Mexican Picadillo: A Classic Comfort Food
Introduction
If you’re looking for the ultimate one-pan meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and budget-friendly, Mexican Picadillo is a dish you’ll want to add to your weekly rotation. This classic comfort food combines ground beef, tender potatoes, tomatoes, and spices into a savory skillet meal that’s perfect with rice, tortillas, or even stuffed inside tacos and empanadas. Loved across generations in Mexican households, picadillo is a versatile recipe that’s simple to prepare yet full of rich flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🥔 Hearty and filling – potatoes and beef make this a complete comfort meal.
- 🌶 Flavor-packed – with jalapeño, serrano, cumin, and oregano.
- ⏱ Quick and easy – ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
- 🍳 Versatile – serve with rice, stuff into tacos, or use as empanada filling.
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 (or chicken, turkey, or pork)
- 2 large tomatoes, chopped
- ¾ cup beef stock (or chicken/vegetable stock)
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon Mexican oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced potatoes, onion, jalapeño, and serrano (if using).
- Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.
2️⃣ Cook the Meat
- Add chopped garlic and ground beef.
- Break up the meat with a spoon and cook 5 minutes, until browned.
- (It doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet—it will finish simmering.)
3️⃣ Build the Sauce
- Stir in chopped tomatoes, beef stock, paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well to coat everything in the flavorful sauce.
4️⃣ Simmer Until Tender
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Simmer uncovered 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender and sauce thickens.
5️⃣ Serve and Enjoy
- Spoon picadillo over fluffy rice or serve with warm tortillas.
- Garnish with sliced jalapeños, chili flakes, lime juice, or hot sauce for extra flavor.
Expert Tips & Variations
- 🥩 Protein swap – ground turkey or chicken makes this a lighter version.
- 🍅 Tomato shortcut – use canned diced tomatoes if fresh aren’t available.
- 🥕 Add veggies – peas, carrots, or green beans are delicious mix-ins.
- 🌶 Control the spice – skip the serrano for a milder version or double it for extra heat.
Serving Suggestions
- With steamed rice for a classic Mexican-style plate.
- Stuffed inside crispy tacos or empanadas.
- Rolled into burritos or spooned over nachos.
- Paired with warm flour or corn tortillas for scooping.
Nutrition (Per Serving – 4 servings)
- Calories: ~310
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: ~550mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “picadillo” mean?
The word picadillo comes from “picar,” meaning “to chop” in Spanish. It refers to the finely chopped mix of meat, potatoes, and vegetables in the dish.
Can I make Mexican picadillo ahead of time?
Yes! It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Is picadillo spicy?
It can be! The jalapeño and serrano add heat, but you can adjust the spice level by using only jalapeño or removing the seeds.
Can I make picadillo vegetarian?
Definitely—substitute ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based protein.