This authentic Mexican Picadillo is made with ground beef, potatoes, peas, and packed with bold spices and a lot of heart. It is great over rice or in tacos and brings the true spirit of Mexico into your home kitchen.
This recipe is one of my favorite Mexican recipes, and could be a great addition to your cooking repertoire along with Pork Chile Verde, Papas Con Chorizo, or this Mexican Pico De Gallo With Tuna, just to mention a few.
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What is Picadillo
Picadillo is a popular dish in most South American cuisines that is similar to hash. It is made with ground meat (usually beef, pork, or a combination of both), tomatoes, potatoes, and other ingredients that can widely vary from one region to another.
The word 'Picadillo' is derived from 'picar' in Spanish, which means 'to mince' or 'chop.'
The recipe originally came from Spain, and it traveled to the New World and adapted to regional tastes, creating several distinct versions across Latin America and other parts of the world. Besides the Mexican picadillo, you will also find Cuban picadillo, Puerto Rico picadillo or even Phillipines picadillo.
Every household has a recipe for picadillo. The ingredients might vary from family to family based on where they are located and what is available.
However, having lived in Mexico and fallen in love with its rich food culture, I've learned the ins and outs of making a true Mexican picadillo.
With hands-on experience and a deep appreciation for authentic Mexican flavors, I am excited to share a picadillo recipe that feels just like a warm, heartfelt embrace of Mexican cuisine.
Mexican Picadillo Ingredients
- Ground beef: You can also use ground pork or a mix of both for a change.
- Onion: White or yellow onions work best, but red onions can be used in a pinch.
- Potatoes: Use waxy or all-purpose potatoes, like Yukon Golds. Avoid starchy potatoes, like Russets, as they may become too soft during the process.
- Peas: Frozen peas are easy to use, but you can also use fresh ones when in season.
- Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes are the best, but canned ones, like tomato sauce, can also work.
- Raisins: Golden or dark raisins can be used.
- Garlic: Fresh is best, but garlic powder can be used if needed.
- Seasoning: Ground cloves, cinnamon, cumin, salt and pepper.
- Vegetable oil: Any neutral-tasting oil like canola or sunflower can work.
- Beef broth or water: For deglazing the pan and enriching the flavors. Chicken or vegetable broth is great, too.
Variations
- Vegetables: You can also add diced carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Spices: Some versions of picadillo might include more spices, such as oregano, thyme, or bay leaves, to enhance flavor.
- Olive: You can find picadillo recipes with chopped green olives or capers for a briny, salty flavor that complements the sweetness of the raisins.
How to make Mexican Picadillo (Step by Step)
Step 1: Saute the onions and garlic. Start by heating up the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the onions and garlic, stirring occasionally until they turn translucent.
Step 2: Cook the ground beef. Next, add the ground beef to the pan. Be sure to break it into crumbles. Cook it until it's no longer pink, but avoid letting it brown.
Step 3: Add the remaining ingredients. Stir in the peas, potatoes, raisins, tomatoes, and spices. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your preference.
Step 4: Simmer. Pour in the beef broth or water and reduce the heat to low. Cover your pan and let the picadillo simmer gently until the potatoes and peas are soft.
Step 5: Final seasoning check. Before you're ready to serve, do a final taste check for salt and pepper, adjusting as needed. Your Picadillo is now ready to be enjoyed!
Expert Tip:
You can add more water if you notice the potatoes need more liquid, but just add a little bit at a time. You do not want to have a lot of sauce on this dish, but you do want the peas and potatoes cooked.
What To Serve With Mexican Picadillo
The traditional picadillo is used in empanadas, enchiladas and quesadillas, as well as tacos, tortas, and stuffed chiles. Warm tortillas, preferably corn, are my favorite. Flour tortillas are also used.
Rice is also a good option. Try this recipe for Mexican white rice or Mexican red rice.
Enjoy!
More Mexican Recipes
- Mexican Red Rice (Arroz A La Mexicana)
- Mexican Pinto Beans Salad with Jalapeño Pepper
- Bistec Encebollado (Mexican Style Steak And Onion)
- Mexican Caldo De Pollo (Chicken Soup)
- Sopa Seca De Fideos (Mexican Dry Soup)
- Authentic Mexican Chicken Fajitas (Fajitas De Pollo)
- Mexican Tinga De Pollo (Chicken In Chipotle Tomato Sauce)
📖 Recipe
Mexican Picadillo
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 medium potatoes chopped small
- 1 medium tomato chopped
- ½ cup raisins
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- 1-2 cloves of garlic chopped
- 3 Tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a cooking pan heat up the oil on medium heat and add the chopped onions.
- Cook the onion until translucent, mixing from time to time. Add the ground beef and cook without browning it.
- When it is half cooked, add the peas, cubed potatoes, raisins, chopped tomatoes. garlic and spices.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the chicken broth or water and cover the pan with a lid. Lower the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes and peas are cooked.
- Taste again for salt and pepper.
- Serve with warm tortillas or cooked rice.
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