Ground Beef Picadillo with Potatoes and Vegetables
Picadillo is a traditional dish enjoyed in various forms across Latin America. This ground beef picadillo with potatoes is a savory, comforting meal that combines tender potatoes, aromatic vegetables, and well-seasoned beef. The dish is typically served with warm flour tortillas and can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or as part of a family gathering. The simplicity of this recipe makes it accessible, while the layers of flavor ensure it will be a hit with anyone who tries it.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 bell pepper (chopped, any color)
- 2 tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- Flour tortillas (for serving)
Preparing the Ground Beef Picadillo
The key to a great picadillo lies in properly sautéing the vegetables, browning the beef, and letting the flavors meld together as they simmer. Follow these steps to create the perfect picadillo:
Sauté the Vegetables
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Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. -
Cook the Vegetables:
Sauté the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and the peppers start to soften. This should take about 5-7 minutes. The aroma of the sautéing vegetables should fill the kitchen, setting the stage for the rest of the dish.
Brown the Ground Beef
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Add the Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook the beef, stirring occasionally, until it is fully browned and no longer pink. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. -
Drain Excess Fat:
Depending on the fat content of your ground beef, you may need to drain some excess fat. If the beef is very greasy, use a spoon or paper towels to remove the fat, leaving only a small amount to keep the dish moist.
Add the Tomatoes and Spices
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Stir in the Tomatoes:
Once the beef is browned, add the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste to the skillet. The tomatoes will break down during cooking, contributing a rich, slightly sweet flavor to the picadillo. -
Season the Mixture:
Add the ground cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and infuse the beef and vegetables with flavor.
Add the Potatoes and Broth
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Incorporate the Potatoes:
Next, add the diced potatoes to the skillet. These will absorb the rich flavors of the picadillo as they cook and soften. -
Add Broth:
Pour in the beef broth or water and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the picadillo simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
Adjust Seasoning
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Taste and Adjust:
After the potatoes have softened, taste the picadillo and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. If you’d like a little more heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the mix.
Serving the Ground Beef Picadillo
This dish is deliciously hearty and pairs perfectly with warm flour tortillas. Here’s how to serve it:
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Serve Hot:
Spoon the picadillo into bowls or directly onto plates, ensuring the beef, vegetables, and potatoes are well-distributed. The tender potatoes should melt in your mouth, while the beef remains savory and flavorful. -
Pair with Flour Tortillas:
Serve with warm flour tortillas on the side. These can be used to scoop up the picadillo or wrapped around it for a handheld treat. The combination of the soft tortillas with the savory picadillo is irresistible. -
Optional Toppings:
You can also top the picadillo with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or a dollop of sour cream to add a burst of freshness and creaminess.
Tips for Perfect Picadillo
To ensure your picadillo turns out as flavorful and tender as possible, consider the following tips:
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Choose the Right Ground Beef:
For a juicy picadillo, choose ground beef with a moderate fat content (around 80/20 or 85/15). Lean ground beef can be used, but it may result in a drier dish. -
Be Patient with the Simmering:
Don’t rush the simmering process. Allowing the potatoes to cook slowly in the broth ensures they absorb all the flavors and become tender and flavorful. A slow simmer also helps thicken the sauce naturally. -
Adjust the Heat:
If you like your picadillo spicier, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder flavor, reduce or eliminate the amount of pepper in the recipe. -
Use Fresh Herbs:
Fresh oregano and cilantro can really elevate the flavor of the dish. If you have access to fresh herbs, add them right at the end of cooking for an extra burst of brightness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use other types of meat instead of ground beef?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork can all be used as substitutes for ground beef in this picadillo recipe. Each will give a slightly different flavor profile, but the overall preparation remains the same.
How do I make this recipe spicier?
To add more heat to your picadillo, consider adding sliced fresh chilies (such as jalapeños or serranos) when sautéing the vegetables. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili powder, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mix.
Can I make this picadillo ahead of time?
Yes, picadillo can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often improve after sitting for a day. Simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Can I freeze picadillo?
Yes, this picadillo can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
What can I serve with picadillo?
Picadillo pairs well with rice, beans, or a simple side salad. You can also serve it with tortillas, as mentioned, or use it as a filling for tacos or burritos.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based protein, such as lentils or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger. Make sure to adjust the seasoning and broth to suit the vegetarian version.
Final Thoughts
This hearty and flavorful Ground Beef Picadillo with Potatoes is an ideal dish for anyone seeking a comforting, flavorful meal. Packed with tender potatoes, juicy beef, and aromatic vegetables, it’s a well-rounded dish that is both satisfying and delicious. Serve it with warm tortillas for a complete and mouthwatering meal that everyone will enjoy. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this picadillo is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!