Speedy Zesty Mexican Picadillo Recipe for Taco Tuesdays

Comfort and flavor dance together in this hearty mexican picadillo that promises to warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds.

Packed with savory ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic spices, this classic dish brings the essence of traditional Mexican cuisine right to your kitchen.

Each bite tells a story of rich culinary heritage and home-cooked goodness.

The blend of tender meat, soft potatoes, and zesty seasonings creates a symphony of textures and flavors that will transport you to the heart of Mexico.

Simple ingredients come together with remarkable ease, making this picadillo an ideal meal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings.

Lean in and embrace the delicious simplicity of this time-honored recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

Easy Steps To Cook Mexican Picadillo Recipe

• Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet and sizzle ground beef until it turns golden and crumbly. Drain any extra fat to keep the dish light and tasty.

• Create the Flavor Base

Toss in chopped onions, minced garlic, diced potatoes, and carrots. Let them dance together in the pan until they soften and release their delicious aromas.

• Build the Sauce

Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Sprinkle in a magical blend of spices like cumin, paprika, oregano, and chili powder. Stir everything to create a rich, vibrant mixture.

• Slow Simmer and Finish

Lower the heat and let the picadillo gently bubble for 15-20 minutes. The vegetables will become tender and soak up all the incredible flavors. Toss in green peas and olives during the final moments of cooking.

• Serve with Love

Give the picadillo a quick taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve over fluffy rice or nestle into warm tortillas. Shower with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.

Smart Tips For Mexican Picadillo Recipe Flavor

• Low-Sodium Hero: Swap regular broth for low-sodium versions and reduce added salt to make this dish heart-friendly for those watching sodium intake.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare picadillo in advance and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Flavors actually improve overnight, making meal prep super convenient.
• Protein Power Swap: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter protein options that maintain delicious flavor profile.
• Veggie Boost Strategy: Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to increase nutritional value and create more texture in the dish. Finely chop additional vegetables to blend seamlessly into the recipe.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and serve with gluten-free rice or corn tortillas to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.

Fun Ways To Serve Mexican Picadillo Recipe

• Family Feast Companion: Serve picadillo over fluffy white rice for a complete meal that brings everyone together around the dinner table.
• Taco Night Transformation: Spoon the warm picadillo into crispy taco shells or soft tortillas, letting family members build their own delicious tacos with fresh toppings.
• Hearty Stuffed Pepper Delight: Use the picadillo as a savory filling for bell peppers, topped with melted cheese and baked until perfectly golden and bubbling.
• Loaded Nacho Adventure: Spread picadillo over a bed of crispy tortilla chips, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and add dollops of sour cream for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or game day snack.

Store Mexican Picadillo Recipe The Right Way

• Smart Meal Planning Strategies
• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare a double portion of picadillo and store extra servings in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals. This approach saves time and ensures delicious dinners are always ready.
• Versatile Leftover Magic: Transform remaining picadillo into stuffed peppers, empanadas, or taco fillings for exciting next-day lunches. Repurposing meals keeps your menu interesting and reduces food waste.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Cool picadillo completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Label with date and contents, then store up to 3 months for convenient future meals. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Refrigeration Pro Tips: Store cooked picadillo in sealed containers for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in skillet or microwave, adding splash of broth to maintain moisture and restore original delicious texture. Stir occasionally while warming to distribute heat evenly.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes In Mexican Picadillo Recipe

• Ground Beef: Provides rich, hearty flavor and substantial protein base for the dish, selecting lean cuts ensures better texture and less grease.
• Broth: Enhances depth of flavor and helps create a moist, tender meat mixture, choose low-sodium versions for better control of saltiness.

• Onion, Garlic: Builds foundational flavor profile and adds aromatic complexity, select fresh, firm produce for maximum flavor intensity.
• Potatoes, Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and hearty texture, choose firm vegetables without soft spots or blemishes.
• Peas, Olives: Introduces color, texture, and tangy undertones, frozen peas work great and ensure consistent quality.
• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Provides moisture and acidic brightness, opt for fire-roasted varieties for deeper flavor.

• Salt, Pepper: Fundamental flavor enhancers, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum aroma.
• Cumin, Paprika, Oregano, Chili Powder: Creates authentic Mexican flavor profile, look for freshly ground spices for most vibrant taste.
• Fresh Cilantro: Offers bright, fresh garnish that elevates overall dish, choose bright green leaves without wilting.

Tools You’ll Use For Mexican Picadillo Recipe

• Large skillet or Dutch oven: Essential for browning beef and cooking the entire dish.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for breaking up ground beef and stirring ingredients.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Required for dicing onions, garlic, potatoes, and carrots.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Help accurately measure spices and liquids.
• Colander: Useful for draining excess beef grease if needed.

Hearty Mexican Picadillo Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Mexican picadillo delights palates with its robust blend of ground beef, aromatic spices, and colorful vegetables. Home cooks savor this classic dish that brings comfort and authentic flavor to family dinner tables.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 or leaner preferred)
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ cup tomato sauce (for a richer sauce)
• ½ cup beef or chicken broth (adjust for desired consistency)
• 1 can (14.5 oz/411 g) diced tomatoes (or 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped)
• 1 medium potato (diced into small cubes)
• 1 carrot (diced, optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth of flavor)
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp chili powder or cayenne (optional, for heat)
• ½ cup frozen peas (optional, for extra texture and color)
• ¼ cup green olives (sliced, optional for a tangy touch)
• Cooked white rice or Mexican rice
• Warm corn or flour tortillas (for tacos or burritos)
• Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Heat a large skillet over medium flame. Crumble ground beef into the pan, browning thoroughly and draining excess fat to maintain a clean flavor profile.
2. Vegetable Integration: Add onions, garlic, potatoes, and carrots to the browned meat. Sauté vegetables until they soften and release aromatic qualities, creating a foundational flavor base.
3. Liquid and Seasoning Fusion: Introduce diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Sprinkle cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and chili powder across the mixture, stirring to distribute seasonings uniformly and create a robust flavor landscape.
4. Slow Simmer and Flavor Development: Reduce heat to low, covering the skillet. Allow picadillo to gently simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent sticking and ensure even potato cooking while melding complex flavor profiles.
5. Final Flavor Enhancement: Incorporate green peas and sliced olives during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Conduct a final taste evaluation, adjusting seasonings to achieve a perfectly balanced dish. Serve elegantly over rice or within warm tortillas, garnishing with fresh cilantro for a vibrant culinary presentation.

Notes

• Choose Lean Ground Beef: Select 90/10 or 93/7 ground beef to minimize excess fat and maintain a cleaner, lighter dish without compromising flavor.
• Control Vegetable Texture: Dice potatoes and carrots uniformly to ensure even cooking, preventing some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
• Manage Liquid Consistency: Monitor sauce thickness during simmering – add extra broth if mixture appears too dry, or increase heat briefly to reduce if too watery.
• Optimize Seasoning Balance: Taste and adjust spices gradually, starting with smaller quantities of chili powder and cumin, then incrementally increasing to prevent overwhelming heat or flavor intensity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg