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Traditional Picadillo Recipe (Super Easy Ground Beef Recipe)

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This Traditional Picadillo is a classic Mexican comfort food made with seasoned ground beef, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and warm spices. It’s an easy, budget-friendly meal that is full of flavor and perfect served with rice, tortillas, or beans.

Ingredients

For the Picadillo

  • 2 lbs (900 g) ground beef
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1–2 jalapeños, finely chopped (optional)
  • 2 cups beef broth or water

Seasonings

  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp Mexican oregano
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp ground coriander
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Additions

  • ½ cup frozen peas
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • ¼ cup chopped green olives (popular in some regions)
  • 1 small zucchini, diced

Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
  3. Drain excess grease if needed.

2. Build the Flavor

  1. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
  2. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  3. Stir in cumin, chili powder, oregano, smoked paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper.
  4. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.

3. Add Vegetables & Simmer

  1. Add potatoes, carrots, bell pepper, jalapeños, tomatoes, and tomato sauce.
  2. Pour in beef broth and add the bay leaf.
  3. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Cover and cook for 25–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and the sauce thickens.

4. Finish the Picadillo

  1. Remove the bay leaf.
  2. Stir in peas if using and cook for another 3–5 minutes.
  3. Add fresh cilantro and lime juice.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Traditional Picadillo with:

  • White or Mexican rice
  • Warm corn or flour tortillas
  • Refried beans
  • Fresh avocado
  • Pico de gallo
  • Salsa verde
  • Fried eggs (for a breakfast-style meal)

Tips for the Best Picadillo

  • Dice the potatoes small so they cook evenly and absorb the flavors.
  • Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and texture.
  • Let the picadillo simmer slowly so the sauce becomes rich and flavorful.
  • It tastes even better the next day after the flavors develop.
  • For extra depth, add a small splash of beef broth while reheating.

Storage

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until hot.

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