(Mexican Ground Beef & Potato Stew with Roasted Green Chile)
Green Chile Picadillo is a comforting Mexican classic made with seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, tomatoes, and roasted green chiles simmered together in a flavorful sauce. This hearty dish is simple, affordable, and full of homemade flavor—perfect served with warm tortillas, Mexican rice, or beans.
Full Recipe (Ingredients + Instructions)
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
- 2 cups roasted green chile (Hatch, Anaheim, or New Mexico), chopped
- 3 Roma tomatoes, diced
(or 1½ cups tomato sauce) - 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1–2 jalapeños or serrano peppers (optional)
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef
Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven.
Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Add Seasonings
Stir in:
- Cumin
- Chili powder
- Mexican oregano
- Smoked paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
Cook for 1–2 minutes to toast the spices.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Add:
- Potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Green chile
- Tomato paste
- Beef broth
Stir everything together.
Step 4: Simmer
Cover and simmer for:
25–35 minutes
until the potatoes are tender and the flavors come together.
Stir occasionally and add more broth if needed.
Step 5: Finish & Serve
Stir in fresh cilantro.
Serve hot with:
- Warm flour tortillas
- Corn tortillas
- Mexican rice
- Refried beans
- Avocado slices
- Fresh salsa
Extra Recipe Tips & Variations ✨
🌶️ Authentic Hatch Green Chile Version
Use roasted Hatch green chile for the smoky flavor this dish is known for.
🥔 Extra Potato Picadillo
Add more potatoes and a little extra broth for a heartier stew.
🥕 Vegetable Picadillo
Add:
- Carrots
- Peas
- Zucchini
for a traditional variation.
🧀 Cheesy Green Chile Picadillo
Top with melted Monterey Jack or Oaxaca cheese before serving.
🌮 Picadillo Tacos
Use leftovers as a taco filling with onion, cilantro, and salsa.
Flavor Upgrades / Secret Tips 🔥
✅ Roast fresh green chiles for the deepest flavor.
✅ Cut potatoes evenly so they cook at the same time.
✅ Let the picadillo simmer longer for a richer sauce.
✅ Add a splash of lime juice at the end to brighten the flavors.
✅ The leftovers taste even better the next day.
Serving Ideas 🍽️
Serve with:
🌮 Homemade tortillas
🍚 Mexican rice
🫘 Refried beans
🥑 Guacamole
🌶️ Salsa verde
🧀 Queso fresco
🥗 Mexican salad
Perfect for:
- Family dinners
- Meal prep
- Taco nights
- Sunday comida
- Traditional Mexican meals
Storage Tips 🥡
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
Warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth if needed.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate)
Per serving:
- Calories: 450–550 kcal
- Protein: 30–40 g
- Carbohydrates: 35–45 g
- Fat: 22–30 g
- Fiber: 6–8 g
(Values vary depending on ingredients and serving size.)
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: What does picadillo mean?
A: Picadillo comes from the Spanish word “picar,” meaning “to mince” or “chop.” It is a ground meat dish popular throughout Mexico and Latin America.
Q: What meat is traditionally used?
A: Ground beef is most common, but pork or a beef-pork mixture can also be used.
Q: Can I make this less spicy?
A: Yes. Use mild green chiles and remove seeds from peppers.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Absolutely! The flavors become even better after resting overnight.
Social Media Captions ❤️
Facebook Style:
“Green Chile Picadillo is the kind of homemade meal that brings everyone to the table! 🌶️🥔🥩 Savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and smoky roasted green chile cooked together for the perfect Mexican comfort food.”
Instagram Style:
“A warm bowl of homemade comfort ❤️🌶️ Green chile, beef, and potatoes—the flavors of home in every bite.”
Short Viral Caption:
“Green chile lovers, this one is a must-try! 🔥🌶️”
Family Memory Style:
“Some recipes taste like memories. ❤️ This Green Chile Picadillo is the kind of dish made with love, shared around the table, and passed down through generations.”
Final Food Description 🍴
Green Chile Picadillo is a traditional Mexican ground beef and potato stew filled with roasted green chiles, tomatoes, and warm spices. Hearty, flavorful, and comforting, this homemade dish is perfect tucked into tortillas, served over rice, or enjoyed as a classic family meal. 🌶️🥔🥩🇲🇽✨