Mexican Picadillo: A Classic Comfort Food
Mexican Picadillo is a simple yet soul-satisfying dish that captures the heart of home-style Mexican cooking. Made with ground meat, potatoes, tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices, this one-pan wonder is both hearty and versatile. Whether you serve it with fluffy rice, wrap it in warm tortillas, or use it as a filling for tacos and empanadas, picadillo delivers a burst of flavor in every bite.
Perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting family meal, this dish comes together quickly and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Let’s dive into how to make this classic comfort food at home!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces yellow potatoes (about 3-4 small), diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, chopped
- 1 serrano pepper, chopped (optional, for extra spice)
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef (can substitute with chicken, turkey, or pork)
- 2 large tomatoes, chopped
- 3/4 cup beef stock (or chicken or vegetable stock)
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon Mexican oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, and peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant.
2. Cook the Meat:
Add the chopped garlic and ground beef to the skillet. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook for another 5 minutes until browned. Don’t worry if the meat isn’t fully cooked through yet—it will finish cooking in the sauce.
3. Simmer the Ingredients:
Stir in the chopped tomatoes, beef stock, and seasonings (paprika, Mexican oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper). Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
4. Let It Cook:
Allow the picadillo to simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Spoon the picadillo over warm rice or serve it alongside freshly made tortillas. For an extra burst of flavor, garnish with sliced jalapeños, chili flakes, a squeeze of lime juice, or your favorite hot sauce.
Tips and Variations:
- Protein Options: While ground beef is classic, feel free to use ground chicken, turkey, or pork for a leaner option.
- Add More Heat: Like it spicy? Toss in more serrano or jalapeño peppers, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Vegetable Boost: Stir in peas, diced carrots, or chopped bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Picadillo tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Serving Ideas: Use it as a taco filling, empanada stuffing, or even as a topping for baked potatoes for a fun twist!
Conclusion
Mexican Picadillo is more than just a recipe—it’s a warm, flavorful dish that brings comfort and nostalgia to the table. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but delicious enough to make for guests. Whether you’re serving it as a hearty main dish or as a versatile filling, picadillo is a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints.
So grab your skillet and a handful of fresh ingredients, and enjoy the heartwarming flavors of this traditional Mexican classic. ¡Buen provecho!
Would you like a printable recipe card or a meal plan that pairs picadillo with other dishes? Let me know, and I’d be happy to help! 🌿