Easy Mexican Picadillo Recipe: 30-Minute Beef & Potato Dinner

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Are you searching for dinner ideas that combine flavor, affordability, and simplicity? Mexican Picadillo is the answer to your weeknight dinner prayers. This traditional Latin American dish features seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and aromatic spices all cooked together in one skillet. Whether you’re looking for cheap dinners for a family, quick dinner ideas, or kid friendly dinners, this picadillo recipe checks all the boxes.

Picadillo is beloved across Latin America and the Caribbean, with each region adding its own unique twist. The Mexican version combines ground beef with potatoes, tomatoes, and warm spices for a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy families. Best of all, it comes together in just 30 minutes using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

What Is Mexican Picadillo?

Mexican Picadillo is a comforting ground beef hash featuring diced potatoes, bell peppers, tomatoes, and warm spices. The name “picadillo” comes from the Spanish word “picar,” meaning “to mince or chop,” which perfectly describes this finely chopped meat dish. It’s one of those dinner dishes that tastes like it took hours but actually requires minimal effort.

This versatile recipe works beautifully as a filling for tacos, burritos, or empanadas, or simply served over rice with warm tortillas on the side. It’s the ultimate solution when you need lazy dinners that don’t compromise on flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Picadillo Recipe

Budget-Friendly Family Meal

When you need cheap dinners for a family, picadillo delivers incredible value. Ground beef and potatoes are affordable staples that stretch to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.

Quick and Easy

With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for easy weeknight dinners when time is tight but you still want a home-cooked meal.

One-Skillet Wonder

Fewer dishes mean less cleanup! Everything cooks in one frying pan, making this one of the most convenient dinner ideas for family.

Kid-Approved

The mild, savory flavors make this a winner with even picky eaters. It’s truly one of the best kid friendly dinners you can make.

Versatile Serving Options

Serve it in tacos, over rice, with tortillas, or even as a filling for stuffed peppers. The possibilities are endless for supper ideas.

Essential Ingredients for Mexican Picadillo

Equipment You’ll Need

To make this recipe easily, gather these essential tools:

• A large frying pan or skillet (12-inch works perfectly)
• Sharp chef’s knives for dicing vegetables
• A sturdy cutting board for prep work
• Measuring cups and spoons set for accurate measurements
• Kitchen utensils including a wooden spoon or spatula for stirring

How to Make Mexican Picadillo: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat your large frying pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook while breaking it up with a wooden spoon or kitchen utensil. Cook until mostly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease and return the pan to heat.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan. If needed, brown the beef in batches for better caramelization.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and potatoes to the browned beef. Continue cooking over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the onion and peppers begin to soften. The potatoes will start to get a light golden color on the edges.

Pro Tip: Dice your vegetables uniformly using a sharp chef’s knife and cutting board for even cooking.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Aromatics

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Don’t let the garlic burn, as it can become bitter.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Seasonings

Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Add salt, black pepper, cumin, coriander, and the bay leaf. Stir everything together with your kitchen utensils to combine well.

Step 5: Simmer Covered

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pan and let it cook for 10 minutes. This allows the potatoes to begin softening while absorbing all those delicious flavors.

Step 6: Finish Uncovered

Remove the lid, stir the picadillo, and continue cooking uncovered for an additional 10 minutes. The potatoes should be fork-tender, and most of the liquid will have evaporated, leaving you with a thick, flavorful mixture.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the bay leaf before serving. Serve your picadillo warm with flour tortillas and rice for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Mexican Picadillo is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to serve it:

• With Tortillas: Warm flour or corn tortillas make perfect scoops
• Over Rice: Cilantro lime rice or Spanish rice complement the flavors beautifully
• In Tacos: Fill hard or soft taco shells for taco night
• As Burrito Filling: Roll it up with beans, cheese, and sour cream
• With Eggs: Top with a fried egg for a hearty breakfast
• In Empanadas: Use as a filling for homemade empanadas
• Over Baked Potatoes: A unique twist on loaded potatoes

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration

Store leftover picadillo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight, making this perfect for meal prep.

