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
Scale
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.
