Mexican Picadillo is a comforting, homestyle dish that delivers bold flavor with simple, everyday ingredients. This classic stew features seasoned ground beef gently simmered with tender potatoes, vegetables, and a richly spiced tomato broth. It’s hearty, aromatic, and deeply satisfying—perfect for quick weeknight dinners or a cozy meal served with warm tortillas.
The foundation of picadillo starts with browning ground beef, which builds a savory base for the rest of the ingredients. As the vegetables cook, they release their natural sweetness, balancing the warmth of spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika. The tomato sauce and broth transform into a flavorful gravy that coats every bite, giving the dish its signature richness.
Potatoes are the heart of this recipe, absorbing all the spices while adding body and comfort. As they simmer, they soften into the stew, thickening the sauce and creating a rustic texture that feels both wholesome and deeply satisfying. Optional additions like bay leaf or Worcestershire sauce bring subtle complexity, while chipotle adds smoky heat for those who crave extra boldness.
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Picadillo is wonderfully versatile: enjoy it with fresh tortillas, spoon it over rice, or use it as a filling for tacos, empanadas, or burritos. No matter how it’s served, this dish brings warm, traditional Mexican flavors to the table in under an hour.
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, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth or water
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 bay leaf
- Warm corn or flour tortillas for serving
Instructions:
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