The Ultimate Mexican Picadillo Recipe You Need to Try
Discover > Texas Recipes > The Ultimate Mexican Picadillo Recipe You Need to Try
If you're looking for a delicious and hassle-free dinner option that still packs a punch of flavor, look no further than Mexican Picadillo. With just a handful of simple ingredients, this classic dish comes together effortlessly, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights or when you're craving some comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.
From the border towns to the sprawling cities, the state of Texas boasts a rich and flavorful culinary scene that is unmatched by any other region. One dish, in particular, has become iconic in the Lone Star State - the beloved Mexican Picadillo. Brimming with robust flavors and hearty ingredients, this dish has become a staple in Texan households and restaurants alike.
From juicy ground beef (how long does beef last?) and tender potatoes to savory spices and zesty tomatoes, every bite of this savory concoction tells a story of Texas hospitality and the blending of diverse cultural influences. Whether you're a born-and-raised Texan or just craving for Mexican food, (What wine goes well with Mexican food?) the Mexican-Style Picadillo is a must-try dish that captures the true spirit and flavor of the Lone Star State.
What is Picadillo?
Mexican picadillo is the ultimate comfort food, and with its hearty and flavorful taste, it's no surprise that it's loved by so many.
The combination of sweet and savory ingredients creates the perfect balance of flavors in every bite. Using ground beef and potatoes as the protein, and simmering it with a blend of traditional Mexican picadillo ingredients, including bay leaf, creates a rich and aromatic dish that's both satisfying and comforting.
Whether it's enjoyed on a chilly day or simply as a satisfying meal for any occasion, Mexican picadillo is a standout and memorable dish.
History of Picadillo
Many Mexican dishes have a rich history that spans centuries and has been influenced by a variety of cultures. One of these dishes is authentic Picadillo, a savory blend of both ground beef and potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and spices.
Its origins can be traced back to Spain during the Middle Ages when it was a popular dish among the aristocrats. As Spanish explorers and settlers made their way to the New World, they brought their culinary traditions with them, including Picadillo.
Its popularity spread to various regions in Mexico, where it adapted to local ingredients and flavors. Despite its evolution, authentic Picadillo remains a beloved and traditional dish in Mexican cuisine.
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Picadillo in Texas
In Texas, Picadillo has a deep-rooted history due to the strong Mexican influence on the state's cuisine. The dish became a staple in Tex-Mex cuisine, which is a fusion of traditional Mexican dishes with Texas flavors and ingredients. Texas, with its rich history of Mexican heritage, embraced Picadillo as one of its beloved comfort foods.
The popularity of Picadillo in Texas can be attributed to its delicious taste, ease of preparation, and its ability to cater to large gatherings. It's a comforting dish that's often associated with family gatherings, holidays, and celebrations. The warm and inviting aromas that fill the kitchen while preparing Picadillo bring about a sense of nostalgia and a feeling of togetherness.
In Texas, Picadillo can be found on the menus of many Tex-Mex restaurants, and families often have their own cherished recipes passed down through generations. It has become a culinary symbol of the cultural fusion that defines Texas cuisine, and its popularity continues to grow beyond the state's borders.
Picadillo is a beloved Mexican dish that has found a special place in the hearts of many, especially in Texas, where it has been embraced and adapted into the state's rich culinary traditions. Its history, versatility, and delightful flavors have made it the perfect meal for any occasion, bringing people together to savor its timeless taste and celebrate the diverse cultural heritage that it represents.
Flavors of Picadillo
The harmonious balance of savory and sweet, coupled with spices, vegetables, green beans, and white rice (how long does rice last?), gives Picadillo its unmistakable and irresistible character. With its versatility and unique combination of flavors, this versatile dish is perfect to serve on any occasion.
Moreover, the Tex-Mex version of Picadillo sometimes incorporates regional ingredients such as ground beef and potatoes along with chili spices, making it a Texan twist on the traditional Mexican recipe. The incorporation of these local elements has made Picadillo even more popular in the Lone Star State.
Ingredients of Authentic Mexican Picadillo
Let's dive into the flavorful ingredients that come together to create the delightful Mexican Picadillo:
Ground Beef
The star of the show, ground beef brings heartiness and a savory taste to the Picadillo. Its versatility makes it an excellent choice for this dish, as it absorbs the flavors of the spices and other ingredients, resulting in a delectable base for the entire recipe.
