Easy Beef Picadillo Recipe : 30-Minute Ground Beef Dinner (One-Pan!)

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If you’re searching for easy hamburger meat recipes that deliver restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes, this Beef Picadillo is your new weeknight hero. This traditional Latin American dish transforms simple ground beef into a savory, slightly sweet, and wonderfully spiced meal that’ll have your family asking for seconds. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner ideas or healthy dinner recipes that don’t compromise on taste, this one-pan wonder checks all the boxes.

Picadillo has been a beloved comfort food across Latin America for generations, with each region adding its own unique twist. This version combines tender potatoes, aromatic peppers, and perfectly seasoned ground beef in a rich tomato base that’s absolutely irresistible. Best of all? You probably have most of the ingredients in your kitchen right now!

Why You’ll Love This Beef Picadillo Recipe

This isn’t just another ground meat recipe for dinner it’s a complete meal solution that solves the eternal “what’s for dinner?” question. Here’s why this recipe stands out among easy meals with ground beef:

• Budget-friendly: Ground beef and simple vegetables create an affordable family meal
• One-pan cooking: Less cleanup means more time enjoying your meal
• Versatile serving options: Perfect over rice, in tortillas, or with crusty bread
• Meal prep champion: Makes excellent leftovers and freezes beautifully
• Customizable heat: Adjust the peppers to your spice preference
• Nutrient-packed: Combines protein, vegetables, and complex carbs in one dish

Essential Ingredients for Authentic Beef Picadillo

The magic of this recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create complex, layered flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients

Seasonings

For Serving

• Cooked rice or warmed tortillas
• Sliced peppers
• Chili flakes
• Fresh lime juice
• Your favorite hot sauce

Equipment You’ll Need

Having the right tools makes cooking this recipe even easier. Here’s what we recommend:

• Large pan or skillet: A quality frying pan is essential for even cooking and proper browning
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for breaking up ground beef check out our kitchen utensils set
• Sharp knife: A good chef’s knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe
• Cutting board: Our recommended cutting board protects your counters
• Measuring tools: Accurate measuring cups and spoons ensure perfect seasoning

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Beef Picadillo

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, dice your potatoes into small, uniform cubes (about 1/2 inch). This ensures they cook evenly. Chop your onion, peppers, and garlic. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your large frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, jalapeño, and optional serrano pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions turn translucent. This step builds the foundation of flavor for your dish.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Stir in the chopped garlic and ground beef. Using a wooden spoon or your favorite kitchen utensil, break up the ground beef into small crumbles. Cook for about 5 minutes until the meat is browned on the outside. Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked through it will finish cooking in the next step.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Stir in the chopped tomatoes, beef stock, paprika, Mexican oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to ensure the seasonings coat all the ingredients. The liquid from the stock and tomatoes will help cook the potatoes and create a flavorful sauce.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 20 minutes. During this time, the potatoes will become tender, the flavors will meld together, and the sauce will thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the mixture seems too dry, add a splash more stock.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Your Beef Picadillo is ready! Serve it over fluffy cooked rice or with warm tortillas. Top with sliced peppers, a sprinkle of chili flakes, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and your favorite hot sauce. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and satisfying flavors.

Pro Tips for the Best Beef Picadillo

Choosing Your Ground Meat

While this recipe calls for ground beef, it’s incredibly versatile. Ground chicken, turkey, or pork all work beautifully. If using leaner meats like turkey or chicken, you might want to add an extra tablespoon of oil to prevent drying out. For the richest flavor, stick with 80/20 ground beef.

Potato Selection Matters

Yellow potatoes (like Yukon Gold) are ideal because they hold their shape during cooking while becoming tender and creamy. Avoid russet potatoes as they can break down too much and make the dish mushy.

Adjusting the Heat Level

Control the spiciness by adjusting the peppers. For mild picadillo, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño. For medium heat, leave some seeds in. For extra kick, add the serrano pepper or serve with hot sauce on the side.

