Mexican Picadillo is a flavorful and comforting dish made with ground beef, potatoes, tomatoes, and warm spices. It’s easy to make and perfect for tacos, tostadas, burritos, or served with rice.
Ingredients
✔ 1 lb ground beef (85/15 works best)
✔ 1 small onion, finely chopped
✔ 2 cloves garlic, minced
✔ 1 large potato, diced into small cubes
✔ 1 large carrot, diced (optional)
✔ 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (or 2 fresh tomatoes, blended)
✔ ½ cup tomato sauce (or more to taste)
✔ ½ cup beef broth (or water)
✔ ½ cup peas (optional)
✔ 1 teaspoon ground cumin
✔ ½ teaspoon paprika
✔ ½ teaspoon dried oregano
✔ ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional for spice)
✔ Salt & pepper to taste
✔ 2 tablespoons oil (for cooking)
Instructions
1. Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- Add onion and garlic, and cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced potatoes and carrots, cooking for another 5 minutes.
3. Add the Tomatoes & Seasonings
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
- Add cumin, paprika, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Simmer Until Tender
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- If the mixture gets too thick, add a little more broth or water.
5. Add Peas & Adjust Seasoning
- Stir in the peas (if using) and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
How to Serve Mexican Picadillo
✔ Over white rice for a hearty meal
✔ In tacos or burritos for a flavorful filling
✔ With tostadas and refried beans
✔ Alongside warm tortillas for scooping
This Mexican Picadillo is a delicious, budget-friendly meal that’s easy to customize. Enjoy!