Authentic Mexican Picadillo con Papas: A Hearty, Flavorful Ground Beef and Potato Recipe

Picadillo con Papas, a beloved staple in Mexican cuisine, offers a comforting blend of savory ground beef, tender diced potatoes, and sweet carrots, all simmered in a rich, tomato-based sauce. This traditional dish is not only incredibly easy and fast to prepare but also remarkably versatile, serving as a satisfying main course or an exquisite filling for classic Mexican favorites like tacos, gorditas, burritos, and more. It’s a timeless recipe that brings warmth and authentic flavor to any table.

Picadillo holds a special place in the hearts and homes of many Mexican families, transcending generations as a cherished culinary classic. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to transform humble, everyday ingredients into a deeply flavorful and incredibly adaptable dish. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a foundation for countless delicious possibilities in Mexican cooking, embodying the essence of comfort food.

For me, growing up meant often enjoying a plate of homemade Picadillo con Papas lovingly prepared by my mom. It was typically served alongside fragrant Mexican red rice, perfectly cooked pinto beans, and warm, freshly made tortillas. Because of its robust mixture of seasoned ground beef and tender vegetables, it’s widely recognized as an ideal filling. You’ll frequently find it enhancing the flavors of popular Mexican street foods and dishes like gorditas, chiles rellenos, or sopes de picadillo. Integrating this authentic Picadillo recipe into your cooking repertoire means unlocking not just one amazing entrée, but a gateway to a diverse array of Mexican meals that will delight your family and friends. It’s a truly versatile and indispensable recipe.

What is Picadillo? Exploring its Rich History and Regional Varieties

Picadillo is a versatile ground meat dish enjoyed across Latin America, Spain, and the Philippines, each region offering its own unique twist on the classic. Many culinary historians, including experts cited by Chef Gourmet, trace its origins back to Andalusia in Southern Spain, where the art of mincing and dicing ingredients for savory stews was perfected centuries ago. This rich history speaks to the dish’s timeless appeal and adaptability across various cultures.

The name “picadillo” itself perfectly describes the dish, deriving from the Spanish word “picar,” which means “to mince” or “to dice.” True to its name, the primary components typically consist of finely minced or ground meat – usually beef, but sometimes pork or a combination – combined with an assortment of diced vegetables. While the core concept remains consistent, the specific ingredients and flavor profiles can vary dramatically from one country to another. In Cuba, for instance, it often includes olives, raisins, and capers, giving it a distinct sweet and savory taste. In the Philippines, it might feature potatoes and green peas, sometimes with a touch of soy sauce, reflecting local ingredients and culinary traditions.

Even within Mexico, where this particular recipe originates, Picadillo exhibits fascinating regional diversity and family-specific variations. What one family considers “authentic” might differ slightly from another’s, reflecting the rich tapestry of Mexican culinary traditions. My mom’s recipe, which I share with you today, embodies a classic Mexican approach: savory ground beef simmered patiently in a rich tomato sauce, complemented by perfectly cubed potatoes, sweet carrots, and a blend of aromatic spices like garlic and cumin. The result is a comforting and flavorful “carne molida con papas” (ground beef with potatoes) that is both uncomplicated to make and profoundly delicious. It’s a dish that speaks of home, tradition, and the simple joys of Mexican cooking, perfect for any occasion.

For a delightful variation with a kick, don’t miss our recipe for Green Chile Picadillo.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Picadillo con Papas Recipe

This Picadillo con Papas recipe isn’t just another dish; it’s a culinary experience designed for maximum enjoyment and minimal fuss. Here’s why it’s destined to become a regular in your meal rotation:

