Mexican Picadillo Recipe

Mexican Picadillo is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s both comforting and versatile. It’s a perfect blend of ground beef, potatoes, tomatoes, and a delightful mix of seasonings, making it a staple in many households. Whether served over rice, wrapped in tortillas, or enjoyed on its own, this recipe offers a warm, savory meal that’s both easy to prepare and loved by all. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, Mexican Picadillo is the go-to recipe when you want something filling yet uncomplicated.

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Picadillo Recipe

This Mexican Picadillo recipe is perfect for those who love bold flavors but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s a one-pan dish that’s ready in under 40 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner. What makes this dish even better is its flexibility – you can switch up the meat, adjust the spices, or add extra veggies to suit your preferences. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe will become a regular in your rotation.

Ingredients for Mexican Picadillo

To make the best Mexican Picadillo, you’ll need the following ingredients. Each one adds its own layer of flavor to this dish:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the vegetables and browning the meat.
• 8 ounces yellow potatoes – About 3-4 small potatoes, diced into small cubes for quicker cooking.
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped – Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
• 1 jalapeño pepper, chopped – Adds a mild kick. You can remove the seeds to reduce heat.
• 1 serrano pepper (optional) – For those who love an extra spicy touch.
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped – A must for enhancing savory flavors.
• 1 pound ground beef – You can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even pork.
• 2 large tomatoes, chopped – Fresh tomatoes help create a rich, flavorful sauce.
• 3/4 cup beef stock – You can also use chicken or vegetable stock if preferred.
• 1 tablespoon paprika – Adds a smoky warmth.
• 1 tablespoon Mexican oregano – A key herb that provides a citrusy, earthy flavor.
• 1 teaspoon cumin – For an extra layer of warmth and earthiness.
• Salt and pepper, to taste – Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
• For serving: Cooked rice or warmed tortillas, sliced peppers, chili flakes, fresh lime juice, hot sauce.

this RECIPE

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Mexican Picadillo

Step 1: Heat the Oil and Cook the Vegetables

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, and jalapeño (along with the optional serrano pepper if you want extra spice). Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to soften.

Step 2: Add the Garlic and Ground Beef

Next, stir in the chopped garlic, followed by the ground beef. Break up the beef with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Brown the meat for about 5 minutes, ensuring it’s evenly distributed among the vegetables. The meat doesn’t need to be cooked through at this stage, as it will continue cooking later.

Step 3: Incorporate the Tomatoes and Stock

Once the beef is browned, stir in the chopped tomatoes and pour in the beef stock. The tomatoes will break down and meld with the stock, creating a rich sauce that will help tenderize the potatoes and infuse them with flavor.

Step 4: Season the Picadillo

Add the paprika, Mexican oregano, cumin, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together and lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pan and let the mixture cook for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.

Step 5: Serve

Once the Picadillo is ready, it’s time to serve. You can spoon it over a bed of cooked rice or serve it with warmed tortillas. Garnish with extra sliced peppers, a sprinkle of chili flakes, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and don’t forget your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Undercooking the Potatoes: Dice the potatoes into small pieces to ensure they cook through in the time allotted. Larger chunks may stay raw in the center.
2. Overcrowding the Pan: If your pan is too small, the vegetables and meat won’t cook evenly. Use a large pan to give the ingredients space to brown properly.
3. Not Simmering Long Enough: Let the dish simmer long enough for the flavors to meld, and for the potatoes to soak up the seasonings.

Mexican Picadillo Serving Suggestions

Picadillo can be served in several delicious ways:

• Over rice: This is a classic pairing, allowing the Picadillo to soak into the rice, creating a hearty, satisfying meal.
• With tortillas: Warm up soft tortillas and scoop some Picadillo inside for a quick and flavorful taco.
• With sides: Serve alongside a crisp salad, black beans, or roasted vegetables to round out the meal.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Storing: Mexican Picadillo stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Reheating: To reheat, simply warm it up in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock to bring back the moisture. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, covered, in short intervals to avoid drying it out.

Freezing: You can also freeze Picadillo for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Variations of Mexican Picadillo

• Switch up the protein: You can easily substitute the ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or pork. For a vegetarian option, try using lentils or textured vegetable protein.
• Add more vegetables: Mix in some diced carrots, peas, or bell peppers for extra texture and nutrition.
• Adjust the spiciness: Not a fan of heat? Leave out the serrano pepper and reduce the jalapeño to make a milder version. For more spice, add more chili flakes or hot sauce.

What to Pair with Mexican Picadillo

For non-alcoholic drink pairings, a cold glass of horchata or refreshing agua fresca complements the rich flavors of the Picadillo. You can also serve it with Mexican-style rice or a fresh cucumber salad for a lighter contrast to the hearty dish.

Mexican Picadillo Recipe Tips

• Get creative with toppings: Consider adding avocado slices, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
• Meal prep-friendly: This dish is great for meal prep. Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week. You can even use the leftovers to make tacos or empanadas.
• Make it gluten-free: Just double-check your stock and tortillas to ensure they’re gluten-free, and you’re all set.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make Mexican Picadillo ahead of time?
Yes, Mexican Picadillo is great for making ahead. The flavors actually get better with time, so it’s perfect for meal prepping or making a day in advance.

What’s the best way to reheat Picadillo without drying it out?
To avoid drying out, reheat Picadillo over low heat in a pan with a splash of water or stock. This will keep it moist and flavorful.

Can I freeze Picadillo?
Absolutely! Picadillo freezes well for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground meat with lentils or another plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.

Conclusion

Enjoyed this Mexican Picadillo recipe? Share it with friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes like this one! Leave a comment below with your favorite Picadillo toppings or any creative twists you tried.

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