Here’s a comforting, traditional Homemade Picadillo 🌶️🥘
Picadillo is popular across Latin America, especially in Mexico and Cuba, with each region adding its own twist.
🥘 Mexican-Style Picadillo
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp oil (if needed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled & diced small
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup water or beef broth
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup frozen peas (optional but traditional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Brown the Beef
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned.
- Drain excess grease if needed.
2️⃣ Add Aromatics
- Add onion and cook until softened (3–4 minutes).
- Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
3️⃣ Simmer
- Add diced potatoes, tomato sauce, water/broth, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well, cover, and simmer 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
4️⃣ Finish
- Stir in peas during the last 5 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning as needed.
🍽️ How to Serve
- Over warm rice
- In tacos or burritos
- Stuffed inside empanadas
- With warm tortillas on the side
🌎 Variation: Cuban-Style Picadillo
From Cuba, this version often includes:
- Green olives
- Raisins
- A splash of vinegar
- Sometimes capers
It has a sweet-savory flavor profile that’s delicious over white rice.
If you’d like, I can also give you:
- A low-carb/keto version
- A slow cooker version
- Or a spicy Texas-style picadillo 🌶️