• Effortlessly Easy to Make: Forget complicated techniques and endless steps. This recipe simplifies the cooking process to its core: browning the meat, finely chopping fresh vegetables, and letting everything simmer together to meld into a rich, aromatic sauce. It’s a truly approachable recipe, perfect for weeknight dinners or for novice cooks looking to expand their culinary skills with confidence.
• Incredibly Fast: Time is precious, and this dish respects that. From start to finish, you can have a hearty, flavorful meal on the table in approximately 30 minutes. This makes it an ideal choice for busy evenings when you crave something homemade and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Its quick preparation doesn’t compromise on taste or quality.
• Hearty & Satisfying: The harmonious combination of protein-rich ground beef and wholesome, starchy potatoes, along with nutrient-packed carrots, creates a truly substantial and satisfying meal. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, leaving you feeling nourished and content without being overly heavy or greasy.
• Budget-Friendly Ingredients: You don’t need exotic or expensive ingredients to create something truly delicious. This recipe relies on common, affordable pantry staples that you likely already have on hand, making it a fantastic option for economical meal planning. It proves that gourmet flavors don’t have to come with a gourmet price tag, offering great value for a delicious meal.
• Unmatched Versatility: While delightful on its own, Picadillo con Papas truly shines in its adaptability. Enjoy it simply as a comforting entrée, pair it with a variety of traditional Mexican side dishes, or transform it into a flavorful filling. It’s perfectly suited for chiles rellenos, tacos, empanadas, burritos, sopes, and even tostadas. Dive into our “how to serve” section below for even more creative ideas to incorporate this amazing dish into your meals.

Key Ingredients for Authentic Picadillo con Papas

Creating a truly delicious Picadillo con Papas begins with selecting quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the dish’s authentic flavor profile and comforting texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:

• Ground Beef: The foundation of this hearty dish. I recommend using ground beef that is 80% to 85% lean. This fat content strikes the perfect balance, ensuring maximum flavor without the meat becoming dry during cooking. It also provides enough rendered fat to beautifully sauté the aromatics, creating a rich base.
• Potatoes: Essential for adding body, texture, and a wonderfully comforting quality to the picadillo. When diced into small cubes, they beautifully absorb the rich flavors of the tomato sauce and spices, becoming tender and savory. Russet potatoes are my go-to for their starchy texture, which breaks down slightly to thicken the sauce, but red or Yukon gold varieties also work exceptionally well, offering a slightly creamier consistency.
• Carrots: These vibrant additions contribute a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances the savory notes of the beef and tomato. Diced carrots also add a delightful pop of color and a boost of essential nutrients, making the dish even more wholesome and visually appealing.
• Onion and Garlic: These are the aromatic backbone of countless Mexican dishes. Finely diced onion and minced garlic are gently sautéed to release their fragrant oils, creating a deep and complex layer of flavor that underpins the entire picadillo. They are indispensable for adding complexity and depth to the sauce.
• Roma Tomato: A staple in authentic Mexican cooking, Roma tomatoes are preferred for their firm flesh and relatively low seed count. When selecting, look for ripe tomatoes that are firm but yield slightly to a gentle squeeze – these will offer the best balance of natural acidity and sweetness, enriching the sauce with fresh tomato flavor.
• Chicken Broth and Water: These liquids are crucial for creating the perfect consistency for the tomato-based sauce. Chicken broth infuses the dish with additional savory flavor, while water helps to achieve the ideal simmering environment, ensuring the potatoes and carrots cook through to tender perfection and the sauce thickens appropriately.
• Tomato Sauce: Beyond the fresh Roma tomato, a can of good quality tomato sauce is vital. It intensifies the rich, robust tomato flavor and, combined with the broth and water, forms the thick, luscious sauce that beautifully coats every ingredient in the picadillo, making it irresistibly spoonable.
• Cumin Powder: A little goes a long way with this powerful and distinct spice. A tiny pinch of ground cumin introduces an earthy, warm undertone that is characteristic of traditional Mexican cuisine. It harmonizes with the other flavors, adding an authentic touch without being overwhelming.
• Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that enhance all the other ingredients, bringing out their natural best. Adjust to your personal preference throughout the cooking process to achieve the perfect balance of savory and seasoned flavors.
• Jalapeño (Optional): For those who appreciate a touch of heat, a sliced and sautéed jalapeño added at the end provides a wonderful spicy kick. It’s an easy way to customize the dish to your desired level of spice without making the entire batch fiery for everyone.

