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Mexican Picadillo is my go-to dish when I don’t know what to make, it’s easy to make, budget-friendly, delicious, and versatile. One of the best things about Mexican Picadillo is how customizable it is. You can mix in various ingredients such as potatoes, carrots, peas, or even olives to suit your taste preferences.
The blend of savory flavors from the ground beef, onions, garlic, and spices creates a comforting and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with rice, tortillas, or even served as a filling for tacos or empanadas. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving a simple and flavorful dish, Mexican Picadillo is sure to hit the spot every time.
Picadillo, a popular Hispanic dish, takes its name from the Spanish word “picar,” meaning “to mince.” Typically prepared with ground beef, picadillo features a variety of ingredients depending on the region. However, it generally includes Roma tomatoes or tomato sauce, raisins, onions, and chile peppers. The secret to this mouthwatering meal changes with every Hispanic chef, but in my kitchen, it’s all about loading up on beef, and mixing in peppers, onions, and potatoes for that extra oomph!
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Ingredients in Ground Beef Picadillo
Meat – Ground beef is traditionally used for picadillo, but I’ve used ground buffalo, ground pork, and spicy Italian sausage
Potatoes – Russet, red, or Yukon gold potatoes are all great choices for this recipe
Onion – White, or yellow
Tomato – Any red tomato ( I prefer Roma tomatoes)
Peas & Carrots – Frozen or canned (8.5 oz)
Chile Pepper – Jalapeño and Serranos are great for some spiciness. A small can of diced green chiles will work if you prefer less heat.
Optional – Raisins or Green olives
Spices: Ground Cumin, Garlic, minced, Salt & Pepper
Liquids: Beef broth and tomato sauce
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How to Make Ground Beef Picadillo
Making picadillo only requires 2 steps and one large skillet
- In a large skillet, add ground beef, cumin, garlic, salt, and pepper and cook until beef is browned.
- Add potatoes, diced jalapeño, onions, tomatoes, peas, diced carrots, tomato sauce, and broth cook until potatoes are tender. Serve with a side of rice or beans, and plenty of tortillas.
How to Store Ground Beef Picadillo
Picadillo should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When stored properly, it is good for up to five days.
This recipe is great for Make-Ahead Meals. It will keep well in the freezer for 3 months in an airtight storage container.
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Ground Beef Picadillo, Mexican-Style
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp each of Salt and Pepper
- 1 tsp. minced garlic
- 2 large potatoes peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup white onion diced
- 1 jalapeño or serrano seeded and diced
- 2 large tomatoes diced
- 1/2 cup peas frozen (See Note)
- 1/2 cup carrots frozen
- 1/2 cup raisins optional
- 1 - 8 oz. can of tomato sauce
- 8 oz beef broth
- 1/4 cup cilantro for topping
Instructions
- In a large skillet, add ground beef, cumin, garlic, salt, and pepper cook until beef is browned.
- Add potatoes, diced jalapeño, onions, tomatoes, peas, diced carrots, tomato sauce, and broth cook until potatoes are tender.
- Optional: top with cilantro. Serve with beans and flour tortilla.
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