Mexican picadillo is a hearty and flavorful dish made with ground beef, potatoes, tomatoes, and warm spices. This comforting one-pan meal is easy to make and perfect for tacos, burritos, tostadas, or serving over rice. With its rich and slightly spicy sauce, picadillo is a staple in many Mexican households and can be customized to your taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and quick – Ready in under 40 minutes with minimal prep.
- Budget-friendly – Made with affordable pantry staples.
- Versatile – Serve with rice, tortillas, or as a filling for tacos and empanadas.
- One-pan dish – Easy to make and clean up.
- Authentic flavors – A blend of spices and fresh ingredients gives it a true Mexican taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- Potatoes, diced
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Tomatoes, diced (fresh or canned)
- Tomato sauce
- Carrots, diced (optional)
- Green peas (optional)
- Jalapeño or serrano pepper, chopped (optional for spice)
- Olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
- Ground cumin
- Chili powder or paprika
- Dried oregano
- Beef broth or water
- Bay leaf (optional for extra flavor)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Directions

- Sauté the onions and garlic – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Brown the ground beef – Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Season the meat – Stir in cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the meat in spices.
- Add vegetables – Stir in diced potatoes, carrots, and jalapeño (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Simmer with sauce – Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add the bay leaf if using. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
- Add peas and adjust seasoning – Stir in green peas (if using) and let them warm through for 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve – Remove the bay leaf, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot with rice or tortillas.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Picadillo – Use a serrano pepper for extra heat or add cayenne pepper.
- Vegetable Boost – Add bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
- Chicken Picadillo – Use ground chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Sweet and Savory – Stir in raisins for a hint of sweetness.
- Low-Carb Option – Skip the potatoes and serve with cauliflower rice.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals.
- Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
What is picadillo?
Picadillo is a traditional Latin American dish made with ground meat, vegetables, and a tomato-based sauce. Each country has its own variations.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Picadillo tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
How can I make this dish less greasy?
Use lean ground beef (90/10) or drain excess fat after browning the meat.
What’s the best way to serve picadillo?
Serve with warm tortillas, white rice, or use as a filling for empanadas, tacos, or burritos.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey works well, but you may need extra seasoning for flavor.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Let the picadillo simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce liquid.
Can I make this dish in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Brown the beef using Sauté mode, then add the remaining ingredients and pressure cook on High for 10 minutes, followed by a quick release.
What other seasonings can I add?
Try adding smoked paprika, bay leaf, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
Can I omit the peas?
Yes, peas are optional and can be substituted with another vegetable.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Just check that your broth and seasonings are gluten-free.
Conclusion
Mexican picadillo is a flavorful, comforting, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce, it’s a meal the whole family will love. Serve it with rice, tortillas, or use it as a filling for tacos and empanadas. Try this classic recipe and enjoy a taste of Mexico at home!
PrintMexican Picadillo Recipe
This Mexican Picadillo is a flavorful, comforting, and easy one-pot meal made with ground beef, potatoes, tomatoes, and warm spices. Perfect for serving with rice, tortillas, or even stuffing into tacos, this dish is a hearty and budget-friendly family favorite!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 or leaner preferred)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 medium potato (diced into small cubes)
- 1 carrot (diced, optional)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (or 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped)
- ½ cup tomato sauce (for a richer sauce)
- ½ cup beef or chicken broth (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth of flavor)
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp chili powder or cayenne (optional, for heat)
- ½ cup frozen peas (optional, for extra texture and color)
- ¼ cup green olives (sliced, optional for a tangy touch)
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice or Mexican rice
- Warm corn or flour tortillas (for tacos or burritos)
- Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables & Seasonings
- Stir in the onion, garlic, potatoes, and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, oregano, and chili powder. Stir well.
Step 3: Simmer the Picadillo
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender.
- Add the peas and olives in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot over rice or in warm tortillas. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Notes
- Spicy Version? Add chopped jalapeño or extra chili powder.
- Extra Savory? Add 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce for deeper flavor.
- Make It a Soup: Add extra broth for a Mexican picadillo stew!
- Storage: Keeps in the fridge for 4 days or freezes for up to 3 months.