Freezing

Freeze picadillo in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a frying pan over medium heat with a splash of beef broth to keep it moist. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make picadillo ahead of time?

Absolutely! Picadillo is perfect for meal prep. Make it up to 3 days in advance and reheat when needed. The flavors develop even more as it sits.

What can I substitute for ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or pork work well. For a plant-based version, try crumbled tempeh or plant-based ground meat.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! Carrots, peas, green beans, or corn are delicious additions. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Is picadillo spicy?

This version is mild and kid-friendly. Add jalapeños, serrano peppers, or hot sauce if you prefer more heat.

What type of potatoes work best?

Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape well and have great flavor. Russet potatoes work too but may break down more. Avoid waxy red potatoes as they don’t absorb flavors as well.

Can I use a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes! For a slow cooker, brown the meat first, then add all ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours. For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to brown meat and vegetables, then pressure cook for 8 minutes with natural release.

Tips for the Best Mexican Picadillo

1. Use quality ground beef: An 80/20 blend provides the best flavor and moisture
2. Don’t skip draining the fat: This prevents a greasy finished dish
3. Cut potatoes small: ½-inch cubes ensure they cook through in time
4. Toast your spices: For extra depth, toast cumin and coriander in a dry pan before adding
5. Let it simmer: Don’t rush the covered cooking time the potatoes need it
6. Season gradually: Taste and adjust seasoning at the end for perfect flavor

Nutritional Benefits

While this is a comfort food dish, picadillo offers nutritional value:

• Protein: Ground beef provides essential protein for muscle health
• Complex Carbs: Potatoes offer sustained energy
• Vitamins: Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C
• Minerals: Beef provides iron and zinc
• Fiber: Vegetables and potatoes contribute dietary fiber

Make It Your Own

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these variations:

• Cuban Style: Add olives, capers, and raisins for sweet-and-savory complexity
• Spicy Version: Include diced jalapeños and chipotle in adobo
• Veggie-Packed: Double the bell peppers and add diced carrots
• Tex-Mex Twist: Stir in black beans and corn
• Extra Rich: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce

Mexican Picadillo is one of those healthy dinner ideas that proves nutritious meals don’t have to be boring. It’s affordable, quick, and loved by the whole family exactly what you need for dinner ideas for family that actually work.

Easy Mexican Picadillo Recipe: 30-Minute Beef & Potato Dinner

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Mexican Picadillo is a traditional Latin American dish featuring seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, bell peppers, and aromatic spices cooked together in one skillet. This hearty, budget-friendly meal comes together in just 30 minutes and is perfect for family dinners. Serve with warm tortillas and rice for a complete, satisfying meal.

• Author: Alex
• Prep Time: 10
• Cook Time: 20
• Total Time: 30
• Yield: 6
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

½ cup onion diced

1 green bell pepper diced

2 cups potato peeled and diced

4 cloves garlic minced

8 ounces tomato sauce

1½ cup beef broth

1 tsp salt

¼ tsp ground black pepper

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground coriander

1 bay leaf

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Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add ground beef. Cook over medium heat while breaking up the meat. Cook until mostly browned, drain grease and return to heat.

2. Add in diced onion, green bell pepper and potatoes. Continue to cook over medium heat until onion and peppers are softened. Add garlic and cook an additional 30 seconds.

3. Pour in tomato sauce and beef broth. Add in seasonings: salt, pepper, cumin, and coriander. Stir to combine. Add bay leaf.

4. Bring mixture to a simmer, cover and let cook for 10 minutes.

5. Remove lid, stir, and continue cooking with the lid off for an additional 10 minutes or until potatoes are softened and most of the liquid is gone.

6. Serve warm with flour tortillas and rice.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

This recipe freezes well for up to 3 months.

For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce.

Cuban variation: Add olives, capers, and raisins for a sweet-savory twist.

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