Mexican Picadillo

If you’re looking for a warm and comforting dish that brings a taste of Mexico to your table, you’ve come to the right place! This Mexican Picadillo is not just a recipe; it’s a cherished tradition that my family loves. The combination of ground beef, potatoes, and spices creates a hearty meal that warms your heart and fills your belly. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want something delicious without too much fuss.

What makes this dish special is its rich flavor profile and versatility. You can serve it over fluffy rice or wrap it in warm tortillas, making it an ideal choice for everyone at the table. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that gets better as leftovers, so you can enjoy it again the next day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, making Mexican Picadillo is a breeze even for beginner cooks.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the comforting flavors, and it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this dish ahead of time and simply reheat it when you’re ready to eat.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The blend of spices and fresh ingredients creates a mouthwatering dish that will impress everyone.
• Versatile Serving Options: Whether you prefer it over rice or wrapped in tortillas, this recipe adapts to your liking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cooking should be fun and easy! Here are some simple and wholesome ingredients you’ll need for this tasty Mexican Picadillo.

For the Base:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 ounces yellow potatoes (about 3-4 small), diced
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped
• 1 serrano pepper, chopped (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 pound ground beef

For the Sauce:

• 2 large tomatoes, chopped
• 3/4 cup beef stock
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon Mexican oregano
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

• Cooked rice or warmed tortillas
• Sliced peppers
• Chili flakes
• Fresh lime juice
• Hot sauce

Variations

One of the best things about Mexican Picadillo is how flexible it can be! Feel free to customize it based on what you have at home or your personal taste.

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some diced carrots or peas for added color and nutrition.
• Make it spicy: If you like heat, try adding more jalapeños or even some diced chipotle peppers.
• Go vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or black beans for a meatless version that’s still filling.

How to Make Mexican Picadillo

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the potatoes, onion, and peppers. Cook them down for about 5 minutes until they start to soften. This step is key—it builds the foundation of flavor for our picadillo!

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Stir in the garlic and ground beef next. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it browns—this should take about 5 minutes. Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked through yet; we’ll finish cooking it with the other ingredients soon.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Now it’s time to stir in those beautiful tomatoes along with the beef stock and all your seasonings. Reduce the heat to simmer; this allows all those lovely flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Simmer Away

Let everything simmer for about 20 minutes. This will give plenty of time for the potatoes to soften up while absorbing all those delicious flavors from the sauce.

Step 5: Serve with Love

Finally, serve your Mexican Picadillo over fluffy rice or with warmed tortillas. Don’t forget those extra toppings—sliced peppers, spicy chili flakes, fresh lime juice, and your favorite hot sauce add an extra kick that makes every bite unforgettable! Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Mexican Picadillo

Making Mexican Picadillo is a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you can elevate your dish to the next level!

• Choose the right beef: Using ground beef with a bit of fat (like 80/20) adds richness and flavor. Leaner cuts might result in a drier dish, so aim for a balance that keeps it juicy.

• Don’t rush the simmering: Allowing your picadillo to simmer for the full 20 minutes helps meld the flavors beautifully. This slow cooking time ensures that the potatoes become tender and absorb all those delicious seasonings.

• Customize your heat level: If you prefer a milder dish, use only jalapeño. For those who love a kick, include serrano peppers or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. Adjusting the heat lets you personalize this dish to your family’s taste.

• Add veggies for extra nutrition: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like carrots or peas during cooking. They add color, texture, and nutrients without compromising the traditional flavors.

• Make it ahead of time: Picadillo tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Consider making it in advance for an easy meal prep solution or for leftovers that can be enjoyed throughout the week!

How to Serve Mexican Picadillo

When it comes to serving Mexican Picadillo, there are endless possibilities to make this comforting dish shine on your table!

Garnishes

• Fresh cilantro: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds vibrant color and freshness that complements the hearty flavors.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: A dollop provides creaminess and balances out the spiciness beautifully.
• Avocado slices: Creamy avocado brings a delightful texture that pairs wonderfully with the savory picadillo.

Side Dishes

• Mexican rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices is the perfect base to soak up all that flavorful picadillo sauce.
• Refried beans: Creamy refried beans add protein and richness, making them an excellent accompaniment.
• Grilled corn on the cob: Sweet corn grilled to perfection brings a lovely charred flavor that complements the spiciness of the picadillo.
• Simple green salad: A light salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado dressed in lime vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to this hearty dish.

Now you’re ready to serve up some delicious Mexican Picadillo! Enjoy every bite as you share this comforting meal with family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Mexican Picadillo is a fantastic option for meal prep! It stays flavorful and can be easily reheated, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cooked picadillo to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Let the dish cool completely before freezing.
• Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy reference!

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish on medium power, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Mexican Picadillo.

Can I use other meats for Mexican Picadillo?

Absolutely! While this recipe calls for ground beef, you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option. Just follow the same cooking instructions.

What should I serve with Mexican Picadillo?

Mexican Picadillo is delicious served over rice or wrapped in warm tortillas. You can also add fresh toppings like sliced peppers, lime juice, and your favorite hot sauce to enhance the flavor!

How can I spice up my Mexican Picadillo?

If you’re looking for more heat, consider adding extra jalapeños or serrano peppers. You can also sprinkle some chili flakes or cayenne pepper while cooking for an extra kick!

Can I make Mexican Picadillo vegetarian?

Yes! For a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with lentils or your favorite plant-based meat alternative. Adjust the cooking times as needed based on what you choose.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this hearty and comforting Mexican Picadillo as much as I do! It’s not just a delicious meal; it’s a wonderful way to bring friends and family together around the table. Don’t hesitate to get creative with toppings and sides—after all, cooking is all about having fun! Happy cooking!