Simple Mexican Picadillo Recipe: A Cozy Family Favorite

Savory mexican picadillo dances across my childhood memories like a vibrant culinary melody.

My abuela taught me this classic dish that blends ground beef with unexpected vegetable companions.

Tender meat simmers alongside sweet raisins and briny olives, creating complex flavor profiles.

Warm spices weave through each delectable bite, telling stories of traditional kitchens.

Regional variations make this recipe uniquely personal and adaptable to different palates.

Comfort and nostalgia merge in this simple yet deeply satisfying meal that connects generations.

You’ll want to grab a tortilla and experience these incredible flavor combinations right now.

What Makes Mexican Picadillo Recipe So Satisfying

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner: Whip up this Mexican picadillo in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families needing a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Enjoy this hearty dish multiple ways – serve over rice, stuff into tortillas, or use as a filling for tacos, empanadas, and even stuffed peppers.
• Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Packed with lean ground beef, colorful vegetables, and protein-rich ingredients, this recipe delivers a balanced meal that keeps everyone satisfied and nourished.
• Budget-Friendly Family Pleaser: Using affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and basic spices, this recipe provides a flavorful meal that won't break the bank while satisfying different taste preferences.

Everything Inside Mexican Picadillo Recipe

• Ground Beef: Rich and hearty protein that forms the core of the picadillo, best when lean to reduce excess grease.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor foundation that adds depth and aromatic base to the dish.
• Potatoes, Carrots: Substantial vegetables that provide texture and natural sweetness, adding heartiness to the picadillo.
• Peas, Tomatoes: Sweet and tangy elements that boost nutritional value and create a balanced flavor profile.
• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Provide moisture and rich tomato essence, creating a robust sauce.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning for enhancing overall flavor.
• Cumin, Paprika, Oregano, Chili Powder: Traditional Mexican spices that deliver warm, complex, and slightly spicy taste notes.

• Broth: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, cohesive sauce.
• Olives: Provides a salty, briny accent that complements the meaty base.

• Rice, Tortillas: Classic accompaniments that complement the picadillo's texture and flavor.
• Fresh Cilantro: Bright, fresh garnish that adds a final aromatic touch.

How To Cook Up Mexican Picadillo Recipe With Ease

Step 1: Brown the Beefy Base

Grab a large skillet and warm it up over medium heat. Drop in the ground beef and break it apart with your trusty cooking spoon. Let it sizzle and dance until it turns a beautiful golden brown, releasing those mouthwatering meaty aromas. If there’s extra grease pooling around, go ahead and drain it away.

Step 2: Create a Vegetable Symphony

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic
• Diced potatoes
• Sliced carrots

Let these colorful companions mingle and soften for about 5 minutes, creating a delicious foundation of flavor.

Step 3: Build Flavor Layers

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Broth
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Oregano
• Chili powder

Stir everything together until the ingredients become best friends, hugging each other with spicy warmth.

Step 4: Simmer and Transform

Lower the heat, cover your skillet, and let the magic happen. Allow everything to bubble gently for 15-20 minutes. Peek in occasionally and give a gentle stir. When potatoes feel tender, you’re almost there!

Step 5: Final Flavor Flourish

• Green peas
• Sliced olives

Let them join the party for the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Step 6: Serve with Celebration

Taste your creation and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve this Mexican marvel over fluffy rice or nestle it inside warm tortillas. Crown your dish with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.

Quick Wins For Mexican Picadillo Recipe Success

• Drain Fat Strategically: Remove excess grease from ground beef to keep the picadillo lighter and prevent a greasy texture, ensuring a cleaner, more appetizing dish.
• Chop Veggies Uniformly: Cut potatoes, carrots, and onions into similar-sized pieces to guarantee even cooking and a consistent bite in every spoonful.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust chili powder and cumin to match your heat preference, making the picadillo mild for kids or fiery for spice lovers.
• Choose Versatile Serving Options: Transform this classic recipe into tacos, stuffed peppers, or a savory filling for empanadas to keep meals exciting and diverse.
• Boost Nutrition Smartly: Swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier version without compromising the traditional Mexican flavor profile.

Smart Storage Tips For Mexican Picadillo Recipe Leftovers

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Cool the picadillo completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Prevent moisture buildup by using a shallow container that allows quick cooling.
• When reheating, add a splash of broth to maintain the dish's moisture and prevent drying out.
• Gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for maximum 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Avoid refreezing previously frozen picadillo to maintain quality and food safety standards.

