Picadillo is my go-to dish when I don't know what to make, it's easy to make, budget-friendly, delicious, and versatile.
The word picadillo comes from the Spanish picar, or “to mince,” and as such, picadillo is typically made with ground beef. Ingredients vary by region, but picadillo usually includes Roma tomatoes (or tomato sauce), raisins, onion, and chile peppers. Picadillo can be served as a main dish with white rice, black beans, and plantains, or as a filling for tacos, burritos, and empanadas. There are probably about as many different recipes for picadillo as there are Hispanic cooks. This is mine, there are just lots of beef and bits of peppers, onions, and papas.
Ingredients in Ground Beef Picadillo
Meat - Ground beef is traditionally used for picadillo, but I've used ground elk, ground pork, and spicy Italian sausage
Vegetables & Fruit
Potatoes - Russet, red, or Yukon gold potatoes are all great choices for this recipe
Onion - White, or yellow
Tomato - Any type of red tomatoes
Peas & Carrots - Frozen or canned (8.5 oz)
Chile Pepper - Jalapeño and serranos are great for some spiciness. If you prefer less heat, just a small can of diced green chiles will work.
Raisins(optional) - any type
Additional Ingredients(optional)
Cilantro
Bell pepper
Walnuts
Spices
Ground Cumin
Garlic, minced
Salt & Pepper
Liquids
Beef broth
Tomato sauce
How to Make Ground Beef Picadillo
In a large skillet, add ground beef, cumin, garlic, salt, and pepper and cook until beef is browned.
Add potatoes, diced jalapeño, onions, tomatoes, peas, diced carrots, tomato sauce, and broth cook until potatoes are tender.
How to Store Ground Beef Picadillo
Picadillo should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When stored properly, it is good for up to five days.
This recipe is great for Make-Ahead Meals. It will keep well in the freezer for 3 months in an airtight storage container.
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Picadillo
