Description
This easy and flavorful Mexican Picadillo recipe features ground beef, tender potatoes, and a blend of authentic Mexican seasonings. Perfect served over rice or with warm tortillas, this comforting dish is a delicious way to enjoy a classic Mexican main course.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces yellow potatoes (about 3-4 small), diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped
- 1 serrano pepper, chopped (optional, for spicier)
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef (can substitute with ground chicken, turkey, or pork)
- 2 large tomatoes, chopped
- 3/4 cup beef stock (or chicken or vegetable stock)
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon Mexican oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving
- Cooked rice or warmed tortillas
- Sliced peppers
- Chili flakes
- Fresh lime juice
- Hot sauce
Instructions
- Heat oil and soften vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add diced potatoes, chopped onion, jalapeno, and serrano peppers. Cook for 5 minutes until the potatoes start to soften and the vegetables release their aroma.
- Add garlic and ground beef: Stir in the chopped garlic and ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat and cook for about 5 minutes. The beef should brown but does not need to be fully cooked through at this stage.
- Add tomatoes, stock, and seasonings: Mix in the chopped tomatoes, beef stock, paprika, Mexican oregano, cumin, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the picadillo: Reduce the heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 20 minutes. This will cook the beef completely and allow the potatoes to become tender and absorb the flavors.
- Serve: Spoon the picadillo over cooked rice or serve with warm tortillas. Garnish with sliced peppers, a sprinkle of chili flakes, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and your favorite hot sauce for extra heat and flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of serrano pepper or add extra chili flakes.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork if preferred.
- If you don’t have Mexican oregano, use regular oregano as a substitute.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade beef stock if available.
- This dish can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