Flavors That Match Mexican Picadillo Recipe Perfectly

• Pair with Zesty Citrus Margarita: Blend the bright, tangy flavors of a classic margarita with fresh lime juice to complement the rich, savory picadillo. The citrusy kick cuts through the meat's richness and enhances the dish's Mexican-inspired spices.
• Serve with Crisp Mexican Slaw: Create a crunchy, refreshing side salad with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a lime-cilantro dressing. This light, zesty accompaniment provides a cool contrast to the warm, hearty picadillo.
• Match with Cilantro-Lime Rice: Prepare fluffy white rice infused with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. The herb's brightness and citrus notes perfectly balance the picadillo's robust flavors and add an extra layer of complexity to the meal.
• Top with Creamy Avocado Salsa: Whip up a quick salsa blending ripe avocados, diced tomatoes, red onion, and a splash of lime. This creamy, fresh topping adds a smooth texture and bright flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Tasty Twists On Mexican Picadillo Recipe Worth Trying

• Veggie Power Picadillo: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian version that keeps the robust Mexican flavors and hearty texture. Perfect for those seeking a lighter protein option.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Increase chili powder and add diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers to create a fiery picadillo that packs extra heat. Serve with cooling sour cream to balance the spiciness.
• Light Chicken Picadillo: Swap ground beef for lean ground chicken or turkey, maintaining the traditional recipe's core ingredients while reducing overall fat content. Great for health-conscious families wanting a nutritious meal.
• Quick Skillet Fusion: Transform the classic picadillo into a one-pan meal by adding quinoa or rice directly into the skillet during the simmering process. This method creates a complete, easy-to-prepare dinner with minimal cleanup.

Top Questions About Mexican Picadillo Recipe

• What is picadillo and where does it come from?

Picadillo is a traditional Latin American dish made with ground meat, vegetables, and spices. It originated in Mexico and Cuba, typically featuring ground beef cooked with a variety of colorful ingredients that create a hearty, flavorful meal.

• Can I make picadillo with other types of meat?

Absolutely! While ground beef is most common, you can easily substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives to create your own version of this versatile dish.

• Is picadillo considered a healthy meal?

Picadillo can be a nutritious option. It’s packed with protein from the meat and includes several vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and peas. By choosing lean ground beef and controlling the amount of added salt, you can make it a balanced and healthy meal.

• What are the key spices that give picadillo its unique flavor?

The essential spices are cumin, paprika, oregano, and chili powder. These spices create the classic Mexican flavor profile that makes picadillo so delicious and distinctive.

Mexican Picadillo Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savor authentic Mexican picadillo, a hearty ground beef dish dancing with aromatic spices and colorful vegetables. Comfort meets flavor in this classic recipe that brings family and friends together around a delicious, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 or leaner preferred)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 medium potato (diced into small cubes)
• 1 carrot (diced, optional)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes (or 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped)
• ½ cup frozen peas (optional, for extra texture and color)
• ¼ cup green olives (sliced, optional for a tangy touch)

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
• ½ cup tomato sauce (for a richer sauce)
• ½ cup beef or chicken broth (adjust for desired consistency)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth of flavor)
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon chili powder or cayenne (optional, for heat)

Serving Suggestions:

• Cooked white rice or Mexican rice
• Warm corn or flour tortillas (for tacos or burritos)
• Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, ensuring an even cooking surface for the ground beef. Crumble the meat into the pan, breaking it down systematically while it browns evenly, which typically takes 5-7 minutes. Remove any excess rendered fat to maintain a clean flavor profile.
2. Incorporate finely chopped onions, minced garlic, diced potatoes, and julienned carrots into the browned meat. Sauté the vegetables until they begin to soften and release their aromatic qualities, approximately 5 minutes.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth, creating a rich liquid base. Sprinkle the blend of cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and chili powder across the mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute the seasonings uniformly.
4. Reduce the heat to low, covering the skillet to allow gentle simmering. Let the picadillo develop its flavors for 15-20 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking of the potatoes.
5. During the final 5 minutes of cooking, introduce green peas and sliced olives, which will add texture and complementary flavor dimensions to the dish.
6. Perform a final taste assessment, adjusting seasonings as needed to achieve a balanced flavor profile. Elegantly present the picadillo atop fluffy rice or nestled within warm tortillas, garnishing with fresh cilantro for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Customize the meat by using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that still packs fantastic flavor.
• Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the picadillo.
• Boost vegetable content by adding extra bell peppers or zucchini for increased nutrition and depth of flavor.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium broth and carefully measuring salt, allowing the spices to enhance the dish without overwhelming saltiness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 80mg