There’s something undeniably comforting about walking into a kitchen filled with the rich, savory aroma of Mexican Picadillo simmering on the stove. As the seasoned ground beef melds with tender potatoes and delightful spices, I can’t help but feel a sense of warmth that wraps around me like a favorite blanket. This dish, with its flavorful tomato-based sauce, has become a staple in my home, transforming busy weeknights into something special.
What I love most is that it’s incredibly adaptable; whether you prefer ground turkey, chicken, or even a hearty veggie mix, this recipe easily accommodates your tastes. On those evenings when time is tight, this quick and satisfying meal can be served in a myriad of ways—over fluffy rice, nestled in warm tortillas, or even stuffed into bell peppers. Join me as we dive into this deliciously easy homemade Mexican Picadillo, where every bite feels like a warm hug from my family’s kitchen.
Why Choose Mexican Picadillo for Dinner?
Comforting and full of flavor, this dish will quickly earn a special place in your family’s dinner rotation.
Flexibility is key—swap out ground beef for turkey, chicken, or even mixed veggies!
Quick to prepare, you’ll have a delicious, homemade meal on the table in just 30 minutes.
Savory aroma fills the kitchen, offering a warm, inviting atmosphere that everyone will love.
Perfect for meal prep—store leftovers easily for busy weeknights or pack for lunch.
Make your weeknight meals exciting again with this delightful and satisfying dish, perfect for any occasion!
Mexican Picadillo Ingredients
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For the Base
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Olive Oil – Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables; can swap for any cooking oil.
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Yellow Potatoes – Provide a hearty base and texture; dice uniformly for even cooking.
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Onion – Brings sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
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Jalapeño Peppers – Adds spiciness; adjust quantity for your preferred heat level.
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Garlic – Enhances flavor; fresh cloves offer the best results.
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For the Protein
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Ground Beef – The main protein source for this Mexican Picadillo; substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meal.
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For the Sauce
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Tomatoes – Forms a rich sauce base; can use fresh or canned options.
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Beef Broth – Adds moisture and flavor; use vegetable broth for a lighter version.
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Paprika – Provides color and mild sweetness to the dish.
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Mexican Oregano – Essential for authentic flavor; feel free to substitute with regular oregano if needed.
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Ground Cumin – Contributes earthy, warm notes to the flavor profile.
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Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste.
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For Serving
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Cooked White Rice or Tortillas – The perfect vehicles for this hearty dish.
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Fresh Lime Wedges – Squeeze a bit on top to elevate the flavors.
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Chopped Cilantro – Adds a fresh, herby garnish for that finishing touch.
How to Make Mexican Picadillo
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Heat Oil: Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This is the perfect time to savor the anticipation of delicious flavors coming together!
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Prepare Vegetables: Add diced yellow potatoes, chopped onion, and jalapeños to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and start to release their lovely aromas.
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Cook Meat: Stir in minced garlic and ground beef. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s browned (about 5 minutes). Feel free to enjoy the savory scent filling your kitchen!
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Add Sauce Ingredients: Next, incorporate the diced tomatoes, beef broth, paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil, allowing those flavors to mingle beautifully, then reduce the heat.
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Simmer: Cover partially and let the mixture simmer for 20 minutes. The goal here is to have the potatoes become tender while the sauce thickens, so keep an eye on it and adjust seasonings as needed.
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Serve: Once ready, serve your delightful Mexican Picadillo hot over cooked white rice or place it in warm tortillas. Garnish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for that extra pop!
Optional: Serve with a fresh green salad or some satisfying Mexican-style beans.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Mexican Picadillo?
Creating a memorable meal experience means finding the perfect pairings to complement that warm, savory flavor.
- Fluffy Rice: This classic side absorbs the delicious sauce, providing a comforting base that enhances every flavorful bite.
- Warm Tortillas: Soft tortillas are ideal for scooping up the picadillo, making every meal feel like a cozy gathering.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: The zesty brightness of lime and fresh cilantro elevates your dish, adding a refreshing twist to each mouthful.
- Mexican-Style Beans: Flavorful beans bring protein and a heartiness that perfectly balance the picadillo’s rich flavors. Plus, they add more texture to your plate!
- Simple Green Salad: Crisp greens tossed with lime vinaigrette add a refreshing crunch, lightening up the meal for a delightful contrast.
- Chilled Avocado Salad: Creamy avocado with zesty dressing offers a cool counterpoint to the heat of the picadillo, enhancing its warmth.
- Homemade Tortilla Chips: Crispy chips are perfect for scooping up the picadillo or enjoying with salsa, making every bite exciting and crunchy.
- Spicy Mexican Hot Chocolate: A rich, luscious drink that pairs beautifully with the meal, it warms the soul and adds a sweet finish.
