A vibrant bowl of Mexican Picadillo featuring seasoned ground beef mixed with diced potatoes, bright tomato sauce, and garnished with fresh cilantro. The dish is served in a rustic ceramic bowl with a side of warm tortillas and a sprinkle of chopped green onions, showcasing a hearty and colorful presentation with a rich, saucy texture.

Hearty Mexican Picadillo with Ground Beef and Potatoes

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Hearty Mexican Picadillo with Ground Beef and Potatoes 🍽️🌶️✨

1. Introduction

If you’re searching for a comforting and flavor-packed dish, look no further than this Mexican Picadillo recipe. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, this hearty Mexican picadillo combines ground beef and potatoes with rich spices and vegetables. This dish is a versatile, one-pan wonder that can be served with rice, tortillas, or even as a filling for tacos or empanadas. Read on to discover the secrets to making a delicious, authentic Mexican picadillo that your family will love.

2. Ingredients for Hearty Mexican Picadillo

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 medium potatoes, diced
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes or tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup green peas (optional)
  • 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

3. How to Make Mexican Picadillo — Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Base

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned.

Cooking the Potatoes

Add the diced potatoes to the skillet with the beef mixture. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes start to soften. For faster cooking, consider parboiling the potatoes beforehand.

Adding Flavor and Vegetables

Stir in the diced tomatoes or tomato sauce along with cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. If you like a touch of sweetness, add raisins now. Mix in green peas if using, and cook until everything is well combined and heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

Simmer and Finish

Reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Let the picadillo simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.

4. Storage Tips for Hearty Mexican Picadillo

This dish keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers—it’s perfect for meal prep! Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove for quick, delicious meals.

5. Serving Suggestions & Variations

Serve your hearty Mexican picadillo with steamed rice, warm tortillas, or as a filling for tacos or burritos. You can also top it with fresh avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess. Want to mix things up? Add chopped bell peppers or swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

6. Frequently Asked Questions about Mexican Picadillo

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils to make a vegetarian ground beef and potato picadillo. Use vegetable broth instead of meat for added flavor.

How long does it take to prepare this hearty Mexican picadillo?

The total preparation and cooking time is approximately 30-40 minutes, making it an easy weeknight dinner option.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini work well. Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables to increase nutritional value and flavor.

7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe

8. More Delicious Recipes to Try

9. Conclusion

This hearty Mexican picadillo with ground beef and potatoes is a flavorful, versatile dish that offers a taste of Mexican cuisine in every bite. Whether served over rice, wrapped in tortillas, or enjoyed on its own, it’s a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy. For those who love warm spices and savory flavors, this recipe is a must-try. Explore more Mexican-inspired dishes and expand your culinary repertoire today!

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A vibrant bowl of Mexican Picadillo featuring seasoned ground beef mixed with diced potatoes, bright tomato sauce, and garnished with fresh cilantro. The dish is served in a rustic ceramic bowl with a side of warm tortillas and a sprinkle of chopped green onions, showcasing a hearty and colorful presentation with a rich, saucy texture.

Hearty Mexican Picadillo with Ground Beef and Potatoes

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Print Recipe

Hearty Mexican Picadillo with Ground Beef and Potatoes 🍽️🌶️✨. Enjoy this traditional Mexican comfort food featuring seasoned ground beef and potatoes, perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or as a filling for tacos and burritos. Rich in flavor and easy to make, this authentic recipe will become a family favorite.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 medium potatoes, diced
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes or tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup green peas (optional)
  • 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned.
  2. Add the diced potatoes to the skillet with the beef mixture. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes start to soften. Consider parboiling the potatoes beforehand for quicker cooking.
  3. Stir in the diced tomatoes or tomato sauce along with cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. If you prefer a touch of sweetness, add raisins now. Mix in green peas if using, and cook until everything is well combined and heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Let the picadillo simmer for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

  • This dish keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers—perfect for meal prep! Reheat in the microwave or stove.
  • Add chopped bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini to increase nutritional value. For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils and use vegetable broth.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Easy, Family-Friendly

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 350 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

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