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Onion
Diced onion adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the Picadillo. As it cooks, the onion releases its aroma and melds beautifully with the other ingredients, providing a well-rounded taste to the dish.
Green Bell Pepper
The diced green bell pepper introduces a bright, slightly tangy taste to the Picadillo. Its vibrant color and crisp texture add a refreshing element to the otherwise rich and savory mix.
Potato
Diced potatoes are a key ingredient that adds a comforting and satisfying aspect to the Picadillo. As they cook in the savory tomato sauce and beef broth (how long does beef broth last?), the potatoes become tender and soak up the flavorful liquid, making each bite a delightful experience.
Garlic
Minced garlic brings its unmistakable aromatic and pungent flavor to the Picadillo. It enhances the overall taste profile, infusing the dish with a pleasant garlicky note that complements the other spices and ingredients.
Tomato Sauce
The tomato sauce serves as the base of the Picadillo, providing a rich and tangy flavor to the dish. It binds all the ingredients together and imparts a lovely saucy texture, ensuring that each bite is bursting with taste.
Beef Broth
The beef broth enhances the savory essence of the Picadillo, contributing a deep and meaty flavor. It also helps to create a delicious liquid base that allows the other ingredients to cook and meld harmoniously.
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Salt and Ground Black Pepper
These fundamental seasonings are essential for enhancing the overall taste of the Picadillo. They bring out the flavors of the other ingredients and add just the right amount of seasoning to the dish.
Ground Cumin
Ground cumin is a quintessential spice in Mexican cuisine, providing an earthy and warm taste. It infuses the Picadillo with its distinctive Mexican essence, elevating the dish to new heights.
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Ground Coriander
Ground coriander complements the cumin, adding a citrusy and slightly sweet note to the Picadillo. Its aromatic presence enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
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Bay Leaf
The bay leaf imparts a subtle herbal taste to the Picadillo as it simmers. It adds depth to the dish and enhances the overall complexity of flavors.
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Each ingredient in this Mexican Picadillo recipe plays a vital role in creating a balanced and flavorful dish. From the savory ground beef to the aromatic spices and the colorful vegetables, every component contributes to a culinary symphony that celebrates the essence of Mexican cuisine. When combined and simmered together, these ingredients create a mouthwatering and comforting meal that will leave you eager for seconds!
How to Make Quick and Easy Mexican Picadillo:
The Picadillo is a flavorful dish that is a staple of authentic Mexican cuisine. Whether you're an experienced chef or a novice in the kitchen, this picadillo recipe will make your taste buds sing with its mixture of savory and sweet flavors. Made with ground beef, potatoes, and a variety of spices, picadillo is the perfect option for a satisfying family dinner or a get-together with friends.
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium - high heat.
Add ground beef to the hot oil and break it up with a spatula as it cooks.
Cook the ground meat most of the way, ensuring it's nicely browned, but it doesn't need to be fully cooked at this stage.
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Step 2: Add Vegetables and Potatoes
Dice a bell pepper, an onion, and some potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
Add the diced bell pepper, diced onions, and diced potatoes to the partially cooked ground beef in the skillet, stirring occasionally.
Season with salt and pepper and continue to cook everything over medium heat, allowing the vegetables to soften and release their flavors.
Step 3: Stir in Tomatoes, Beef Broth, and Spices
Pour a can of tomato sauce into the skillet, along with some beef broth to create a delicious base for the Picadillo.
Sprinkle in your preferred combination of spices to add that signature Mexican flair. Commonly used spices include ground cumin, coriander, and a piece of bay leaf for a touch of warmth and depth.
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Step 4: Simmer with Lid On
Once everything is well combined, cover the skillet with a lid and let the Picadillo simmer for about 10 minutes.
This allows the flavors to meld together and the vegetables and potatoes to become tender.
Step 5: Cook with Lid Off
After the initial 10 minutes of simmering, remove the lid from the skillet.
Continue cooking the Picadillo for an additional 10 minutes with the lid off.
This step helps most of the liquid to be absorbed or evaporate, resulting in a rich and flavorful consistency.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust Seasoning (Optional)
At this point, your Mexican Picadillo should be perfectly cooked and ready to be served.
Give it a taste and, if desired, adjust the seasoning with a bit more salt, pepper, or any of the spices to suit your taste preferences.
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Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the Picadillo is cooked to perfection and you're satisfied with the flavors, it's time to serve it up!
Dish out the delicious Picadillo onto plates and pair it with some fluffy Mexican rice and homemade flour tortillas for a complete and satisfying meal.
