Authentic Mexican Picadillo Recipe
Picadillo is a comforting and flavorful dish that holds a special place in Mexican cuisine. Known for its versatility, this dish combines ground beef, potatoes, and a vibrant roasted sauce. It’s perfect for serving with warm tortillas, rice, or as a filling for tacos and stuffed peppers. Whether you’re craving a hearty meal for a family dinner or looking for a delicious filling for a variety of dishes, Picadillo will not disappoint!
Why You’ll Love Picadillo:
- Versatile: It can be served in many ways—over rice, in tacos, or in stuffed vegetables.
- Flavor-packed: The roasted sauce gives the dish a smoky, rich taste that perfectly complements the beef and potatoes.
- Comforting: A one-pan dish that’s simple to make yet full of homey, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients for Authentic Mexican Picadillo
- 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20): The fat content helps keep the dish juicy and flavorful.
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch chunks: Add a soft, earthy texture to balance the spiciness of the peppers.
- ½ cup onion, diced: For a subtle sweetness and crunch.
- 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper: Basic seasonings to bring out the flavors of the dish.
- 2 Roma tomatoes: The base of the roasted sauce, adding richness and tang.
- 3 jalapeños and 1 serrano pepper: These peppers provide the signature heat, with the serrano bringing an extra kick.
- 2 cloves garlic: For a punch of savory flavor.
- ¼ cup water: To help blend the roasted vegetables into a smooth sauce.
- 1 teaspoon oil: For roasting the vegetables and cooking the beef.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Roast the Vegetables
Start by heating 1 teaspoon of oil in a small frying pan over medium heat. Add the whole Roma tomatoes, jalapeños, serrano pepper, and garlic to the pan. Roast them, turning occasionally, until their skins are charred and blistered, about 8-10 minutes. This roasting step infuses the vegetables with a smoky flavor that forms the base of the sauce.
2. Prepare the Sauce
Once the vegetables are roasted, transfer them to a blender. Add ¼ cup of water and blend until smooth. This is your sauce, packed with smoky, spicy goodness. Set it aside for later.
3. Cook the Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Season with salt and black pepper. Drain any excess fat if necessary, leaving just enough to keep the beef juicy.
4. Add Potatoes and Onion
Add the diced potatoes and onion to the skillet with the beef. Stir well and cook for 5-7 minutes. This step allows the potatoes to soften slightly and the onions to become translucent, giving the dish additional flavor and texture.
5. Combine with Sauce
Now pour the blended sauce into the skillet, stirring to combine the beef, potatoes, and onions with the roasted sauce. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the pan.
6. Adjust Seasoning
Once the potatoes are cooked through, taste the Picadillo and adjust the salt or pepper as needed. If you want a bit more heat, add an extra jalapeño or serrano pepper.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Authentic Mexican Picadillo hot with warm tortillas, steamed rice, or as a filling for tacos or stuffed peppers. Garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime if desired.
Notes:
- Adjust the heat level: For a spicier dish, add more serrano peppers. To tone it down, reduce the number of jalapeños.
- Optional additions: For a more traditional touch, you can stir in a handful of raisins or green peas during the simmering process. The sweetness from the raisins complements the savory beef, while the peas add a pop of color.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Picadillo tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
Final Thoughts
This Authentic Mexican Picadillo is a perfect combination of savory beef, tender potatoes, and smoky roasted vegetables. It’s easy to prepare, full of flavor, and endlessly customizable. Whether you serve it over rice, scoop it up with tortillas, or stuff it in peppers, it’s sure to be a family favorite! Enjoy the rich flavors of this classic Mexican dish, and don’t be afraid to make it your own with little tweaks.