Authentic Mexican Picadillo

Authentic Mexican Picadillo
  • PREP TIME
    20 mins
  • COOK TIME
    45 mins
  • TOTAL TIME
    1 hrs 10 mins
  • SERVING
    8 People
  • VIEWS
    42

Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Mexico with this vibrant and flavorful picadillo. Featuring tender ground beef simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with potatoes, carrots, and a medley of aromatic spices, this dish offers a delightful taste of tradition that's both comforting and satisfying.

Ingridients

Adjust Servings

Nutrition

  • Carbohydrate
    24 g
  • Cholesterol
    79 mg
  • Fiber
    4 g
  • Protein
    25 g
  • Saturated Fat
    6 g
  • Sodium
    529 mg
  • Sugar
    7 g
  • Fat
    20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat
    0 g

Follow The Directions

01

Step

Prepare the Tomato Sauce (15 minutes): In a medium pot, combine the whole tomatoes with water. Bring to a boil, then carefully transfer the softened tomatoes to a blender. Add the halved onion and garlic clove. Blend until smooth, creating a vibrant tomato sauce. Set aside.

02

Step

Sauté Aromatics and Brown Beef (15 minutes): Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and serrano pepper; sauté until the onion becomes translucent. Introduce the minced garlic; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the chopped tomato and cook for 1 minute more. Incorporate the ground beef; cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and crumbly, about 8 minutes.

03

Step

Simmer the Picadillo (30 minutes): Pour in the Mexican-style hot tomato sauce; cook for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Mix in the cubed potatoes and carrots; cook for 2 minutes. Add the blended tomato sauce, jalapeño (if using), chicken bouillon, cumin, and bay leaf; mix well to combine. Season generously with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the potatoes and carrots are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 20 minutes.

04

Step

Rest and Serve (5 minutes): Remove from heat, discard the bay leaf, and let the picadillo rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to further develop and harmonize.

For a richer flavor, consider using beef broth in place of water when making the tomato sauce.
Adjust the amount of serrano and jalapeño peppers to your desired level of spiciness. Remove the seeds and membranes for a milder flavor.
Serve the picadillo with warm tortillas, rice, or as a filling for tacos and burritos. Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of freshness.

Dean Lebsack

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.

RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 4.8/ 5 ( 14 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (8)
  • Emery Kuhn

    Easy to follow and the flavor is spot on! My husband said it was the best picadillo he's ever had.

  • Brenna Littel

    I substituted ground turkey for the beef, and it turned out great. A healthier option!

  • Syble Hackett

    This is my go-to picadillo recipe now. It's simple, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser.

  • Gregg Wintheiser

    The homemade tomato sauce really makes a difference. It's so much better than using store-bought sauce.

  • Retta Larkin

    Next time I think I'll add some peas for extra veggies.

  • Roderick Kris

    I added a can of diced green chiles for extra flavor and a bit of heat. Delicious!

  • Belle Auer

    The resting time is crucial! Don't skip it; it really lets the flavors come together.

  • Priscilla Windler

    This recipe is fantastic! My family loved it, and it was so easy to make.

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