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Authentic Mexican Picadillo Recipe

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(Traditional Ground Beef with Potatoes)

This Authentic Mexican Picadillo is a classic homemade dish made with seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, and traditional Mexican spices. It’s a simple, comforting meal that is full of flavor and perfect served with warm tortillas, rice, or beans.

Ingredients

For the Picadillo

  • 2 lbs (900 g) ground beef
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil
  • 1 medium white onion, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 3 Roma tomatoes, chopped
  • 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
  • 1 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 green olives, sliced (traditional in some Mexican regions)
  • 1 small zucchini, diced
  • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for a smoky kick

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 wooden 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 until the spices become fragrant.

3. Add Vegetables & Simmer

  1. Add potatoes, carrots, bell pepper, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and jalapeños.
  2. Pour in beef broth and add the bay leaf.
  3. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Cover and cook for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened.

4. Finish the Picadillo

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

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Authentic Mexican Picadillo with:

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

Tips for the Best Authentic Picadillo

  • Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and texture.
  • Dice potatoes evenly so they cook at the same time.
  • Let the picadillo simmer slowly so the sauce becomes rich and flavorful.
  • For a more traditional flavor, blend tomatoes, onion, and garlic into a smooth sauce before adding.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors develop.

Storage

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth if needed.

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Authentic Mexican Picadillo Recipe (Traditional Ground Beef with Potatoes)

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