For precise quantities, please refer to the detailed recipe card below.

Thoughtful Substitutions for Your Picadillo

While the classic recipe is fantastic, feel free to adapt it to your dietary needs or preferences:

• Meat Alternatives: If you prefer to lighten the dish or simply enjoy other meats, feel free to substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even ground pork. Each will impart a slightly different flavor profile, but the core essence of the picadillo will remain, allowing for delicious variations.
• Broth Options: Beef broth can be used interchangeably with chicken broth, especially if you want to deepen the savory, beefy notes of the dish. For a vegetarian version or a lighter flavor, vegetable broth is also an excellent alternative.

Crafting Authentic Mexican Picadillo: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making Mexican Picadillo con Papas is a straightforward process that yields incredibly rewarding results. Follow these simple steps to create a flavorful and hearty dish that will impress:

1. Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics

• Begin by heating a medium cast-iron skillet or any sturdy, heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. A cast-iron skillet provides excellent heat retention and even cooking, which is ideal for browning meat.
• Add your ground beef to the hot pan. Use the back of a wooden spoon or a meat chopper to break up the meat into small, even crumbles. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is mostly browned and any pink color has disappeared.
• Once the ground beef is almost entirely browned, drain any excess fat if necessary (especially if using higher fat content beef) to keep the dish from becoming greasy. Then, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Continue to cook, stirring, until the onions become translucent and the garlic releases its wonderful, fragrant aroma, usually about 3-5 minutes. This step builds a crucial flavor base.
• Stir in the diced Roma tomato and cook for just another minute, allowing its fresh acidity and sweetness to begin integrating with the other flavors.
• Finally, season the meat and vegetable mixture generously with the specified amounts of kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of ground cumin. This foundational seasoning sets the stage for the deep and authentic flavors of the picadillo.

2. Prepare and Add Root Vegetables

• Peel and meticulously dice the carrots and potatoes into small, uniform ¼-inch cubes. This small size is crucial for two main reasons: firstly, it ensures the vegetables cook quickly and evenly alongside the ground beef, achieving that perfect tender texture in a short amount of time. Secondly, it makes the picadillo mixture perfectly textured for use as a versatile filling or topping in various Mexican dishes, ensuring a balanced bite every time.
• Once diced, add the uniformly prepared potatoes and carrots directly to the seasoned ground beef mixture in the skillet. Give it a good stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring the vegetables are coated in the savory meat and aromatics.

3. Simmer with Liquids for Tender Perfection

• Pour in the chicken (or beef) broth and hot water, mixing them thoroughly with the beef and vegetables. These liquids will create the base of your savory sauce and ensure the vegetables cook to tender perfection, infusing them with flavor.
• Reduce the heat to medium-low, then cover the skillet tightly. Allow the mixture to gently simmer for approximately 8-10 minutes. During this crucial simmering time, the potatoes and carrots will soften and become fork-tender, and the liquid will begin to reduce, concentrating its delicious flavors into a rich sauce.
• After 8-10 minutes, carefully check the potatoes with a fork to assess their tenderness. If they are not yet fork-tender, recover the pan and cook for another 1-2 minutes, checking again until they reach the desired, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.

4. Finish with Tomato Sauce and Final Seasoning

• Once the potatoes are tender and most of the liquid has cooked down, stir in the tomato sauce. This adds another layer of rich, robust tomato flavor and helps to create that classic thick, savory sauce that beautifully defines picadillo.
• Continue to cook for just one more minute, allowing the tomato sauce to heat through and fully meld with the other ingredients, creating a harmonious flavor. Then, turn off the heat to prevent overcooking.
• Crucially, taste the picadillo and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. A final seasoning check can significantly elevate the dish, ensuring it’s perfectly balanced to your palate.

