If you have a craving for a hearty, comforting dish that is packed with vibrant flavors and a touch of warmth, this Mexican Picadillo Recipe is going to become your new favorite. This traditional Mexican comfort food combines ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a blend of spices into a rich, saucy mix that’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. The balance of savory, sweet, and smoky notes from the raisins, olives, and paprika creates a symphony of taste in every bite. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal that’s as straightforward to prepare as it is satisfying to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Mexican Picadillo Recipe truly lies in its simplicity and the thoughtful mix of ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, whether it’s adding texture, color, or depth of flavor, making sure every spoonful is memorable.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: The perfect base for sautéing to bring all flavors together smoothly.
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20): Provides richness and the hearty protein center of the dish.
- 1/2 medium white onion (chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Gives a punch of savory flavor that’s essential in Mexican cooking.
- 2 medium Roma tomatoes (chopped): Offers a fresh, tangy touch that brightens the sauce.
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce: Thickens the dish and infuses it with that classic red color.
- 1 medium russet potato (peeled and diced): Brings a comforting, tender bite that soaks up all the delicious juices.
- 1/2 cup frozen peas: Adds a pop of color and a slight sweet crunch.
- 1/2 cup diced carrots: Contributes sweetness and vibrant texture to the dish.
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional): A surprising hint of natural sweetness that balances the savory elements.
- 1/4 cup sliced green olives (optional): Adds a briny tang that brightens the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Essential warm spice giving earthy undertones.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a delicate herbal note classic to Mexican cuisine.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds smokiness and a beautiful red hue.
- Salt and pepper to taste: For perfect seasoning balance.
- 1/2 cup water or beef broth: Helps to simmer everything tenderly and develop flavors.
How to Make Mexican Picadillo Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s tender and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for an additional minute to release its wonderful aroma without burning. This forms the aromatic foundation for your picadillo.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with your spoon as it cooks and let it brown evenly. This step is crucial as browning the meat adds a deep, savory flavor that defines the dish. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish hearty but not greasy.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Sauce
Once the beef is cooked through, stir in the chopped Roma tomatoes and tomato sauce. Allow this mixture to cook for about 3 to 4 minutes so the tomatoes start to break down, creating a rich base for the sauce that will coat every ingredient beautifully.
Step 4: Incorporate Vegetables and Seasonings
Now it’s time for the stars of the dish. Gently fold in the diced potatoes, frozen peas, diced carrots, and if you’re feeling adventurous, the raisins and sliced green olives. Sprinkle in the ground cumin, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper for a perfectly balanced seasoning profile. Pour in the water or beef broth and give everything a good stir to combine.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the pan. Let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened nicely. Stir occasionally, and if it looks like it’s drying out, add a splash of water. Taste along the way and adjust your seasonings as needed for that perfect finish.
How to Serve Mexican Picadillo Recipe
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing your Mexican Picadillo Recipe, simplicity is key. A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or a few sliced green onions on top will bring a fresh burst of flavor and a lovely green pop of color. For an added creamy twist, a dollop of Mexican crema or sour cream pairs beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish is a classic crowd-pleaser served with fluffy white rice or warm corn tortillas. The rice serves as a perfect neutral canvas soaking up all the sauce while tortillas offer a fun handheld option. For a refreshing contrast, add a side of refried beans or a crisp salad with lime dressing.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to shake things up? Use the picadillo as a filling for stuffed bell peppers or tacos for a fun twist. It also makes a fantastic topping for nachos or baked potatoes when you need to elevate your comfort food game. The versatility of this recipe means your creativity is the only limit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mexican Picadillo Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Its flavors even deepen overnight, making it a fantastic next-day lunch or dinner option. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this delicious meal down the line, it freezes very well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months, making it ideal to prep in advance for busy weeks.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the picadillo gently over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally, or heat it in the microwave until hot throughout. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up, restoring that lovely saucy texture.
FAQs
Can I make Mexican Picadillo Recipe with ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative that still provides plenty of flavor and works well with the spices and vegetables in this recipe.
Are the raisins and olives necessary?
No, they’re optional but highly recommended. The raisins add a subtle sweetness while the olives contribute a briny contrast, creating a more complex and authentic flavor profile.
Can I prepare this recipe vegetarian?
While traditional picadillo centers on ground meat, you can substitute with textured vegetable protein or finely chopped mushrooms to maintain a meaty texture while keeping it vegetarian-friendly.
What can I serve instead of rice or tortillas?
Try serving picadillo over quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even stuffing it into baked potatoes for a tasty twist on traditional sides.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mild and family-friendly, but you can easily add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper if you like a bit of heat.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Mexican Picadillo Recipe a try because it’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s straightforward to make, packed with flavor, and flexible enough to suit any kitchen or taste preference. Once you discover this humble, vibrant dish, it will happily take a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.
Print
Mexican Picadillo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Mexican Picadillo is a hearty and traditional Mexican dish featuring ground beef simmered with tomatoes, potatoes, peas, carrots, and a blend of warm spices. This flavorful one-pan meal is perfect for a comforting family dinner and is naturally gluten-free.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1/2 medium white onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium Roma tomatoes, chopped
- 1 medium russet potato, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
Other Ingredients
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced green olives (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup water or beef broth
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Sauté Onion: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma without burning.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until it is fully browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Add Tomatoes and Sauce: Stir in the chopped Roma tomatoes and tomato sauce. Cook for 3–4 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and meld with the beef.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Incorporate the diced potatoes, frozen peas, diced carrots, raisins, and sliced green olives. Sprinkle in the cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper, mixing to combine flavors evenly.
- Simmer the Mixture: Pour in water or beef broth and stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and cook for 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender and the sauce thickens. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water if the mixture dries out.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the picadillo and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot alongside rice or warm tortillas for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor, add a bay leaf during simmering and remove it before serving.
- To make a leaner version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey.
- Adjust the amount of raisins and olives based on your preference for sweetness and tang.
- Picadillo pairs well with warm corn or flour tortillas as a filling.
