Picadillo is a popular dish from Mexico which is made with ground beef, potatoes and Mexican seasonings. It’s one of those dishes where every family seems to have their own version, so if you want to tweak it or add other ingredients you can.
This version has tomatoes, jalapenos and serrano peppers, potatoes, onion, garlic, and ground meat. It’s a relatively simple dish to make. The key to a delicious result is roasting the peppers and tomatoes because this gives them a wonderful charred, smoky flavor. When they’re blistered and charred (this takes about 15 minutes) they’re done.
Some people like to make this dish ahead because the flavors seem to deepen over the next few days. If you enjoy this dish, you might want to experiment with different add-ins each time you make it. Peas, carrots or anything else you like can go into the mix.
Why You’ll Love the Recipe:
Picadillo is a delicious recipe from Mexico boasting a rich meaty flavor as well as smoky roasted vegetables, Mexican herbs and more.
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How to Serve It:
Enjoy this paired with boiled or Mexican rice. Picadillo also makes a nice burrito, taco or empanada filling. You can even stuff peppers with it or make tamales.
Can You Make It Ahead?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance and reheat it.
Storage Instructions:
Leftovers will keep for up to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months if you wish.
Variations and Substitutions:
You can experiment as much as you like with this recipe, perhaps leaving out the potatoes and serving roasted potatoes on the side instead, adding other kinds of vegetables or using ground pork or chicken in place of the beef.
Picadillo recipes are easy to make and this version is really tasty. If you like spicy, meaty dishes, you’re going to love this.
Authentic Mexican Picadillo
Ingredients
- 2 Roma tomatoes chopped
- 1 ½ lbs. Ground beef
- 3 Jalapenos with the stems removed
- 2 Potatoes peeled and diced
- 1 Serrano pepper with the stem removed
- ½ C. Onion chopped
- 2 tsp. Minced garlic
- 1 tsp. Salt
- ¼ C. Water
- 1 tsp. Black pepper
- 1 tsp. Olive oil
Instructions
- One teaspoon of oil should be added to a small frying pan and heated over medium heat.
- Add the garlic, serrano peppers, jalapenos, and tomatoes to the pan, and saute until the peppers are charred.
- Add the roasted veggies and pulse in a food processor until the desired consistency is reached.
- Ground beef, chopped onions, salt, and pepper should all be added to a big pot set over medium heat. Saute until the meat is completely browned and the onions have softened.
- Place the potatoes and the tomato sauce mixture into the pot, and stir to combine.
- Cover and simmer until the potatoes are tender.
- Serve immediately.