5. Optional Jalapeño Addition for a Spicy Kick

• If you enjoy a bit of spice and wish to add it, heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a separate small pan over medium heat.
• Carefully slice a jalapeño pepper (you can remove the seeds and membranes for less heat, if desired) and sauté the slices in the hot oil until they are soft, slightly charred, and beautifully fragrant.
• You can either mix these flavorful sautéed jalapeños directly into the prepared picadillo for an even distribution of heat or, for a more controlled spice level, simply place them on top of individual servings as a garnish, allowing everyone to customize their plate.

And there you have it! Your authentic, hearty, and incredibly versatile Mexican Picadillo con Papas is ready to be enjoyed. Serve it warm and watch it disappear!

How to Serve Your Delicious Picadillo con Papas

Picadillo con Papas is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for various meal occasions, from a simple family dinner to a festive gathering. Here are some popular and traditional ways to enjoy this comforting dish:

• As a Standalone Meal: It’s wonderfully hearty enough to be enjoyed on its own, offering a complete and satisfying meal in a bowl. This is perfect for a quick yet fulfilling lunch or dinner.
• Paired with Classic Mexican Sides: For a truly traditional Mexican feast, serve your picadillo with essential accompaniments such as fluffy Mexican red rice, refreshing Mexican white rice with corn, creamy Instant Pot pinto beans, or classic refried beans. Don’t forget a stack of warm corn or flour tortillas for scooping up every delicious bite – a quintessential part of the Mexican dining experience!
• Versatile Filling: One of Picadillo’s greatest strengths is its ability to serve as a flavorful and substantial filling for a myriad of Mexican delights. Get creative and try it in:
  • Gorditas: Stuff this savory mixture into thick, masa-based pockets, often fried, for a truly authentic street food experience.
  • Tacos: A timeless and classic choice! Fill warm corn or flour tortillas for quick and satisfying tacos that are always a crowd-pleaser.
  • Burritos: Wrap it up with rice, beans, and your favorite toppings like cheese and salsa for a hearty and portable burrito.
  • Sopes: Spoon picadillo onto crispy masa bases, typically topped with crema, crumbled cheese, and a fresh salsa.
  • Chiles Rellenos: A rich, savory and delightful filling for roasted poblano peppers, often battered and fried.
  • Empanadas: Enclose the picadillo in flaky pastry dough for a delightful savory pastry, perfect as an appetizer or light meal.
  • Tostadas: Spread it generously over crispy fried tortillas and add your preferred garnishes such as lettuce, crema, and queso fresco.
• With Fresh Toppings: Enhance your picadillo with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice for brightness, or a dollop of Mexican crema or sour cream for added richness and tang. Sliced avocado also makes a wonderful addition.

Storing and Reheating Your Leftovers

Picadillo con Papas is one of those dishes that often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld! Here’s how to properly store and reheat your delicious leftovers to enjoy them at their best:

• Storage in the Refrigerator: Allow the picadillo to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Properly stored, it will maintain its quality and freshness in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Always ensure it’s cooled quickly to prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheating on the Stovetop: To reheat, simply add the desired amount of picadillo to a pan with a splash of water or broth (about 1-2 tablespoons per serving) to prevent it from drying out. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is thoroughly warmed through and bubbling gently.
• Reheating in the Microwave: For a quicker and convenient option, place the picadillo in a microwave-safe dish. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating, until it is piping hot.
• Freezing for Longer Storage: Picadillo freezes beautifully, making it perfect for long-term meal planning! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers. Ensure as much air as possible is removed to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality. It can be safely frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat using either the stovetop or microwave method outlined above.

