Picadillo is a classic comfort food dish that you can find in many different Latin American countries. The specific ingredients and flavorings can vary by country or region, but Picadillo (or “picadillo con papas”) is almost always made with ground meat, vegetables, and plenty of bold flavors. This is a traditional Mexican-style Picadillo recipe filled with savory ground beef, tender bites of potatoes, onions, and jalapenos. It’s simmered in a savory beef and tomato sauce seasoned with a delicious blend of herbs and spices.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love making Mexican Picadillo for dinner because it’s made with inexpensive and filling ingredients, like ground beef and potatoes. You can also make this easy recipe in less than 45 minutes, so it’s great for busy weeknights. It doesn’t take any longer to make Picadillo than it would take to make traditional beef tacos. Use your picadillo mixture as a filling for tacos, wrapped in warm flour tortillas. Or enjoy it with a side of Mexican Rice or cilantro lime rice instead. No matter how you eat it, Picadillo is going to be a new favorite at your house. For dessert, try a Mexican inspired treat! Mexican Fruit Salad and Sopapilla Cheesecake will both be the perfect finish to this traditional meal.
Key Ingredients in Mexican picadillo
Here’s what you need to make this tasty ground beef picadillo recipe:
Beef: Start with a pound of ground beef. I usually like to use lean ground beef, but any style will do. This recipe will also work with ground turkey or chicken if you like. Potatoes: Grab a large russet potato, or two smaller ones. Dice it into small cubes. The potatoes will cook with the other ingredients so that they soak up all of the amazing picadillo flavors. Jalapeño: For a little bit of heat, diced jalapeno with the seeds removed is perfect. If you prefer less spice, use green bell pepper instead. Beef Broth and Tomato Sauce: These two work together to create the most amazing sauce for the dish. Spices: To make Mexican Picadillo taste perfectly authentic, use Mexican oregano, ground cumin, and ground coriander, along with some salt and pepper.
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
How To Make Easy Mexican Picadillo
Recipe Tips
Add other ingredients! This Mexican picadillo recipe is very simple and basic, but there are hundreds of different ways to make it. Try adding veggies such as diced carrots or frozen peas. To add sweetness, many versions of picadillo include raisins simmered in the broth or just a teaspoon of brown sugar or honey. Brown the beef well. So much of the flavor of this dish comes from the meat. Give the beef time in the pan to really brown and release all of that wonderful meaty taste. Try it in your slow cooker. Brown the beef and vegetables, then transfer them to the crockpot with the remaining ingredients. Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours, or until the potatoes are tender. Any potatoes will work. I like the soft texture of russet potatoes in this recipe, but you may prefer to use regular white potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes instead. Double the recipe. Leftovers can be frozen, so feel free to make extra! You’ll be able to pull a meal out of the freezer and reheat it later when you have an extra busy evening ahead of you.
Storing Tips
Leftover picadillo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze this recipe for up to 3 months. To reheat, use your microwave. You can also add it back to a skillet and reheat Mexican picadillo on the stove. If you need to, add a splash of water to make it saucy again.
How To Serve Mexican Picadillo
You can serve picadillo in various ways! Try it as a taco filling, and add any of your favorite toppings, like homemade guacamole, diced onion, or shredded cheese. Picadillo also makes a tasty topping for a Tex Mex style salad. Load up your plate with greens and fresh veggies. For a heartier meal, serve beef picadillo with rice, Mexican street corn salad, and pinto beans. Need more ideas? Try eating Mexican Piccadillo anywhere that you would enjoy plain taco meat. It makes tasty nachos, enchiladas, burrito bowls, or quesadillas.
What is the difference between Mexican and Cuban Picadillo?
The two recipes have similar starts, but In Cuban picadillo, you’ll find other tangy, and sweet ingredients such as raisins, green olives, and capers.
Can I make Mexican Picadillo Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make this recipe up to 3 days ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator, and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when it’s time to eat. It’s so easy to make this authentic, traditional, and delicious Mexican Picadillo, and your whole family is going to love it! Make sure to pin this recipe – it’s perfect for busy nights. © Little Sunny Kitchen
