Mexican Picadillo Recipe: A Flavorful and Satisfying Dish
Mexican Picadillo is a beloved, comforting dish that brings together ground beef, potatoes, and a mixture of spices in a delicious, simmered tomato sauce. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to adjust the spice level and ingredients to fit your preferences. It’s a perfect one-pan meal for busy nights, combining protein, vegetables, and spices for a filling and savory experience. Follow this guide to create an authentic, mouth-watering picadillo that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients Needed
To make a tasty and authentic Mexican picadillo, you’ll need a few key ingredients. These are easily found in most grocery stores, and you may already have many in your pantry.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium Russet potato or 2 white potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 pound ground chuck
- 1 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 2 large Roma tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 1 to 2 serrano chiles, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup water
- Pinch of salt and Mexican oregano
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Picadillo
Creating Mexican picadillo involves a few essential steps. The dish’s flavor builds as each ingredient is added and cooked. Take your time to savor the process, and remember that cooking is all about enjoying the journey.
Preparing the Potatoes
The first step in making picadillo is cooking the potatoes. This adds a satisfying texture to the dish and creates a base that absorbs the flavorful tomato sauce.
- Heat the Oil: Preheat 1/8 to 1/4 cup of olive oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm up for a few minutes until it’s hot enough for frying.
- Cook the Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the hot oil. Let them cook until browned and crispy on most sides, stirring occasionally. Covering the pan helps steam the potatoes, which speeds up the cooking process and ensures they’re tender inside.
- Drain the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are crispy and golden brown, remove them from the pan and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Set them aside for later use.
Cooking the Ground Beef
Now it’s time to brown the ground chuck, which serves as the hearty protein base of your picadillo. Seasoning the meat as it cooks adds rich layers of flavor.
- Add the Beef: In the same skillet, add the ground chuck. Increase the heat to medium-high to get a nice sear on the meat.
- Season the Beef: Sprinkle the ground beef with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Stir the meat to evenly coat it with the seasonings.
- Brown the Beef: Cook the ground beef for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The meat should be thoroughly browned, which enhances the flavor and gives the dish a rich taste.
Building the Sauce
The tomato-based sauce is what makes this picadillo stand out. It’s vibrant, savory, and adds depth to every bite.
- Add Garlic and Onion: Once the beef is nicely browned, add the minced garlic and diced onion to the skillet. Continue to cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant.
- Blend the Tomatoes and Chiles: In a blender, add the roughly chopped Roma tomatoes, serrano chiles, 1/4 cup water, a pinch of salt, and Mexican oregano. Blend the mixture until it becomes a smooth sauce. This blend will provide the foundation of your picadillo’s flavor, so feel free to adjust the number of chiles based on your spice tolerance.
- Add the Tomato Mixture to the Beef: Pour the blended tomato sauce into the skillet with the beef. Stir well to combine the meat and sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, which helps meld the flavors together.
Final Steps: Adding Potatoes and Adjusting the Flavor
With the sauce simmering, it’s time to add back the crispy potatoes and make any final adjustments to the seasoning.
- Fold in the Potatoes: Gently add the cooked potatoes to the skillet. Stir everything together to ensure the potatoes are coated with the savory sauce.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the mixture and add salt or pepper as needed. Seasoning is a personal choice, so feel free to adjust based on your preferences.
- Simmer the Picadillo: Reduce the heat to low and let the picadillo simmer for another 7 to 10 minutes. During this time, the sauce will thicken and reduce, intensifying the flavors and coating the potatoes and beef beautifully.
- Remove from Heat: Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, remove the skillet from the heat. Your picadillo is now ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions for Mexican Picadillo
Picadillo is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas to enhance your meal:
- With Rice: Serve your picadillo with a side of fluffy white or Mexican rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- In Tortillas: Picadillo makes a fantastic filling for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas.
- With Fresh Garnishes: Top your picadillo with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice for added freshness.
Tips for the Best Mexican Picadillo
Here are some tips to help you make the most of this recipe and create a truly authentic picadillo experience.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Serrano chiles add a nice level of heat, but you can substitute jalapeños for a milder flavor. Remove the seeds if you want even less spice.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Mexican oregano has a slightly different flavor profile from Mediterranean oregano and adds a unique aroma to the dish. Fresh herbs always bring out the best in Mexican cuisine.
- Experiment with Vegetables: Add chopped bell peppers or peas for extra color and texture. These can be added along with the garlic and onions.
- Brown the Meat Properly: Taking the time to brown the ground beef develops deeper flavors. Avoid stirring too often to achieve a nice sear.
FAQs about Mexican Picadillo
Here are some commonly asked questions about making Mexican picadillo, along with helpful answers.
Can I make this recipe with ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be a lighter alternative to ground beef. It will change the flavor slightly, but the spices and sauce will still be delicious.
Is Mexican picadillo supposed to be spicy?
Traditionally, picadillo has a bit of spice, but the heat level can be adjusted by changing the type or amount of chiles. You can even omit the chiles if you prefer a milder dish.
Can I freeze leftover picadillo?
Yes, picadillo freezes well. Store it in an airtight container, and it will keep in the freezer for up to three months. Reheat on the stovetop for best results.
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
If your sauce is too thin, let the picadillo simmer a bit longer until it reaches your desired thickness. You can also mash a few potatoes in the sauce to help thicken it naturally.
What other spices can I add to this recipe?
While cumin, garlic powder, and oregano are traditional, feel free to experiment with a bit of smoked paprika or ground coriander for a different twist.
Enjoy making this flavorful and comforting Mexican picadillo! It’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds with its perfect balance of textures and spices.