Expert Tips & Creative Variations for Your Picadillo

Elevate your Picadillo con Papas experience with these expert tips and creative ideas for variations, ensuring every batch is a resounding success:

• Mastering the Dice is Key: As highlighted in the recipe instructions, dicing your potatoes and carrots into small, uniform ¼-inch cubes is absolutely essential. This isn’t just for aesthetics; it guarantees that the vegetables cook quickly and evenly alongside the ground beef, achieving that perfect tender texture within the short cooking time. Furthermore, smaller pieces make the picadillo much easier and neater to use as a versatile filling for delicate gorditas, empanadas, or tacos, ensuring a balanced and delicious bite every time.
• Embrace the Tangy Heat: If you appreciate a vibrant, spicy kick, serving your picadillo with a side of pickled jalapeños is a game-changer. A generous drizzle of the jalapeño brine over your plate adds an incredible tanginess and acidity that beautifully complements and brightens the rich, savory flavors of the picadillo. It’s a simple addition that adds unexpected layers of complexity and excitement to the dish.
• Adjusting for Leaner Meats: If you opt for ground beef that is 90% or 95% lean, which contains less natural fat, you’ll want to add about a tablespoon of neutral cooking oil (like vegetable or canola oil) to your skillet before browning the beef. This crucial step prevents the leaner meat from sticking to the pan and drying out, ensuring it remains moist, tender, and flavorful in your picadillo.
• Aromatic Freshness with Cilantro: For those who love the bright, fresh, and herbaceous taste of cilantro, a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro leaves at the very end, just before serving, can be a wonderful addition. It introduces a vibrant, contrasting note that complements the warm, savory base of the picadillo beautifully. Try it if you enjoy its unique flavor!
• Adding More Vegetables: Feel free to incorporate other finely diced vegetables such as bell peppers (red, green, or yellow for color), zucchini, or green beans during the simmering stage. This is a fantastic way to boost the nutrient content of your picadillo and add more texture and subtle flavors.
• Smoky Depth: For an extra layer of flavor, a pinch of smoked paprika can add a wonderful smoky depth to your picadillo. Add it along with the cumin and other dry seasonings to infuse the dish with a rich, complex aroma.
• Sweetness and Umami Balance: If your fresh tomatoes are on the tarter side, or if you simply desire a touch more sweetness and complexity, a small amount of finely diced bell pepper (especially red) can be added with the onions and garlic. Some traditional recipes even include a very small amount of sugar or a touch of tomato paste for a richer, more profound umami flavor in the sauce.
• Make it Vegetarian/Vegan: This hearty dish can easily be adapted for plant-based diets! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives or a robust mixture of finely diced mushrooms and cooked lentils. Ensure you use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth to keep it entirely plant-based.

Frequently Asked Questions About Picadillo con Papas

More Delicious Ground Beef Recipes to Explore

If you love the versatility and robust flavor of ground beef, be sure to check out these other fantastic and easy-to-make recipes from our kitchen. They offer creative ways to enjoy this staple ingredient:

• Cheesy Open-Faced Ground Beef Tortas: A Quick & Satisfying Meal
• Hearty Ground Beef Stew with Jalapeño: Comfort in a Bowl
• Crispy Ground Beef Tostadas: Perfect for Weeknights
• Mixed Vegetables and Ground Beef Skillet for Quick Meals: Healthy & Flavorful
• Flavorful Sweet Potato Taco Bowl: A Modern Twist on Taco Night

We truly hope you enjoy making and savoring this authentic Picadillo con Papas! It’s a recipe that’s close to our hearts, and we believe it will become a cherished favorite in your home too. If you try this recipe, please take a moment to leave us a comment with a star rating below. Your feedback not only helps us improve but also guides other home cooks in their culinary journey. Don’t forget to connect with us on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest to stay updated with our latest recipes, cooking tips, and culinary adventures. And for exclusive content and new recipes delivered straight to your inbox, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter. Happy cooking, and thank you for being a part of our culinary community!

Recipe Card: Authentic Picadillo con Papas