Mexican Picadillo Recipe

I still remember the first time I made Mexican Picadillo in my kitchen. The aroma of sizzling onions, garlic, and jalapeños filled the air, making me impatient to dig in. What I love most about this dish is how simple yet flavorful it is. 

With a few basic ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and tomatoes, you can create a satisfying meal that pairs perfectly with rice or warm tortillas. Mexican Picadillo is a versatile and comforting dish that brings a taste of Mexico to your table. It’s one of those recipes that you can tweak based on what you have on hand, making it a go-to meal for busy weeknights. 

Whether you like it spicy, mild, or with extra veggies, there’s a version for everyone. Today, I’m going to walk you through a delicious and easy Mexican Picadillo recipe that will become a staple in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Hearty Mexican Dish?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why you’re going to love making and eating Mexican Picadillo.

1. Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

You don’t need any fancy ingredients to make this dish shine. The combination of ground beef, potatoes, and tomatoes, along with the right seasonings, creates an incredible depth of flavor.

2. Quick and Easy to Make

Busy weeknights? No problem! This dish comes together in less than an hour, with only 10 minutes of prep time.

3. Versatile and Customizable

You can switch up the ingredients to match your preferences. Want a spicier version? Add serrano peppers. Need a lighter option? Use ground turkey instead of beef.

4. Budget-Friendly Meal

Picadillo is made with inexpensive, everyday ingredients, making it a great meal when you want something delicious without breaking the bank.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

It tastes even better the next day! You can make a big batch and store leftovers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Cooking Time: How Long Does It Take?

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

• Olive oil
• Yellow potatoes
• Onion
• Garlic
• Jalapeño pepper
• Serrano pepper (optional)
• Ground beef
• Fresh tomatoes
• Beef stock
• Paprika
• Mexican oregano
• Cumin
• Salt and black pepper
• Cooked rice or tortillas (for serving)

Delicious Variations to Try

Mexican Picadillo is incredibly flexible, and you can adjust the recipe to fit your dietary needs or taste preferences.

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for lentils or crumbled tofu for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace potatoes with cauliflower or zucchini to reduce carbs.
• Sweet and Savory Mix: Add raisins for a touch of sweetness, just like the Cuban version.
• Extra Hearty: Mix in green olives, carrots, or bell peppers for added flavor and texture.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pan or skillet – For cooking the beef and potatoes evenly.
• Wooden spoon – Helps break apart the ground beef while cooking.
• Chopping board and knife – Essential for prepping veggies.
• Measuring spoons – To ensure the perfect balance of seasonings.

How to Make Mexican Picadillo at Home?

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create a flavorful and satisfying Mexican Picadillo.

Sauté the Vegetables 🧅

Start by heating olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions, diced potatoes, and jalapeño peppers. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften.

Brown the Ground Beef 🍖

Next, add minced garlic and ground beef to the pan. Use a wooden spoon to break up the beef into small pieces. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, until it’s browned but not fully cooked through.

Add Tomatoes and Seasonings 🍅

Now, stir in the chopped tomatoes, beef stock, paprika, Mexican oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Simmer to Perfection 🍲

Reduce the heat to low and let the Picadillo simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure the potatoes cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors.

Serve and Enjoy 🌮

Once everything is cooked through, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot over white rice or with warm corn tortillas. Top with fresh lime juice, sliced jalapeños, and your favorite hot sauce!

Expert Tips for the Best Mexican Picadillo

• Let it simmer longer for richer flavor. The longer it cooks, the deeper the taste.
• Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned. Fresh tomatoes enhance the dish with a natural sweetness.
• Don’t overcook the potatoes. They should be tender but not mushy.
• Spice it up! Add chili flakes or more jalapeños if you love heat.

How to Serve Your Homemade Picadillo?

There are endless ways to enjoy Mexican Picadillo!

• Over Rice: The most traditional way to serve it.
• Tacos or Burritos: Spoon some into tortillas for a handheld meal.
• Stuffed Peppers: Fill roasted poblano peppers with Picadillo for a twist.
• Nacho Topping: Use it as a delicious topping over crispy tortilla chips.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional content per serving:

• Calories: 361 kcal
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 27g

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Mexican Picadillo is perfect for meal prep because it stores well and tastes even better the next day.

Refrigeration:

Let the Picadillo cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing:

If you want to freeze it, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. It stays fresh for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating:

Warm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it for a quick meal. If it’s too thick, add a splash of beef broth while reheating.

See the full process in this easy-to-follow video: