Mexican Picadillo: Bold Flavor in Under 1 Hour

Name: Mexican Picadillo: Bold Flavor in Under 1 Hour
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef or turkey; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup diced tomatoes; 1 medium bell pepper, chopped; 2 medium potatoes, diced (optional); 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup green peas (optional); Fresh cilantro for garnish; Olive oil for sautéing

by Jannet Lisa

24 de August de 2025

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Mexican Picadillo has been a staple in my kitchen for as long as I can remember. It’s that comforting, flavorful dish that just smells like home to me. What is Mexican picadillo, you ask? It’s a wonderfully versatile ground beef stew, packed with savory spices and tender vegetables, that can be adapted to so many meals. My abuela made an authentic picadillo recipe that was a perfect balance of sweet and savory, and I’ve carried that tradition forward. The aroma of the simmering spices, the tender potatoes, and the rich tomato base always brings my family to the table. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Picadillo

This dish is a true weeknight winner, and I know you’ll adore it! It’s packed with so much flavor and incredibly easy to whip up.

Incredible taste: A perfect blend of savory, slightly sweet, and spiced goodness.
Quick prep time: Get this delicious meal on the table in under an hour.
Nutritious and wholesome: Packed with protein and veggies for a balanced meal.

Budget-friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients you likely already have.
Family-favorite: Even picky eaters will devour this comforting dish.
Versatile: This easy picadillo recipe works wonderfully in tacos, on rice, or as a filling.

Hearty and satisfying: My go-to picadillo beef recipe always hits the spot.

Ingredients for Mexican Picadillo

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making this delicious ground beef picadillo. This recipe is all about bringing together simple, flavorful components to create a truly satisfying meal. You’ll find that the combination of pantry staples and fresh produce makes this picadillo con carne molida so approachable.

1 lb ground beef or turkey – I prefer lean ground beef for the best flavor.

1 medium onion, chopped – This forms the aromatic base of our dish.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic adds that essential savory punch.
1 cup diced tomatoes – Canned diced tomatoes are perfect here, adding moisture and tang.

1 medium bell pepper, chopped – Any color works, but green adds a nice subtle bitterness.
2 medium potatoes, diced (optional) – These make the picadillo heartier and more traditional for some.
1 tsp cumin – A warm, earthy spice that is key to Mexican flavors.

1 tsp chili powder – For a touch of mild heat and depth.
Salt and pepper to taste – Always important for bringing out all the flavors.
1/2 cup green peas (optional) – I love adding these for a pop of sweetness and color at the end.

Fresh cilantro for garnish – A little fresh herb brightens everything up!
Olive oil for sautéing – Just a drizzle to get things started.

How to Make Mexican Picadillo

This Mexican picadillo recipe is wonderfully straightforward, making it perfect for any day of the week. I love how quickly it comes together, transforming simple ingredients into a hearty meal. Follow these simple picadillo instructions, and you’ll have a delicious dish ready in no time.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add the minced garlic and chopped bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the garlic is aromatic and the peppers start to soften.

Step 4: Increase the heat slightly and add the ground beef or turkey. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it’s nicely browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from being too oily.
Step 5: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and diced potatoes, if you’re using them. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This is the start of your wonderfully flavorful Mexican ground beef stew.
Step 6: Mix in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well. Let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. If the mixture looks a bit dry, you can add a splash of water or broth.

Step 7: In the final few minutes of cooking, stir in the green peas if you’re adding them. Cook just until they are heated through and bright green. This adds a lovely pop of sweetness and color.
Step 8: Once everything is cooked and the flavors have melded, remove the skillet from the heat. This versatile mixture is perfect as a picadillo filling recipe for empanadas or simply served as is.
Step 9: Garnish generously with fresh cilantro. Serve your delicious Mexican picadillo hot.

Mexican Picadillo: Bold Flavor in Under 1 Hour - Mexican Picadillo - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Mexican Picadillo

I’ve made this dish countless times, and these little tricks really elevate it to the best picadillo recipe. They ensure it’s packed with flavor and has the perfect texture every time.

Don’t skip sautéing the aromatics (onion, garlic, bell pepper) first; it builds a crucial flavor base.

For extra depth, add a splash of red wine or beef broth after browning the meat and before simmering.
Taste and adjust seasonings before serving – a little extra salt or a pinch of sugar can make a big difference.
If you’re not using potatoes, you can add a bit more liquid and simmer for a shorter time to achieve a great stew consistency.

What’s the secret to perfect Mexican Picadillo?

The secret to a truly perfect, authentic picadillo recipe lies in building layers of flavor. Sautéing your onions and peppers until softened, browning the meat well, and letting the spices bloom in the pan before adding liquids are key steps I always follow. For more insights on building flavor in cooking, check out these latest recipes.

Can I make Mexican Picadillo ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish is fantastic for meal prep. You can make the entire Mexican picadillo up to two days in advance. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, making it even more delicious when you reheat it.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Mexican Picadillo?

A common pitfall is not browning the meat properly, which sacrifices flavor. Also, avoid overcooking the vegetables, especially if you’re not using potatoes, as they can become mushy. Ensure you taste and adjust seasoning at the end. Learning about proper cooking techniques can help avoid these issues, as seen in some creamy spinach mushroom shrimp recipes.

Best Ways to Serve Mexican Picadillo

This versatile Mexican picadillo recipe is a dream to serve because it’s so adaptable! My favorite way to enjoy it is piled into warm corn tortillas for simple, flavorful tacos. The rich mixture also makes an incredible picadillo filling recipe for empanadas or turnovers – just let it cool slightly before filling your dough.

For a heartier meal, I often serve it over fluffy white rice or quinoa. It’s also delicious spooned over crispy baked potatoes or even as a topping for nachos. Don’t forget a side of refried beans or a simple avocado salad to round out the meal!

Nutrition Facts for Mexican Picadillo

When you’re enjoying a serving of this flavorful Mexican picadillo, it’s good to know what you’re eating. This dish is designed to be hearty and satisfying, offering a good balance of components.

Calories: 350 kcal
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g

Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 4g

Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 450mg

Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used in your Mexican picadillo recipe. For more information on nutritional aspects of cooking, you might find resources on Greek chili chicken alfredo helpful.

Mexican Picadillo: Bold Flavor in Under 1 Hour - Mexican Picadillo - additional detail

How to Store and Reheat Mexican Picadillo

One of the best things about this Mexican picadillo recipe is how well it stores and reheats. Once your delicious Mexican ground beef stew has cooled completely, transfer it into airtight containers. For daily enjoyment, it will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually meld together even more, making it just as tasty, if not more so, the next day!

If you want to keep this flavorful dish on hand for longer, freezing is a fantastic option. Pack it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, ensuring it’s well-sealed to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is to let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Then, you can gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, or pop it in the microwave until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mexican Picadillo

Is Mexican Picadillo spicy?

This Mexican picadillo recipe is generally mild, but you can easily adjust the spice level. I like to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely minced jalapeño along with the bell peppers if I want a bit more heat. For a truly spicy picadillo recipe, you can add a dash of hot sauce or some chopped serrano peppers. If you’re interested in exploring different spice levels, consider looking at recipes like cheesy ritz crackers party for variety.

Can I make Mexican Picadillo with different meats?

Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional, this easy picadillo recipe is also fantastic with ground turkey or even shredded chicken. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can substitute lentils or crumbled firm tofu for the meat.

What are the best sides for Mexican Picadillo?

Picadillo is wonderfully versatile! I love serving it with fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious sauce, or alongside warm tortillas for tacos. Refried beans, a simple green salad, or some sliced avocado also make perfect accompaniments. For more side dish ideas, explore loaded grilled chicken sweet.

Can I sneak vegetables into Mexican Picadillo?

Yes, you can! Beyond the classic potatoes and carrots, I often add finely diced zucchini or corn kernels towards the end of cooking. It’s a great way to boost the nutrition and add more color to your Mexican picadillo.

Variations of Mexican Picadillo You Can Try

While my go-to Mexican picadillo recipe is fantastic as is, I love experimenting with different twists! It’s amazing how you can adapt this dish to suit various tastes and dietary needs. Trying a sweet and savory picadillo is a delightful change, often achieved by adding a touch of brown sugar or raisins.

Heartier Picadillo: For a truly robust meal, don’t skip the potatoes and carrots. My version of picadillo with potatoes and carrots is incredibly satisfying and makes for a complete meal on its own.

Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the onions and bell peppers. A pinch of cayenne pepper also works wonders to create a spicy picadillo recipe.
Lighter Version: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. You can also omit the potatoes or use sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.
Vegetarian Picadillo: For a meat-free meal, try using crumbled firm tofu or lentils as a substitute for the ground meat. It still captures that delicious, comforting flavor!