes

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled picadillo to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze flat for maximum space efficiency, lasting up to 3 months. Label with date.
• Microwave Reheat: Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Stovetop Reheat: Warm in skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of beef stock to prevent drying. Stir frequently until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs For Savory Mexican Picadillo With Ground Beef And Potatoes

• What makes picadillo a traditional Mexican dish?

Picadillo is a classic Mexican comfort food that combines ground beef with vegetables, reflecting the resourceful home cooking style of Mexican families, where ingredients are used efficiently to create flavorful, hearty meals.

• Is picadillo considered a healthy meal?

Picadillo offers a balanced meal with lean protein from ground beef, nutrients from vegetables like potatoes and peppers, and can be a nutritious option when prepared with lean meat and controlled portions.

• Can I use different types of meat for this recipe?

Absolutely! While traditional picadillo uses ground beef, you can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives to suit your dietary preferences or health needs.

Why Savory Mexican Picadillo With Ground Beef And Potatoes Is A Comfort Classic

• Boost Weeknight Dinner: Deliver a hearty, flavorful Mexican dish that transforms ordinary ground beef into a delicious family meal with minimal cooking skills required.
• Quick Comfort Cooking: Prepare a satisfying one-pan recipe that comes together swiftly, perfect for busy households craving authentic Mexican flavors without complex techniques.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Enjoy a flexible dish that adapts easily to different serving styles – over rice, with tortillas, or as a standalone meal, making it ideal for varied preferences and dietary needs.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Create a wallet-friendly recipe using affordable ingredients like ground beef and potatoes while still producing a restaurant-quality meal that feels special and filling.

Everything Needed For Savory Mexican Picadillo With Ground Beef And Potatoes

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides rich protein for the Mexican picadillo.

• Potatoes, Onion, Peppers: A classic combination that adds texture, sweetness, and depth to the dish.
• Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste profile.
• Chopped Tomatoes: Adds moisture and a bright, tangy element to the picadillo.

• Beef Stock: Creates a rich, savory base that helps tenderize the meat and blend flavors.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté the vegetables and provides a smooth cooking medium.
• Lime Juice: Adds a fresh, citrusy brightness to finish the dish.

• Sliced Peppers, Hot Sauce: Offers additional heat and color to personalize the picadillo.
• Rice, Tortillas: Traditional Mexican sides that complement the hearty meat mixture.

How To Cook Savory Mexican Picadillo With Ground Beef And Potatoes

Step 1: Sizzle Vegetables and Potatoes

In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Toss in diced potatoes, onions, and peppers.

Stir and cook for approximately 5 minutes until the vegetables become tender and start to soften.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet.

Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat into small crumbles. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the beef develops a rich, golden-brown color.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Sauce

• Chopped tomatoes
• Beef stock
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, cumin)

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Simmer and Develop Depth

Let the picadillo simmer for 20 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The potatoes should become completely tender, and the flavors will blend beautifully.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Plate the picadillo over steamed white rice or alongside warm tortillas. Top with fresh sliced peppers, a squeeze of lime juice, and your preferred hot sauce for an extra kick.

Tips For Better Savory Mexican Picadillo With Ground Beef And Potatoes

• Opt for russet or Yukon gold potatoes for the best texture and even cooking throughout the dish.
• Brown the ground beef thoroughly to develop rich, deep flavors and prevent excess moisture in the picadillo.
• Adjust spice levels by adding more chili powder or cayenne pepper for heat lovers, or reduce for milder palates.
• Consider using ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier or vegetarian version of this classic Mexican recipe.
• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating gently to maintain the meat's tenderness and vegetable integrity.

Fresh Twists On Savory Mexican Picadillo With Ground Beef And Potatoes

• Vegetarian Picadillo: Replace ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat crumbles for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Spicy Chorizo Picadillo: Swap ground beef with spicy Mexican chorizo sausage for an extra kick of flavor and heat.
• Caribbean-Style Picadillo: Add raisins and olives to introduce a sweet and tangy tropical element to the traditional recipe.
• Green Chile Picadillo: Incorporate roasted green chiles and use tomatillos instead of red tomatoes for a zesty, verde-style preparation.

Savory Mexican Picadillo with Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican picadillo delivers a comforting blend of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and zesty spices that dance across your palate. Simmered with care and packed with authentic flavors, this dish invites you to savor a delicious journey through traditional Mexican cuisine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Vegetables:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) yellow potatoes, diced
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 large tomatoes, chopped
• 1 jalapeño pepper, chopped
• 1 serrano pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3/4 cup beef stock
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon Mexican oregano
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Sauté diced potatoes, onions, and peppers in olive oil over medium heat for 5 minutes until vegetables become translucent and slightly softened.
2. Introduce ground beef and minced garlic into the pan, carefully crumbling the meat with a wooden spoon while cooking for 5-7 minutes until the beef browns evenly.
3. Pour chopped tomatoes and beef stock into the skillet, incorporating traditional Mexican seasonings like cumin and oregano to enhance the flavor profile.
4. Reduce heat to low, allowing the picadillo to simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking of the potatoes.
5. Monitor the liquid reduction, ensuring the mixture develops a thick, robust consistency that coats the meat and vegetables beautifully.
6. Once potatoes reach desired tenderness and beef is thoroughly cooked, remove from heat and let the picadillo rest for 2-3 minutes to integrate flavors.
7. Plate the picadillo over fluffy white rice or alongside warm corn tortillas, garnishing with fresh lime wedges, sliced jalapeños, and a drizzle of your preferred hot sauce.

Notes

• Quickly brown the ground beef to lock in deep, rich flavors and prevent excess moisture that could make the dish watery.
• Consider swapping ground beef with turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, diet-friendly version that maintains the classic picadillo texture.
• Dice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
• Experiment with additional spices like cumin or smoked paprika to customize the dish’s flavor profile and add personal culinary flair.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg