Name: Savory Mexican Picadillo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon oil; ½ medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred); 2 medium potatoes, diced small; 1 ½ cups diced tomatoes (canned or fresh); 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 bay leaf; ¾ teaspoon salt (or to taste); ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup water or beef broth; 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)

If you’re searching for a meal that delivers both flavor and comfort, look no further than this savory Mexican Picadillo. A dish that embodies the heart of home cooking, Mexican Picadillo is a delicious blend of ground beef, potatoes, tomatoes, and warm spices, making it a cozy feast perfect for any day of the week. In just 35 minutes, you can create a satisfying dinner that will appeal to the entire family, while also offering the versatility to be enjoyed with rice, tortillas, or as a filling for your favorite tacos or empanadas.

This easy recipe stands out not only for its rich flavors but also for its simplicity. With minimal effort in the kitchen, you will be rewarded with a hearty meal that fills your home with an inviting aroma. Whether you’re pressed for time during a busy weeknight or planning for a weekend gathering, Mexican Picadillo delivers every time. Plus, it’s a fantastic option for healthy cooking, as you can easily adjust ingredient portions and use plenty of fresh produce.

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Picadillo

Quick Preparation: With just 35 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for those hectic weeknights.
Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of ground beef, spices, and potatoes creates a comforting and satisfying dish.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve with rice, tuck into tacos, or pair with fresh tortillas for a delightful meal.
Easy to Customize: You can easily alter the ingredients to fit your dietary needs or preferences.
Family-Friendly: This recipe is sure to please both kids and adults, making it a win for family dinners.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the recipe for Mexican Picadillo, it is essential to prep your kitchen and gather all the necessary ingredients and tools. Start by ensuring your workspace is clean and organized to streamline the cooking process. You’ll need a large skillet to cook the dish, a cutting board, and sharp knives for chopping the vegetables.

Make sure to have measuring spoons and cups at the ready for accuracy. It’s also useful to have a spatula or wooden spoon for stirring the ingredients as you cook. Additionally, if you plan on serving the Picadillo with rice, you can begin preparing it in a separate pot, following the instructions provided on the rice package for the best results.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon oil
½ medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
2 medium potatoes, diced small
1 ½ cups diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 bay leaf
¾ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup water or beef broth
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin your Picadillo by heating one tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and allow it to sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, typically around 3 to 4 minutes. This step is crucial, as the onion provides a flavor base for the dish. After that, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds, just enough to release its aromatic properties without burning.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the pound of ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Continue to stir until all meat is browned. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. If there’s excess grease, don’t hesitate to drain it away; you want the flavors to shine through rather than be drowned in fat.

Step 3: Combine the Main Ingredients

Next, stir in the diced tomatoes, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure that the spices coat the meat and vegetables evenly. This step adds depth and warmth to your Picadillo, making it more flavorful.

Step 4: Add the Potatoes

Once combined, it’s time to add the diced potatoes to the mixture. Stir gently to coat them in the savory ingredients. This will ensure that the potatoes absorb the robust flavors of the beef and spices as they cook.

Step 5: Simmer for Perfection

Carefully pour in half a cup of water or beef broth, just enough to barely cover the potatoes. This liquid will help cook the potatoes through and create a luscious sauce that ties the dish together. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow it to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the potatoes are fork tender. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Final Touches

After the potatoes are tender, remove the bay leaf from the skillet. Taste the Picadillo and adjust the salt and pepper if necessary, enhancing the flavor to suit your preference. For a fresh finish, garnish with chopped cilantro just before serving. This adds not only color but also a bright flavor to the dish.

Variations

Protein: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Vegetables: Add bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini to boost the nutritional value and add more texture.
Spices: Experiment with different spices such as paprika or chili powder for extra heat and depth of flavor.

Cooking Notes

To ensure even cooking, cut potatoes into uniform small dice.
Consider using low-sodium broth for better control of the salt content, especially if you are watching your sodium intake.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over a bed of fluffy rice for a hearty meal.
Use as a filling in corn or flour tortillas for scrumptious tacos.

Tips

For an added crunch, consider serving with tortilla chips on the side.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 350 calories per serving
Protein: About 25g
Sodium: Roughly 500mg

FAQs

Can I make Mexican Picadillo ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It also tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together.

How do I store leftovers?

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. Properly stored, it will last for about 3 days.

Can I freeze Mexican Picadillo?

Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure it cools completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

What are the best side dishes to serve with Picadillo?

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, avocado slices, refried beans, or a simple salad.

Conclusion

Now that you have created this delightful Mexican Picadillo, it’s time to gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy the comforting flavors of this beloved dish. Whether you serve it with rice, in tortillas, or on its own, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal yet packed with the kind of flavor that turns meals into memories. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and variations in the comments below, and enjoy the joy that comes with every bite!