Description
Learn how to make authentic Mexican picadillo—a comforting blend of ground beef, potatoes, and spices simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This easy, traditional recipe delivers bold flavor, perfect texture, and endless versatility for tacos, rice bowls, and more.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon oil
- ½ medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend preferred)
- 2 medium potatoes, diced small
- 1 ½ cups diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup water or beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)
- Optional: 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper, ancho chile powder, paprika
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes until shimmering.
- Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Increase heat to medium-high and add ground beef. Break into small crumbles and brown for 5–7 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Mix thoroughly and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Add diced potatoes, stirring to coat evenly in the tomato and spice mixture.
- Pour in water or beef broth to barely cover the potatoes. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer gently.
- Cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender and flavors meld.
- Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Serve hot with rice, tortillas, or as a taco filling.
Notes
Use small, uniform potato dice for even cooking. For a leaner option, substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken. Add jalapeño or ancho chile powder for extra heat. Always remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: mexican picadillo, authentic picadillo, ground beef and potatoes, easy mexican dinner, carne molida con papas