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Picadillo Recipe

Easy Mexican Picadillo

This authentic Mexican picadillo recipe combines seasoned ground beef with tender potatoes and aromatic vegetables for a hearty, flavorful meal. Perfect served over rice or with warm tortillas, this traditional comfort food is ready in just 30 minutes and packed with rich, savory flavors.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 361
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 8 ounces yellow potatoes about 3-4 small, diced
  • 1 medium yellow onion chopped
  • 1 whole jalapeño pepper chopped
  • 1 whole serrano pepper chopped (optional, for extra heat)
  • 2 cloves garlic chopped
  • 1 pound ground beef can substitute with turkey, chicken, or pork
  • 2 large tomatoes chopped
  • 3/4 cup beef stock or chicken/vegetable stock
Seasonings
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon Mexican oregano
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
For Serving
  • 2 cups cooked rice or warm tortillas
  • 1 whole lime cut into wedges
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 bottle hot sauce your favorite brand

Equipment

  • Large skillet or pan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Cutting board
  • Chef’s knife

Method
 

  1. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add potatoes, onion, and jalapeño peppers to the hot oil and cook for 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
  3. Stir in garlic and ground beef. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and brown for 5 minutes. The meat doesn't need to be fully cooked at this stage.
  4. Add tomatoes, beef stock, and all seasonings to the pan and stir to combine.
  5. Bring mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to simmer.
  6. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender and flavors have melded together.
  7. Check for doneness at 15 minutes and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve immediately over cooked rice or with warm tortillas, garnished with lime wedges, fresh cilantro, and hot sauce.

Notes

Heat Level: This recipe has medium heat, but you can easily adjust by adding more jalapeños or using milder bell peppers.
Customization: Traditional variations include adding blanched almonds, raisins, green olives, or carrots for different flavors and textures.
Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a pan with a splash of broth.
Meat Substitutions: Ground turkey, chicken, or pork work well as alternatives to beef.