- Churros with Chocolate Sauce: For dessert, serve churros that are crispy and sugary, perfect for dipping in decadent chocolate for a sweet conclusion.
Helpful Tricks for Mexican Picadillo
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Uniform Cuts: Always dice potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. This avoids some being mushy while others are still hard!
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Avoid Overcrowding: When browning the ground beef, avoid overcrowding the skillet. This allows for better browning and flavor development.
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Adjust Spice Levels: If you’re sensitive to heat, start with a smaller amount of jalapeños. You can always add more to your Mexican Picadillo later!
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Flavor Enhancements: Let your dish sit for a bit after cooking. The flavors develop further and leftovers taste even better.
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Creative Serving: Don’t shy away from mixing in additional veggies like bell peppers or carrots for added nutrition and flavor variety in your Mexican Picadillo.
Variations & Substitutions for Mexican Picadillo
Feel free to make this delightful dish your own by exploring these tasty twists and substitutions!
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Turkey or Chicken: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to create a lighter meal without sacrificing flavor.
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Vegetable Medley: Include additional veggies like carrots, peas, or bell peppers for added nutrition and a splash of color in your Picadillo.
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Vegan Option: Use lentils or crumbled tofu instead of meat to create a hearty, plant-based version that’s still incredibly satisfying.
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Spice It Up: Experiment with different peppers such as serrano or banana peppers to adjust the heat level to your liking.
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Sweet Touch: Add diced apples or raisins for a subtle sweetness that complements the savory elements beautifully.
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Broth Choice: Substitute beef broth with chicken or vegetable broth for a lighter or vegetarian twist on the traditional flavor.
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Herb Boost: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley at the end of cooking for vibrant flavor and freshness.
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Creaminess Factor: Add a splash of coconut milk or dairy-free cream to the sauce for an enriched texture that’s perfect for creamy varieties.
Let your imagination run wild as you customize this classic dish to suit your palate!
How to Store and Freeze Mexican Picadillo
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This keeps the Mexican Picadillo fresh and flavors intact for easy reheat during busy evenings.
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Freezer: Freeze portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. This way, you can enjoy homemade comfort food anytime you crave it!
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Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat on the stove. Add a splash of broth or water to the pan to maintain moisture during reheating.
Make Ahead Options
These Mexican Picadillo ingredients are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to save time on busy weeknights! You can chop the vegetables (like yellow potatoes, onions, and jalapeños) and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Additionally, you can brown the ground beef and prepare the sauce components (tomatoes, broth, and spices) in advance, refrigerating them for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine the prepped ingredients in a skillet, simmer until heated through and the potatoes are tender, and you’ll create delightful home-cooked comfort food with minimal effort. Your family will enjoy the flavors just as much, if not more, after they’ve had time to meld together!
Mexican Picadillo Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best potatoes for Mexican Picadillo?
Absolutely! When selecting potatoes, look for yellow potatoes that are firm with no dark spots or blemishes. The skin should be smooth, and they should feel heavy for their size. This ensures they’ll be tender and flavorful when cooked.
What’s the best way to store leftover Mexican Picadillo?
You’ll want to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 5 days. To ensure maximum freshness, let it cool down to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating it.
Can I freeze Mexican Picadillo, and how do I do it?
Yes! Freezing is a great option for Mexican Picadillo. Allow it to cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
What should I do if my Mexican Picadillo turns out too watery?
No worries at all! If your dish ends up a bit too watery, you can thicken the sauce by simmering it uncovered for a few more minutes until it reduces to your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can stir in a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to help thicken it quickly.
Is Mexican Picadillo safe for people with allergies or dietary restrictions?
Very! This Mexican Picadillo recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. However, always check the labels on your ingredients, like beef broth, to ensure there are no hidden allergens. If you have concerns about spice levels, feel free to adjust the jalapeños or use peppers that suit your palate better. It’s also a great choice for those seeking low-carb options by swapping rice or tortillas for a side of fresh greens.
What are some good variations to make Mexican Picadillo different?
I’m glad you asked! You can easily adapt Mexican Picadillo by substituting the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a lighter dish. For more nutrition, add in chopped carrots, peas, or bell peppers. Want a spicy kick? Try using serrano peppers instead of jalapeños, or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper to give it an extra boost!
Savory Mexican Picadillo: Comfort Food in 30 Minutes!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced yellow potatoes, chopped onion, and jalapeños to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Stir in minced garlic and ground beef. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s browned (about 5 minutes).
- Next, incorporate the diced tomatoes, beef broth, paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat.
- Cover partially and let the mixture simmer for 20 minutes.
- Once ready, serve your delightful Mexican Picadillo hot over cooked white rice or in warm tortillas. Garnish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro.