Mom’s Picadillo Con Papa (Ground Beef with Potatoes)

This flavorful and hearty dish, known as Picadillo Con Papa, combines ground beef with potatoes, spices, and a rich tomato sauce. It’s a classic comfort food that your family will love and want to enjoy again and again.

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
• Pinch of Mexican oregano
• Olive oil (for frying)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Heat the Oil: Preheat 1/8 to 1/4 cup of olive oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat for a few minutes.
2. Cook the Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the pan and cook until they are browned and crispy on most sides. Cover the pan while cooking to create steam, which helps the potatoes cook faster from the inside.
3. Drain the Potatoes: Transfer the cooked potatoes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Add Beef to the Skillet: In the same skillet, add the ground beef and heat to medium/high.
2. Season the Beef: Season the beef with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
3. Brown the Beef: Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the beef is nicely browned.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Add Garlic and Onion: Add the minced garlic and diced onion to the beef. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

Step 4: Make the Tomato Sauce

1. Blend the Tomatoes and Chiles: In a blender, add the chopped Roma tomatoes, serrano chiles, 1/4 cup of water, a pinch of salt, and Mexican oregano. Blend until smooth.
2. Combine with Beef: Pour the blended tomato mixture into the skillet with the beef. Stir to combine and bring to a boil. Taste for salt and adjust if necessary.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

1. Add the Potatoes: Fold the cooked potatoes into the beef and tomato mixture. Stir until well combined.
2. Simmer: Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 7-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and reduce.

Step 6: Serve

1. Remove from Heat: Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat.
2. Enjoy: Serve the Picadillo Con Papa hot, accompanied by warm tortillas or rice if desired.

Tips for Perfect Picadillo Con Papa

• Potatoes: Covering the potatoes while frying helps them cook evenly and faster. Don’t skip this step for perfectly tender potatoes.
• Spiciness: Adjust the number of serrano chiles based on your preference for spiciness. Fewer chiles will result in a milder dish.
• Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit more water to reach the desired consistency.
• Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, warm tortillas, or a simple side salad.

FAQ

1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute for ground beef. Adjust the seasonings to taste.

2. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add more serrano chiles or include a dash of hot sauce to increase the spiciness.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, Picadillo Con Papa can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

4. What can I serve with Picadillo Con Papa?
This dish is delicious served with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad. You can also use it as a filling for tacos or burritos.

5. Can I freeze Picadillo Con Papa?
Yes, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Enjoy this delicious and comforting dish that brings a taste of home to your table. Whether for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, Picadillo Con Papa is sure to be a hit!