Sizzling Mexican Picadillo Recipe: A Fiesta in Every Bite

Spicy aromas of mexican picadillo dance through kitchens, promising a culinary adventure that connects generations.

Tender meat simmers with vibrant vegetables, creating a symphony of flavors.

Home cooks appreciate its simplicity and depth.

Regions across Mexico celebrate this classic dish with unique twists.

Comfort and tradition blend seamlessly in every fragrant bite.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen emerge with each spoonful.

Savor this delightful recipe that brings warmth and satisfaction to your table.

FAQs

• What is picadillo?

A traditional Mexican ground beef dish with vegetables, herbs, and spices, typically served as a hearty main course with rice or tortillas.

• Can I use different ground meats?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for variety while maintaining the classic recipe’s flavor profile.

• Are potatoes necessary for this recipe?

While potatoes add texture and substance, you can omit them or replace them with other root vegetables like sweet potatoes or turnips if desired.

• How spicy is this picadillo?

This version is mild, but you can add heat by including diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce during cooking for extra kick.

Mexican Picadillo Bursting with Rich Flavors

• Craft a Hearty Meal: Mexican Picadillo delivers a robust, flavor-packed dish that satisfies hunger with its rich combination of ground beef, vegetables, and aromatic spices.
• Boost Nutrition Easily: Packed with protein from beef and a variety of vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and peas, this recipe provides a balanced and wholesome meal for the whole family.
• Quick and Simple Cooking: Designed for home cooks of all skill levels, this one-skillet recipe requires minimal prep work and cooking techniques, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this versatile dish with tortillas, rice, or as a filling for tacos and burritos, offering flexibility for different meal preferences and culinary creativity.

Ingredients to Make Classic Mexican Picadillo

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the base of this traditional Mexican dish.

• Onion, Potatoes, Carrots: A classic combination of diced vegetables that add depth, texture, and nutritional value to the picadillo.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that provides a robust and aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Frozen Peas: A sweet and tender vegetable that adds a pop of color and freshness.

• Tomato Sauce: A rich and tangy base that helps bind the ingredients and create a cohesive sauce.
• Beef Broth: Adds moisture and enhances the overall meaty flavor of the picadillo.
• Cumin: A warm and earthy spice that is essential in Mexican cuisine.
• Dried Oregano: An herb that contributes a subtle, aromatic note to the dish.
• Bay Leaf: Provides a delicate, herbal undertone to the overall flavor profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that help balance and enhance the taste of all ingredients.

Step-by-Step Mexican Picadillo Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and season with salt and pepper.

Cook until the meat is almost fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Add Vegetable Medley

• Diced onions
• Chopped potatoes
• Sliced carrots

Continue cooking until vegetables become tender and beef is completely cooked. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Base

• Ground cumin
• Dried oregano
• Bay leaf

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Cover the skillet and let it cook for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Finish the Picadillo

Remove the lid and mix in frozen peas.

Continue cooking uncovered until potatoes are soft and most of the liquid has reduced.

Step 5: Final Seasoning

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the picadillo hot, accompanied by warm tortillas or fluffy rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Tips to Perfect Mexican Picadillo Every Time

• Drain excess beef fat completely to prevent a greasy texture and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing dish.
• Choose lean ground beef for a healthier version that reduces overall fat content without compromising flavor.
• Dice vegetables uniformly to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the picadillo.
• Cut potatoes into small, bite-sized cubes to help them cook faster and absorb the delicious seasoning more effectively.
• Add frozen peas at the end to maintain their bright color and prevent overcooking, preserving their fresh taste and nutritional value.

Variations That Change Up Mexican Picadillo

• Vegetarian Picadillo: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms for a meat-free version.
• Chicken Picadillo: Swap ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter protein option.
• Low-Carb Picadillo: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower or zucchini cubes to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Spicy Mexican Picadillo: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick of heat and flavor.

Pairings That Match Well with Picadillo

• Crisp and light beers like Corona or Modelo perfectly complement the hearty, savory flavors of picadillo, cutting through the richness of the ground beef.
• A classic margarita with fresh lime juice balances the meat's robust taste, adding a tangy brightness that enhances the dish's complex spices.
• Fresh, herbal rice creates a perfect base that absorbs the picadillo's sauce while adding a clean, vibrant counterpoint to the meat's intensity.
• Bright, chunky salsa provides a cool, acidic contrast to the warm, spiced picadillo, adding a fresh layer of flavor and texture to each bite.

Storage Guidelines for Mexican Picadillo Dishes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Transfer cooled picadillo to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Flat storage saves space and helps faster thawing.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth to prevent drying and restore moisture. Cook until heated through completely.

Mexican Picadillo Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican picadillo delights with savory ground beef and vegetable medley. Robust flavors blend seamlessly, offering you a comforting taste of traditional home cooking.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound (454 g) ground beef
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) beef broth
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup (75 g) frozen peas
• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp (5 g) cumin
• 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Ground black pepper, to taste
• Rice or tortillas for serving

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Instructions

1. Sizzle ground beef in a spacious skillet over medium heat, seasoning with salt and pepper, and drain excess fat when meat is almost fully cooked.
2. Incorporate diced onion, potatoes, and carrots into the skillet, cooking until vegetables soften and meat completes cooking. Quickly introduce minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
3. Pour tomato sauce and beef broth into the mixture, then sprinkle cumin, dried oregano, and add bay leaf. Allow the concoction to simmer, then cover and let it meld for 10 minutes.
4. Uncover the skillet, fold in frozen peas, and continue cooking until potatoes reach tenderness and liquid reduces significantly.
5. Fine-tune the flavor profile by adjusting salt and pepper seasoning to personal preference.
6. Plate the picadillo while steaming hot, accompanied by warm tortillas or fluffy rice for a satisfying meal.

Notes

• Customize the heat by adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of chili powder for extra spice.
• Use ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives to make this dish lighter and more diet-friendly.
• Cut vegetables into uniform small pieces to ensure even cooking and better texture distribution.
• For a richer flavor, consider browning the meat longer before adding vegetables to develop deeper caramelization.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg