Authentic Mexican Picadillo Recipe: A Comforting Classic Full of Bold Flavor

Introduction

When it comes to comforting Mexican home cooking, picadillo is a staple that brings generations to the table. This hearty, one-pan dish features seasoned ground beef simmered with tender potatoes and a smoky roasted salsa that bursts with authentic Mexican flavor. Simple yet deeply satisfying, picadillo is a beloved recipe in many Latin households—each family with its own twist.

What sets Mexican picadillo apart is the rich, spicy sauce made from roasted tomatoes, jalapeños, and garlic—a blend that elevates humble ingredients into something extraordinary. Whether served with warm tortillas, over steamed rice, or stuffed into chiles or tacos, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping for the week, this authentic recipe brings the heart of a Mexican kitchen to your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

🌶 Authentic Mexican flavor using real roasted ingredients.
🍽️ One-skillet meal that’s easy to prepare and easy to clean up.
🥔 Comforting and hearty with perfectly tender potatoes.
🌮 Versatile — serve in tacos, burritos, over rice, or stuffed in peppers.
💰 Budget-friendly with pantry-staple ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Picadillo:

1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20) – for a juicy, flavorful base
2 medium potatoes – peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
½ cup onion – diced
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

For the Roasted Sauce:

2 Roma tomatoes
3 jalapeños
1 serrano pepper (optional or adjust to taste)
2 cloves garlic
¼ cup water – for blending
1 teaspoon oil – for roasting

Step-by-Step Instructions

🔥 Step 1: Roast the Vegetables

Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a small skillet over medium heat.
Add tomatoes, jalapeños, serrano pepper, and garlic.
Roast the vegetables, turning occasionally, for 8–10 minutes, or until the skins are blistered and slightly charred.

🔥 Roasting intensifies the flavor and adds that signature smoky depth.

🥣 Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

Transfer the roasted vegetables to a blender.
Add ¼ cup of water and blend until smooth.
Set the sauce aside — this is your flavor-packed base.

🥩 Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef.
Break it up into small crumbles as it cooks.
Season with salt and pepper.
Drain excess fat, but leave a small amount to keep the beef moist and flavorful.

🧅 Step 4: Add Potatoes and Onion

Add the diced potatoes and onion to the skillet with the cooked beef.
Stir everything together and cook for 5–7 minutes, letting the onions soften and the potatoes begin to cook.

🍅 Step 5: Combine with the Sauce

Pour the roasted salsa into the skillet.
Stir to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer.
Cover and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the sauce has thickened.

💡 The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together. Don’t rush this step!

🧂 Step 6: Adjust and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper.
If you like it spicier, add a bit of chili powder or roast an extra serrano!
Serve hot with warm tortillas, rice, or use as a taco or burrito filling.

Expert Tips & Variations

👨‍🍳 Cooking Tips

Smaller potato cubes cook faster and absorb more flavor.
Don’t skip roasting the salsa ingredients — it’s what gives the dish its depth.
Use a cast iron skillet for best heat retention.

🌶️ Spice Level Variations

For milder heat: Use fewer jalapeños and skip the serrano.
For bold heat: Add more serrano or include a chipotle pepper in adobo.

🍽️ Serving Ideas

Serve over Mexican rice with a side of refried beans.
Stuff into chile rellenos or empanadas.
Top with avocado slices, Queso Fresco, or a squeeze of lime.

🥩 Substitutions

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
Add frozen peas or carrots for extra veggies.

Important Notes

Do not overcook the potatoes — they should be soft but not mushy.
Use ripe Roma tomatoes for the richest sauce.
Don’t add too much water when blending the sauce; keep it thick and bold.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. 6 Servings)

Calories: 310
Protein: 23g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 420mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and will vary with substitutions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ What does “picadillo” mean?

“Picadillo” comes from the Spanish word picar, meaning “to mince” or “chop.” It refers to ground meat cooked with vegetables and seasonings.

❓ Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Picadillo tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 2–3 months.

❓ Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works well — just make sure to season generously since they are leaner and milder in flavor than beef.

❓ How can I reduce the heat?

Use only 1 jalapeño and skip the serrano pepper. You can also deseed the peppers before roasting to keep it mild.

❓ What can I serve with picadillo?

Serve it with warm corn tortillas, flour tortillas, white rice, or inside stuffed bell peppers, tacos, or empanadas for a versatile meal.

Final Thoughts

This Authentic Mexican Picadillo is everything you want in a comforting, home-cooked meal—flavorful, filling, and easy to customize to your family’s taste. The combination of hearty potatoes, rich ground beef, and roasted salsa makes it a dish you’ll want to add to your regular rotation.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or planning weekday meals, this recipe delivers bold, traditional Mexican flavor with minimal effort.

🌮✨ Make it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to this classic again and again. ¡Buen provecho!

Authentic Mexican Picadillo Recipe