Mexican Picadillo is a comforting, one pan dish that blends seasoned ground beef with tender potatoes, aromatic vegetables, and a rich tomato-based sauce. Originating from Mexico, this versatile dish can be served over rice, tucked into tortillas, or used as a filling for chiles rellenos or empanadas. Its balance of savory, spicy, and slightly tangy flavors makes it a beloved choice for family meals.
Ingredients
For the Base:
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 medium yellow potatoes, diced
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 jalapeño peppers, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 pound ground beef
For the Sauce:
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2 medium tomatoes, diced
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1 cup beef broth
Seasonings:
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
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½ teaspoon ground cumin
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Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving:
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Cooked white rice or tortillas
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Fresh lime wedges
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Chopped cilantro
Directions
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Prepare the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced potatoes, chopped onion, and chopped jalapeños. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
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Cook the Meat: Add minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, approximately 5 minutes.
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Add Sauce and Seasonings: Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, paprika, Mexican oregano, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
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Simmer to Finish: Cover the skillet partially and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened. Adjust seasonings to taste.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: Approximately 361 kcal
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Protein: 22 g
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Fat: 27 g
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Carbohydrates: 8 g
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Fiber: 3 g
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Sugar: 4 g
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Sodium: 172 mg
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Cholesterol: 81 mg
Why Mexican Picadillo is So Popular
Picadillo’s popularity lies in its balance of flavors, versatility, and ease of preparation. The dish’s combination of ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables creates a hearty, filling meal that appeals to a wide range of tastes. The addition of savory ingredients such as cumin, oregano, and garlic, along with a slight tang from the tomatoes, creates a depth of flavor that is comforting without being overwhelming.
The beauty of Mexican picadillo is also in its simplicity. With just a few key ingredients, you can create a satisfying and flavorful meal. The use of ground beef allows for a quick cooking time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. It can be served in multiple ways—over rice, tucked into tortillas, or stuffed into peppers—making it adaptable to different eating preferences and dietary needs.
Health Benefits of Mexican Picadillo
Mexican picadillo can be a nutritious meal, especially when prepared with fresh, whole ingredients. Ground beef is a good source of protein, iron, and essential vitamins such as B12, which are important for maintaining energy levels, supporting the immune system, and promoting overall health. The addition of potatoes provides a good source of carbohydrates and fiber, while vegetables such as onions, garlic, and jalapeños bring important vitamins and antioxidants to the dish.
Furthermore, Mexican picadillo can be made healthier by opting for lean ground beef or substituting the beef for turkey or chicken. By reducing the amount of oil used for cooking and incorporating more vegetables, you can easily adjust the recipe to suit different dietary preferences, whether you are looking for a low-fat, gluten-free, or paleo-friendly option.
For those looking to add a twist to the dish, adding extra vegetables such as carrots, peas, or bell peppers can increase the nutritional value. The presence of fiber and antioxidants from these vegetables can help with digestion, promote heart health, and boost immunity.
How to Serve Mexican Picadillo
While Mexican picadillo can be enjoyed as a standalone dish, there are many ways to serve it to suit different tastes and occasions. Traditionally, picadillo is served with rice or warm tortillas, which provide a neutral base to complement the flavorful meat and sauce. Serving it over a bed of rice allows the delicious juices from the picadillo to soak into the grains, creating a satisfying and flavorful meal.
For a more casual presentation, picadillo can be used as a filling for tacos or burritos. Simply warm your tortillas and spoon the picadillo mixture inside, adding a dollop of sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for extra flavor. You can also stuff picadillo into roasted poblano peppers to make chiles rellenos, or even use it as a filling for empanadas or tamales.
Another great way to serve picadillo is in a lettuce wrap for a lighter, low-carb alternative to tortillas. The fresh, crisp lettuce provides a perfect contrast to the rich, savory filling. If you want to elevate the dish, consider pairing it with a fresh, zesty salad or a side of roasted vegetables to balance out the richness of the picadillo.
Variations of Mexican Picadillo
While the classic version of Mexican picadillo calls for ground beef, potatoes, and tomatoes, there are numerous regional variations that reflect the diverse culinary traditions of Mexico. In northern Mexico, picadillo often includes raisins and almonds, adding a hint of sweetness to balance the savory flavors. This variation is sometimes referred to as picadillo dulce (sweet picadillo) and is commonly served as a filling for empanadas or tacos.
In other regions, picadillo might incorporate green olives or capers, giving the dish a slightly tangy and briny flavor. Some versions also include diced carrots, peas, or bell peppers, adding more color and texture to the dish. The addition of different herbs and spices—such as cinnamon, cloves, or bay leaves—can further enhance the flavor profile.
Another variation of picadillo is picadillo de res con nopales (beef picadillo with cactus), which includes strips of cactus (nopales) and is a popular dish in central Mexico. The cactus adds a unique texture and a slightly sour flavor that pairs well with the savory beef and potatoes.
Conclusion
Mexican picadillo is a flavorful, versatile dish that has been enjoyed by generations of families across Mexico and beyond. Its simple ingredients and rich history make it a beloved comfort food, while its adaptability allows it to be transformed into various forms, from tacos to empanadas to chiles rellenos. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal on a busy weeknight or a dish to serve at a family gathering, picadillo is sure to please.
The beauty of Mexican picadillo lies in its balance of flavors, combining savory, spicy, and slightly sweet elements. With a few simple ingredients and a little creativity, you can make a dish that is both satisfying and nourishing. Whether you choose to serve it with rice, tortillas, or in a lettuce wrap, Mexican picadillo offers a delicious taste of Mexico that is sure to become a family favorite.
By exploring the different variations of picadillo and incorporating fresh, seasonal ingredients, you can make the dish your own. From traditional recipes passed down through generations to modern adaptations, picadillo is a dish that continues to evolve while remaining a timeless classic in Mexican cuisine.