Pin by Laura Pilgrim Simnacher on Beef..It’s What’s for Dinner | Mexican food recipes, easy Mexican food recipes, easy Mexican picadillo recipe

Have you ever craved the comfort of a warm, hearty meal that transports you to the vibrant streets of Mexico? That’s precisely what this classic Mexican picadillo recipe offers—a delightful mixture of seasoned beef, spices, and vegetables that come together harmoniously. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight dinner or a special family gathering, this dish is guaranteed to impress. My experience with it has always been a flavorful adventure, and I am excited to share how to create this gem in your own kitchen.

Why make this recipe

What Makes This Recipe Special

What sets this Mexican picadillo apart from other beef dishes is its incredible balance of flavors and textures. Not only is it budget-friendly, but it’s also quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight meals. The combination of ground beef, potatoes, and spices creates a savory filling that is inviting and comforting.

"I made this picadillo for my family last week, and they couldn’t stop talking about how flavorful it was! It’ll definitely become a regular at our dinner table." — Sarah J.

The versatility of picadillo allows it to fit seamlessly into various occasions—be it a casual Friday night or a festive family gathering. It embodies a spirit of togetherness and warmth, making it an excellent choice whenever you’re looking to put a satisfying meal on the table.

How to make Pin by Laura Pilgrim Simnacher on Beef..It’s What’s for Dinner | Mexican food recipes, easy Mexican food recipes, easy Mexican picadillo recipe

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Creating this delicious picadillo is straightforward. You’ll find the process is broken down into manageable steps, making it easy even for novice cooks. Gather your ingredients, and let’s get started on this mouthwatering journey!

1. Begin by browning your ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Once the meat is browned, drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Add onions, garlic, and bell peppers until they soften.
4. Stir in diced potatoes, followed by the spices.
5. Pour in diced tomatoes and simmer until everything melds beautifully.
6. Adjust seasonings to taste and serve warm.

Ingredients

What you’ll need

To make this flavorful dish, here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking

Substitutions and Notes

Feel free to use ground turkey for a leaner option or add carrots and peas for extra veggies.

Directions

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart and cooking until browned.
2. Sauté vegetables: Add diced onions, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet, stirring until softened—about 5 minutes.
3. Incorporate potatoes: Toss in the diced potatoes and mix well with the beef and veggies.
4. Season the mixture: Add cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat everything.
5. Simmer: Pour in the diced tomatoes and let the mixture simmer covered for about 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
6. Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings, then serve hot.

How to serve Pin by Laura Pilgrim Simnacher on Beef..It’s What’s for Dinner | Mexican food recipes, easy Mexican food recipes, easy Mexican picadillo recipe

Best Way to Serve

This picadillo shines on its own but can also be served in a variety of delightful ways:

• With rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy white rice for a complete meal.
• Tacos or burritos: Use as a filling for tacos or burritos, adding your favorite toppings like avocado or salsa.
• Side dishes: Pair it with refried beans and a fresh salad for a hearty meal.

How to store

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers (and you will want to save them!), here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: When reheating, ensure it’s heated through in the microwave or stovetop, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.

Tips to make

Expert Advice

To enhance the flavor, consider adding a bay leaf during the simmering process. For extra richness, a splash of beef broth can deepen the taste. Don’t forget to taste as you go; adjusting spices to your preference is key!

Variations

Creative twists

Picadillo is wonderfully adaptable. Here are a few variations to consider:

• Spicy option: Add chopped jalapeños for a bit of heat.
• Sweet twist: Incorporate raisins or olives for a sweet and savory contrast.
• Vegetarian version: Substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat for a vegetarian delight.

FAQs

Common questions

1. What is the preparation time for picadillo?
   Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with a total cooking time of 30-40 minutes.

2. Can I make picadillo ahead of time?
   Yes! It stores well, making it suitable for meal prep. Just reheat before serving.

3. Are there any dietary adjustments for this recipe?
   Absolutely! You can adapt it for gluten-free diets by ensuring any added ingredients are gluten-free.

Dive into the flavorful world of picadillo and bring a taste of Mexico to your dinner table tonight. You’ll quickly see why this dish deserves a place in your recipe repertoire!

Classic Mexican Picadillo

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Pin Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A warm and hearty classic Mexican dish that combines seasoned ground beef, potatoes, and spices for a comforting meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart and cooking until browned.
2. Add diced onions, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet, stirring until softened—about 5 minutes.
3. Toss in the diced potatoes and mix well with the beef and veggies.
4. Add cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat everything.
5. Pour in the diced tomatoes and let the mixture simmer covered for about 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
6. Taste and adjust seasonings, then serve hot.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding a bay leaf while simmering. You can also use ground turkey for a leaner option.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Mexican picadillo, comfort food, ground beef recipe, easy dinner, family meal, flavorful stew