Mexican Picadillo: A Flavorful and Hearty Dish
Mexican Picadillo is a comforting, flavorful dish that has become a beloved staple in many Mexican households. This savory ground beef stew is infused with a blend of traditional spices and ingredients, often featuring potatoes, carrots, and raisins, offering a unique balance of sweet and savory flavors. The beauty of picadillo lies in its versatility—it can be served in tacos, over rice, or as a filling for burritos and empanadas. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family meal or preparing it for a gathering, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for rich, bold flavors.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the basic recipe for Mexican Picadillo, explore advanced techniques to elevate the dish, provide tips for storing leftovers, and suggest dietary adaptations.
For more information on Mexican dishes, check out Mexican Picadillo on Allrecipes and Traditional Mexican Picadillo on Taste of Home.
Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
Ingredients for Mexican Picadillo:
- 1 lb ground beef (or pork, or a mix of both)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium potato, diced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional for sweetness)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup diced green olives
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup beef broth (or water)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Tortillas or rice, for serving
Instructions:
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onions are soft and fragrant. Add the diced potato and diced carrot, and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the Seasonings: Stir in the cumin, paprika, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the spices bloom by cooking for about 2 minutes.
- Combine the Ingredients: Add the cooked ground beef back to the skillet along with the tomato sauce, raisins, green olives, and frozen peas. Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine everything.
- Simmer the Picadillo: Lower the heat to a simmer, cover the skillet, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Serve: Once the Picadillo is ready, remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro (if desired). Serve the Mexican Picadillo with warm tortillas or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.
Advanced Techniques for Mexican Picadillo
1. Spice It Up:
To give your Picadillo an extra kick, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. This will balance the sweetness of the raisins and add a nice level of heat to the dish.
2. Add More Veggies:
For a more hearty dish, you can add other vegetables such as zucchini, corn, or bell peppers to your picadillo. These additions will enhance the texture and nutritional value of the meal.
3. Use Different Meats:
While ground beef is traditional, you can also use ground pork for a slightly sweeter flavor or a combination of beef and pork for richness. Some variations also include ground turkey for a lighter version of this dish.
4. Slow Cooker Method:
To save time and intensify the flavors, cook your picadillo in a slow cooker. After browning the ground beef and sautéing the onions and garlic, combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooker method will create a deeper, richer flavor and make the beef even more tender.
5. Top with Fried Plantains:
For an authentic Mexican twist, top your Picadillo with crispy fried plantains. The sweetness of the plantains complements the savory beef mixture beautifully and adds texture to each bite.
See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
How to Store:
Store leftover Mexican Picadillo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Freezing Tips:
Mexican Picadillo can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. After cooling, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove. You may need to add a bit more broth or water when reheating.
Reheating Tips:
To reheat, place the Picadillo in a saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes. If the mixture is too thick, add a little broth or water to adjust the consistency.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
Gluten-Free:
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that any canned ingredients, such as tomato sauce, are free of gluten. Serve with gluten-free tortillas or rice for a gluten-free meal.
Low-Carb/Keto-Friendly:
To make this dish low-carb or keto-friendly, serve the Picadillo over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. You can also skip the raisins to reduce the carbohydrate content, or use a small amount of sugar-free raisins.
Dairy-Free:
This recipe is naturally dairy-free, so there is no need to make substitutions. Just be mindful of toppings or side dishes that may contain dairy, such as sour cream.
Vegetarian/Vegan:
To make this recipe vegetarian or vegan, you can substitute the ground beef with lentils, mushroom crumbles, or plant-based ground meat. Be sure to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and omit the raisins for a savory, meat-free dish.
FAQs About The Recipe
1. Can I use other dried fruits in place of raisins?
Yes! You can substitute dried apricots, cranberries, or golden raisins for a different sweet and tart flavor. Each dried fruit will add a unique twist to the dish.
2. Is Picadillo spicy?
The spiciness of Mexican Picadillo depends on the amount of heat you add. If you prefer a mild dish, leave out the jalapeños and cayenne pepper. For a spicier version, add more chili peppers to taste.
3. Can I make Picadillo in advance?
Yes, Picadillo actually tastes better when the flavors have had time to meld. You can make it a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving.
4. Can I make Picadillo in a pressure cooker?
Yes, a pressure cooker or Instant Pot works well for this dish. After browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables, cook everything under pressure for about 10 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally before opening the lid.
5. What can I serve with Mexican Picadillo?
Mexican Picadillo is often served with warm corn tortillas, rice, or in tacos. It’s also delicious when paired with refried beans or a side of guacamole.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Mexican Picadillo is a flavorful, hearty dish that’s perfect for feeding a family or entertaining guests. With its sweet and savory balance of ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you serve it with rice, in tacos, or as a filling for empanadas, the possibilities are endless.
Its versatility, ease of preparation, and rich, bold flavors make Mexican Picadillo an essential comfort food to try. Adjust the ingredients based on your personal preferences, and enjoy a truly satisfying meal!