Mexican Picadillo Recipe
If you’re craving a comforting, vibrant dish that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, the Mexican Picadillo Recipe is your new best friend. This classic, hearty ground beef skillet combines tender potatoes, fresh tomatoes, and a lively mix of spices to create a meal that’s both satisfying and full of character. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, this recipe never fails to bring warmth, flavor, and a little touch of Mexico to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Mexican Picadillo Recipe truly lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role, from the tender potatoes adding heartiness, to the spices that build layers of flavor and color in every bite.
- Olive oil: The perfect base for sautéing that helps bring all the flavors together smoothly.
- Yellow potatoes: Diced to tender perfection, they add a comforting texture that soaks up all the delicious juices.
- Yellow onion: Brings sweetness and depth when cooked down with the other ingredients.
- Jalapeno pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat and brightness to liven up the dish.
- Serrano pepper (optional): Great for anyone who loves an extra kick of spice without overpowering the other flavors.
- Garlic cloves: Chopped finely to infuse the dish with its unmistakable, savory aroma.
- Ground beef: The star protein that gets beautifully browned and melds into the mixture with gorgeous flavor.
- Large tomatoes: Fresh and juicy, these help create the rich, tomatoey base that the dish simmers down into.
- Beef stock: Adds moisture and deep savory notes, making sure the picadillo stays silky and flavorful.
- Paprika: A smoky, warm spice that complements the beef and potatoes perfectly.
- Mexican oregano: Infuses the dish with authentic herbal undertones essential to Mexican cuisine.
- Cumin: Brings earthiness and warmth, enhancing every spoonful.
- Salt and pepper: Basic but crucial for bringing out and balancing all the vibrant flavors.
How to Make Mexican Picadillo Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Potatoes, Onions, and Peppers
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Toss in the diced potatoes, chopped onion, and jalapeno (and serrano if you like it spicy). Cook them together for about 5 minutes, allowing the potatoes to soften slightly and the onions and peppers to release their fragrant sweetness. This step sets the flavor foundation for the whole dish.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Brown the Ground Beef
Next, stir in the chopped garlic and ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as you cook it. Don’t worry if the beef isn’t fully cooked through at this point—as it will finish cooking during the simmering stage. Browning the meat adds incredible depth and a savory richness that transforms this recipe from simple to spectacular.
Step 3: Mix in Tomatoes, Stock, and Spices
Now, it’s time to add in your chopped tomatoes, beef stock, and the spices — paprika, Mexican oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine the fresh tomato brightness with the warming spices. Reducing the heat to a gentle simmer will let these bold flavors meld beautifully.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Allow the mixture to cook gently for about 20 minutes. This not only ensures the ground beef cooks completely but gives those potatoes time to soften fully and soak up all the delicious flavors from the broth and spices. The result is a rich, hearty picadillo that’s bursting with layered tastes.
How to Serve Mexican Picadillo Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Mexican Picadillo Recipe with fresh, vibrant garnishes that add a little extra zing and texture. Sliced peppers and chili flakes bring freshness and a touch of heat, while a squeeze of lime juice balances the richness with bright acidity. Don’t forget your favorite hot sauce to customize the spice level just how you like it!
Side Dishes
This dish shines when served over fluffy cooked rice or wrapped in warmed tortillas. The rice soaks up the saucy goodness, while tortillas make for a fun, hands-on way to enjoy every bite. A side of beans or a crisp salad can also round out the meal with added nutrition and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to put a new spin on tradition? Try stuffing the picadillo inside roasted bell peppers or using it as a filling for savory empanadas. You can even top it on tostadas with a dollop of crema or avocado slices for a fresh and colorful presentation that will impress any guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover picadillo, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This Mexican Picadillo Recipe freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy a taste of home-cooked goodness anytime you want.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the picadillo gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or stock if it looks too thick to bring back its saucy consistency. Stir occasionally to heat it evenly and enjoy as if it were freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat for this Mexican Picadillo Recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional, you can use ground chicken, turkey, or pork depending on your preference. Each will give a slightly different but equally delicious result.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I adjust the heat level?
The heat mainly comes from the jalapeno and optional serrano peppers. You can easily adjust by reducing or omitting the serrano pepper or using milder jalapenos. Adding chili flakes at the end also lets you control the spice for each serving.
What can I substitute if I don’t have beef stock?
If beef stock isn’t available, chicken or vegetable stock works wonderfully and will still provide that needed moisture and depth of flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Mexican Picadillo Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your stock and any added condiments like hot sauce are certified gluten-free.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, try replacing the ground beef with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or cooked lentils and use vegetable stock. The spices and veggies will still create a richly flavorful dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something genuinely heartwarming about a well-made Mexican Picadillo Recipe. It’s a dish that welcomes you with open arms, offering bold flavors, comforting textures, and a little spice that brightens every bite. Whether you’re making this for a family dinner or just because you want something delicious and satisfying, I promise this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Give it a try—you’ll love how easy and rewarding it is to prepare!
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Mexican Picadillo Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
This authentic Mexican Picadillo recipe features a hearty combination of ground beef, tender diced potatoes, and a blend of traditional spices simmered in a savory tomato sauce. Perfect served over cooked rice or warmed tortillas, it’s a comforting and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare for any meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces yellow potatoes (about 3–4 small, diced)
- 1 medium yellow onion (chopped)
- 1 jalapeno pepper (chopped)
- 1 serrano pepper (chopped, optional for spicier)
- 2 cloves garlic (chopped)
- 1 pound ground beef (you can use other ground meats like chicken, turkey, or pork)
- 2 large tomatoes (chopped)
- 3/4 cup beef stock (or chicken or vegetable stock)
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon Mexican oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
- Cooked rice or warmed tortillas
- Sliced peppers
- Chili flakes
- Fresh lime juice
- Hot sauce
Instructions
- Potatoes, Onions and Peppers: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, jalapeno, and serrano peppers. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly.
- Garlic and Ground Beef: Stir in the chopped garlic and ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break up the beef, and cook for 5 minutes until it starts to brown. The meat does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
- Tomatoes and Seasonings: Add the chopped tomatoes, beef stock, paprika, Mexican oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Simmer: Let the mixture simmer gently for 20 minutes. This allows the potatoes to become tender and the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- Serve: Serve the picadillo hot over cooked rice or alongside warmed tortillas. Garnish with sliced peppers, chili flakes, fresh lime juice, and your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or pork for a different flavor profile.
- Adjust the number of serrano peppers according to your heat preference or omit them for a milder dish.
- If you prefer, use vegetable or chicken stock instead of beef stock.
- Picadillo also works well as a filling for tacos or empanadas.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated easily.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Mexican Picadillo, ground beef recipe, Mexican beef stew, easy Mexican dinner, picadillo with potatoes
