Mexican Picadillo is one of those cherished home-style dishes that effortlessly brings warmth, comfort, and nostalgia to the table. Built on simple ingredients and familiar flavors, it is a recipe that varies from family to family yet always delivers the same satisfying heartiness. Ground beef, tender potatoes, and aromatic vegetables come together in a lightly spiced tomato broth, creating a dish that pairs beautifully with tortillas, rice, or both.
What makes picadillo so appealing is its versatility. It can be served as a main dish, tucked into tacos, stuffed inside gorditas, folded into empanadas, or used as a filling for chiles rellenos. Its texture and balance of savory, lightly spicy flavors make it an everyday favorite throughout Mexican households. Even better, it comes together quickly, making it a perfect weeknight option.
The depth of flavor in this dish comes from the combination of warm spices like cumin and chili powder, paired with the freshness of tomatoes, bell peppers, and optional chiles for heat. As the mixture simmers, the potatoes absorb the seasoned broth, becoming tender while helping to thicken the sauce. Each spoonful carries a blend of comforting textures and aromas.
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Whether you are revisiting a childhood favorite or discovering picadillo for the first time, this recipe offers a dependable and delicious result. It is hearty without being heavy, flavorful without being complicated, and endlessly adaptable to your preferences. Serve it hot with warm tortillas, fluffy rice, or both for a truly satisfying meal.
Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1–2 Roma tomatoes, diced (or 1/2 cup tomato sauce)
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth or water
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp chili powder (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp Mexican oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1–2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- Optional heat: 1 jalapeño or serrano, minced
Instructions:
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