Making It Ahead

Beef Picadillo is one of those dinner ideas with ground beef that actually tastes better the next day. The flavors continue to develop as it sits. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Traditional Ways to Serve

• Over rice: White rice, brown rice, or cilantro-lime rice all pair perfectly
• In tortillas: Warm corn or flour tortillas make excellent wraps
• With beans: Add black beans or pinto beans for extra protein and fiber
• Topped on tostadas: Crispy tostadas with picadillo, lettuce, and cheese

Creative Variations

• Cuban-style: Add raisins and green olives for sweet and salty notes
• Mexican-style: Include diced carrots and peas
• Spicy version: Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• Low-carb option: Skip the potatoes and serve over cauliflower rice

Nutritional Benefits

This isn’t just delicious it’s also nutritious! One serving of Beef Picadillo provides:

• High-quality protein from ground beef
• Complex carbohydrates from potatoes
• Vitamins A and C from tomatoes and peppers
• Fiber for digestive health
• Iron and B vitamins for energy

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Weeknights

Among quick and easy dinner recipes, Beef Picadillo stands out because it requires minimal prep work and uses one pan. You’re not juggling multiple pots or complicated techniques. It’s truly one of those lazy dinners that doesn’t taste lazy at all. Plus, it’s forgiving if you need to simmer it a few extra minutes while you finish other tasks, it only gets better.

Kitchen Equipment That Makes a Difference

While you can make this recipe with basic tools, having quality equipment makes cooking more enjoyable. A good frying pan with even heat distribution prevents hot spots and burning. Sharp chef’s knives make prep work faster and safer. And reliable measuring cups and spoons ensure consistent results every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground chicken, turkey, or pork all work well in this recipe. These are excellent ground chicken recipes variations. Just remember that leaner meats may need slightly more oil to prevent drying out.

How do I store leftovers?

Store cooled Beef Picadillo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of stock or water to restore moisture.

Can I freeze Beef Picadillo?

Yes! This freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.

What if I don’t have Mexican oregano?

Regular oregano works in a pinch, though Mexican oregano has a slightly different flavor profile with citrus and floral notes. You could also use a combination of regular oregano and a pinch of dried marjoram.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Keep the seeds in the jalapeño, add the serrano pepper, include a teaspoon of cayenne pepper, or stir in some hot sauce during cooking. You can also serve with extra hot sauce on the side.

What type of potatoes work best?

Yellow potatoes like Yukon Gold are ideal because they’re creamy and hold their shape. Red potatoes also work well. Avoid russet potatoes as they can become too mushy.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

While this recipe is designed for stovetop cooking, you can adapt it for a slow cooker. Brown the meat and aromatics first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Is Beef Picadillo gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your stock and any seasonings you use don’t contain hidden gluten.

Final Thoughts

This Beef Picadillo recipe proves that healthy dinner recipes don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With simple ingredients, one pan, and 30 minutes, you can create a meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrition. It’s perfect for those nights when you need quick dinner ideas but refuse to sacrifice taste.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, this ground meat recipe for dinner is accessible, forgiving, and absolutely delicious. The combination of tender potatoes, savory beef, and aromatic spices creates a dish that’s comforting yet exciting perfect for any day of the week.

Don’t forget to customize it to your family’s preferences. Add more vegetables, adjust the spice level, or experiment with different serving styles. That’s the beauty of easy meals with ground beef they’re incredibly versatile and always satisfying.

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Easy Beef Picadillo Recipe : 30-Minute Ground Beef Dinner (One-Pan!)

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This traditional Beef Picadillo combines savory ground beef with tender potatoes, fresh tomatoes, and aromatic peppers in a rich, flavorful sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pan Latin American classic is perfect for busy weeknights and delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort.

• Author: Alex
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Latin American

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

8 ounces yellow potatoes (about 3–4 small), diced

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

1 jalapeño pepper, chopped

1 serrano pepper, chopped (optional, for spicier)

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 pound ground beef

2 large tomatoes, chopped

3/4 cup beef stock

1 tablespoon paprika

1 tablespoon Mexican oregano

1 teaspoon cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

For serving: Cooked rice or warmed tortillas, sliced peppers, chili flakes, fresh lime juice, hot sauce

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Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a large pan to medium heat. Add the potatoes, onion and peppers and cook them down for 5 minutes to soften.

2. Stir in the garlic and ground beef. Break up the ground beef with a wooden spoon and brown it up for 5 minutes. The meat doesn’t need to be cooked all the way through.

3. Stir in the tomatoes, stock, and seasonings and reduce the heat to simmer.

4. Simmer for 20 minutes to cook through and let the potatoes soften up.

5. Serve over cooked rice or with tortillas with extra peppers, spicy chili flakes and lime juice! Don’t forget your favorite hot sauce.

Notes

Ground chicken, turkey, or pork can be substituted for ground beef.

For less heat, remove seeds from jalapeño pepper.

Yellow potatoes (Yukon Gold) work best as they hold their shape during cooking.

This dish tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Serve with your favorite toppings like avocado, sour cream, or shredded cheese.