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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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