Mexican Picadillo – Welcome to our kitchen, where we’re about to embark on a culinary adventure with a recipe that’s close to our hearts – Mexican Picadillo! This delightful dish brings together the rich flavors of ground beef, colorful veggies, and a perfect blend of spices, creating a symphony of tastes that will leave you craving for more. Join us as we share the magic behind this special recipe and why it’s become a beloved staple in our little family’s mealtimes.
Picture this: a cozy evening at home, the tantalizing aroma of Mexican Picadillo filling the air, and my husband and I eagerly gathering around the dining table with our little one. It all started when we stumbled upon this gem of a recipe, and it was love at first bite. The sweet nostalgia of childhood memories mixed with the joy of creating new ones made this dish even more special.
We fondly recall experimenting with different ingredients, adjusting the spices to our liking, and soon enough, we had perfected our own version of Mexican Picadillo. It became a ritual – a go-to meal that brought us together, no matter how busy life got. Our little one’s eyes would light up whenever we announced, “It’s Picadillo night!” and the smiles around the table were all the reward we needed.
Why This Mexican Picadillo Will Win Your Heart?
Savoring our Mexican Picadillo is an experience like no other. The juicy and savory ground beef combined with the wholesome goodness of diced potatoes and vibrant bell peppers create a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds. The carefully chosen blend of cumin, coriander, and other spices adds a dash of exotic excitement, elevating the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Ingredients:
- 450g ground beef (approximately 1 lb.)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 diced green bell pepper
- 2 cups peeled and diced potatoes
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 360ml beef broth (approximately 1 1/2 cups)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 bay leaf
Directions:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Break up the meat while cooking until it’s mostly browned. Drain excess grease and return the skillet to heat.
Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and potatoes to the skillet. Continue cooking over medium heat until the onion and peppers have softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Add the salt, black pepper, cumin, coriander, and the bay leaf. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and let it cook for 10 minutes.
Remove the lid, give it a good stir, and continue cooking without the lid for another 10 minutes or until the potatoes are softened, and most of the liquid has reduced.
Serve this heartwarming Mexican Picadillo warm with some fluffy flour tortillas and fragrant rice. Get ready to dive into a world of scrumptious goodness!
Notes:
- If you prefer a leaner option, you can use ground turkey instead of ground beef without compromising on taste.
- For an extra kick, you can add a diced jalapeño or a sprinkle of chili flakes while sautéing the vegetables.
- Leftovers of Mexican Picadillo taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
In conclusion, Mexican Picadillo is more than just a dish; it’s a heartwarming journey of flavors and memories that will instantly transport you to the vibrant streets of Mexico. From the sizzle of the ground beef to the medley of colorful vegetables, each ingredient plays a symphony in your mouth, leaving you with a sense of comfort and fulfillment.
This recipe holds a special place in our little family’s heart, as it has become a cherished tradition in our household. It has brought us together around the dinner table, creating moments of laughter, love, and joy that we will treasure forever.
We invite you to embark on your own culinary adventure and explore the wonders of Mexican Picadillo. Customize it to your taste, experiment with different ingredients, and let your creativity shine. Whether it’s a simple weeknight meal or a feast to celebrate with loved ones, this dish is sure to impress and delight.
So, why wait? Grab those ingredients, heat up your skillet, and let the enticing aromas fill your kitchen. From the first bite to the last, experience the magic that this savory and aromatic delight has to offer. Your taste buds will thank you, and your heart will be filled with warmth and satisfaction.
Join us on this flavor-packed journey and create beautiful memories around the dinner table. Share the joy of Mexican Picadillo with family and friends, and witness the delight it brings to their faces. This recipe is more than food; it’s a celebration of life, love, and togetherness.
From our kitchen to yours, we wish you happy cooking and even happier eating. May each mouthful of this Mexican Picadillo take you on a culinary adventure you’ll want to revisit time and time again. Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Mexican Picadillo is a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare it in advance and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it gently on the stovetop, and it’ll be as delicious as freshly made.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Allow the Picadillo to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What can I serve with Mexican Picadillo?
Mexican Picadillo pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Traditionally, it is served with warm flour tortillas and rice. You can also enjoy it with corn tortillas, quinoa, or even use it as a delicious filling for tacos, burritos, or empanadas.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! If you prefer a meatless version, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or use lentils, black beans, or chickpeas as a hearty and delicious replacement.
Is this dish spicy?
The level of spiciness can be adjusted according to your preference. As the recipe stands, it is mildly seasoned with the warm flavors of cumin and coriander, offering a well-balanced taste. If you enjoy spice, feel free to add some extra chili flakes or diced jalapeños to turn up the heat.
Can I add other vegetables to the recipe?
Absolutely! Mexican Picadillo is quite flexible when it comes to vegetables. You can add diced carrots, zucchini, or corn to add more colors and nutrients to the dish. Get creative and make it your own!
How do I store the leftovers?
To store leftovers, transfer the cooled Picadillo to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before enjoying.
Can I use different types of meat?
Absolutely! While the traditional recipe calls for ground beef, you can use ground chicken, pork, or even a combination of meats to suit your taste. Each variation brings a unique flavor profile to the dish.
Can I make it spicier for adventurous eaters?
Certainly! For those who love a fiery kick, you can increase the amount of ground black pepper, cumin, or coriander in the recipe. Additionally, adding hot sauce or extra chili flakes will elevate the heat level to your liking.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The mild yet flavorful taste of Mexican Picadillo makes it a kid-friendly meal. If your little ones are sensitive to spice, you can adjust the seasonings accordingly to suit their preferences.
Can I use ground beef with a higher fat content?
Yes, you can use ground beef with a higher fat content, but keep in mind that it may result in a greasier dish. You may want to drain the excess grease before adding the vegetables and seasonings.
Mexican Picadillo
Ingredients
- 450 g ground beef approximately 1 lb.
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 diced green bell pepper
- 2 cups peeled and diced potatoes
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 360 ml beef broth approximately 1 1/2 cups
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Break up the meat while cooking until it's mostly browned. Drain excess grease and return the skillet to heat.
- Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and potatoes to the skillet. Continue cooking over medium heat until the onion and peppers have softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Add the salt, black pepper, cumin, coriander, and the bay leaf. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and let it cook for 10 minutes.
- Remove the lid, give it a good stir, and continue cooking without the lid for another 10 minutes or until the potatoes are softened, and most of the liquid has reduced.
- Serve this heartwarming Mexican Picadillo warm with some fluffy flour tortillas and fragrant rice. Get ready to dive into a world of scrumptious goodness!
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