You can also garnish the dish with some chopped fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of freshness.
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There you have it - a quick and easy recipe for mouthwatering Mexican Picadillo that's sure to become a favorite in your household. The rich blend of flavors and the comfort it brings make it an ideal dish for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to serve picadillo and indulge in this delightful Tex-Mex classic! Enjoy!
Recipe Variations
Variations in recipes are a great way to customize dishes to suit individual tastes and preferences. Here are some exciting variations to experiment with for your Mexican or Picadillo tacos:
Tomato Variation
Instead of using tomato sauce, try a tomato paste (how long does tomato paste last?) using 4 Roma tomatoes, blended or finely diced, to give your Picadillo a fresh and vibrant tomato flavor. The tomato mixture will provide a different texture and highlight the natural sweetness of fresh tomatoes for a hearty dish.
Meat Variation
When it comes to the flavorful Mexican Picadillo, there are endless possibilities for recipe variations. Try using ground turkey instead of your typical ground beef, or perhaps switch to lean ground beef for a healthier twist.
Vegetable Medley
A simple vegetable medley can be transformed into a colorful, flavorful masterpiece by incorporating unexpected ingredients. Sweet potatoes lend a hint of sweetness, while fresh Roma tomatoes bring tanginess to the dish. To expand on this already delicious mix, add some green peas for a pop of bright green and some green olives for a salty bite.
The addition of these vibrant vegetables not only accounts for added nutritional value, but also creates a visually stunning plate that promises to tantalize everyone's taste buds. Experiment with different textures and flavors to create an unforgettable vegetable medley dish that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Beef Bouillon Swap
Looking for a delicious way to enhance your Picadillo? Try swapping the beef broth for beef stock. With its concentrated flavor, beef stock can take the dish to a whole new level of richness and depth. But what if you don't have beef stock on hand? Don't worry, you can also try swapping in chicken stock for a lighter yet still flavorful alternative. No matter which option you choose, this beef bouillon swap is sure to bring newfound excitement to your dinner table.
Spicy Kick
For those who crave some heat, replace the bell pepper with jalapeños, chipotle pepper, Serrano Pepper, or any other chili pepper. The spiciness of the chili will add a fiery note to the dish, balancing out the sweet and savory flavors.
Stew-like Consistency
To transform your Picadillo into more of a stew, add more broth or tomato sauce. This will create a saucier and more comforting texture, perfect for ladling over rice or scooping up with tortillas.
Feel free to mix and match these variations or come up with your own recipe notes your own creative additions. Cooking is an art, and there's no limit to the flavors you can explore. The beauty of Picadillo lies in its flexibility, making it an excellent canvas for culinary experimentation.
With these variations, you can make your Mexican Picadillo truly your own. So go ahead, have fun in the kitchen, and savor the joy of discovering new flavors and combinations. Whether you prefer it traditional or with a twist, your homemade Picadillo recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser! Enjoy the journey of culinary exploration and bon appétit!
How to Store Leftover Picadillo for Later:
If you have any leftover Picadillo (which is rare because it's so delicious!), you can store it properly for later enjoyment. Allow the Picadillo to cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Place it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, you can either use the stovetop over low heat or the microwave over medium heat. If the Picadillo appears to be too dry after reheating, you can add a splash of broth or water to restore its juiciness.
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The Best Mexican Picadillo Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 2 cups potato peeled and diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 8 ounces tomato sauce*
- 1½ cup beef broth
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add ground beef. Cook over medium heat while breaking up the meat. Cook until mostly browned, drain grease and return to heat.
- Add in diced onion, green bell pepper and potatoes. Continue to cook over medium heat until onion and peppers are softened. Add garlic and cook an additional 30 seconds.
- Pour in tomato sauce and beef broth. Add in seasonings: salt, pepper, cumin, and coriander. Stir to combine. Add bay leaf.
- Bring mixture to a simmer, cover and let cook for 10 minutes.
- Remove lid, stir, and continue cooking with the lid off for an additional 10 minutes or until potatoes are softened and most of the liquid is gone.
- Serve warm with flour tortillas and rice.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
273.87Fat
15.59 gSat. Fat
5.92 gCarbs
17.46 gFiber
2.9 gNet carbs
14.56 gSugar
2.97 gProtein
16.08 gSodium
846.95 mgCholesterol
53.68 mgPercentages are based on a diet of 2000 calories a day.
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