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Mexican Picadillo: A Hearty, Comforting Classic Packed With Flavor

Mexican Picadillo: A Hearty, Comforting Classic Packed With Flavor
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This Mexican Picadillo is a hearty, comforting dish made with seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, tomatoes, and warm spices. It’s big on flavor, easy to make, and incredibly versatile—serve it over rice, scoop it up with tortillas, or enjoy it on its own. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or simple meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 8 oz yellow potatoes (about 3–4 small), diced

  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped

  • 1 jalapeño pepper, chopped

  • 1 serrano pepper, chopped (optional, for extra heat)

  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped

  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground chicken, turkey, or pork)

  • 2 large tomatoes, chopped

  • ¾ cup beef stock (or chicken/vegetable stock)

  • 1 tbsp paprika

  • 1 tbsp Mexican oregano

  • 1 tsp cumin

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Serving (Optional):
Cooked rice or warm tortillas, sliced peppers, chili flakes, fresh lime juice, hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Vegetables
    Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes, onion, and peppers. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened.

  2. Add Beef and Garlic
    Stir in the garlic and ground beef. Break the meat apart with a spoon and cook for 5 minutes, until lightly browned (it does not need to be fully cooked yet).

  3. Season and Simmer
    Add the chopped tomatoes, stock, paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well and reduce heat to a gentle simmer.

  4. Cook Until Tender
    Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the flavors are well developed.

  5. Serve
    Serve hot over rice or with warm tortillas. Finish with lime juice, chili flakes, extra peppers, and your favorite hot sauce.

Notes

  • Control the heat: Skip the serrano for mild picadillo or add extra chili flakes for more spice.

  • Richer flavor: Let it simmer a little longer if you want thicker, deeper flavor.

  • Meal prep friendly: Tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.

  • Serving ideas: Use leftovers as taco filling, empanada stuffing, or over mashed potatoes.

Find it online: https://chocotune.com/mexican-picadillo-a-hearty-comforting-classic-packed-with-flavor/