Here’s a flavorful recipe for Mexican Picadillo, a comforting ground beef dish that’s simmered with potatoes, tomatoes, raisins, olives, and a blend of savory and slightly sweet seasonings. This dish is perfect for tacos, served over rice, or with warm tortillas.
Mexican Picadillo
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (red or green)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced (optional)
- 1/2 cup green olives, chopped
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/4 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 tbsp capers (optional)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef:
- In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove any excess fat.
- Sauté the vegetables:
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.
- Add the potatoes and carrots:
- Add the diced potato and carrots (if using) to the pan, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer the picadillo:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, olives, raisins, capers (if using), beef broth, cumin, cinnamon, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the flavors are well combined. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and add a little more broth or water if needed.
- Garnish and serve:
- Once the picadillo is ready, remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro.
- Serve:
- Serve the picadillo with warm tortillas, over rice, or as a filling for tacos or burritos. You can also serve it with beans or a simple side salad.
Tips for Success:
- Meat variations: You can use ground pork, chicken, or turkey instead of beef for a different flavor.
- Sweet and savory balance: Adjust the amount of raisins or olives to your taste for more sweetness or a stronger briny flavor.
- Spicy kick: Add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
Mexican Picadillo is a flavorful, hearty dish that blends savory and sweet ingredients beautifully. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or as a filling for various Mexican dishes!