Authentic Green Chile Picadillo with Potatoes: A Hearty Mexican Comfort Food

This Green Chile Picadillo is a classic Mexican recipe that brings together savory ground beef, tender potatoes, the signature smoky flavor of roasted green chiles, and diced tomatoes, all simmered to perfection in a rich, comforting sauce. It’s a dish celebrated for its straightforward preparation, budget-friendly ingredients, and an unforgettable bold, spicy, and deeply satisfying flavor profile. Perfect for any weeknight meal, you can serve it with warm tortillas, alongside a helping of traditional red rice or beans, or simply enjoy it on its own for a robust and fulfilling dining experience.

Growing up, my mom frequently incorporated the vibrant taste of roasted green chiles into many of her signature dishes. Among them, this particular recipe, featuring green chile with ground beef, stood out as her most cherished and frequently prepared meal. Known in many Mexican households as “chile verde con carne molida” (green chile with ground meat), this picadillo recipe is a staple for good reason. It’s incredibly easy to make, remarkably budget-friendly, and relies on a short list of simple, readily available ingredients found in most kitchens, making it an accessible and beloved comfort food for families everywhere.

Beyond its fantastic flavor and ease of preparation, this Green Chile Picadillo is a truly wholesome and nourishing meal. It’s packed with high-quality protein from the ground beef, provides healthy fats, and offers a good source of fiber, ensuring a well-rounded dish that keeps you feeling full and satisfied. What’s more, it’s naturally dairy-free, making it suitable for those with lactose sensitivities, and it aligns perfectly with paleo and Whole30 dietary guidelines. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals with specific dietary restrictions or anyone simply seeking a healthier yet incredibly flavorful meal option.

This dish, much like other family favorites such as Chile Verde con Queso, savory Green Chile and Cheese Tamales, and robust Colorado Pork Green Chile, celebrates the distinct and rich smoky flavor of roasted green chiles. This versatile ingredient holds a special place in my family’s culinary traditions, transforming simple ingredients into meals bursting with authentic Mexican taste. Ready to discover how to bring this traditional and comforting Green Chile Picadillo to your own table? Let me guide you through the process.

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What is Picadillo? Unraveling the History and Regional Variations

Picadillo is more than just a ground meat dish; it’s a culinary cornerstone popular across Latin America, Spain, and the Philippines, each region boasting its unique interpretation. The name itself offers a clue to its essence, deriving from the Spanish word picar, which means “to mince” or “to dice.” This perfectly describes the dish’s core components: finely ground or minced meat combined with an assortment of diced vegetables.

While the fundamental concept of picadillo—a flavorful sauté of ground meat and various vegetables—remains consistent, its ingredients and flavor profiles vary dramatically from one region to another. For instance, Cuban picadillo often includes briny olives and sweet raisins, creating a distinctive sweet and savory contrast. Filipino picadillo, on the other hand, might feature hard-boiled eggs and a simpler sauce, often served with rice. Puerto Rican versions might incorporate plantains or a sofrito base. This particular green chile picadillo, however, stands out by emphasizing the vibrant and robust flavors of Mexican cuisine, particularly through the inclusion of smoky roasted green chiles and hearty potatoes.

The popularity of picadillo stems from its adaptability and its ability to transform humble ingredients into a satisfying and flavorful meal. It’s a versatile dish that can be served as a main course, a filling for tacos or empanadas, or even as part of a larger festive spread. Its inherent flexibility allows home cooks to tailor it to their preferences, making it a beloved comfort food that evokes a sense of home and tradition across many cultures.

For another classic Mexican picadillo recipe that pairs ground beef with potatoes, be sure to check out our Picadillo con Papas.

Essential Ingredients & Smart Substitutions for the Best Green Chile Picadillo

Crafting the perfect Green Chile Picadillo relies on a few key ingredients, each playing a vital role in building its signature flavor and texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and how to make the best choices for your dish:

• Ground Beef: For the most succulent and flavorful picadillo, I highly recommend using ground beef that is 80% or 85% lean. This fat content ensures the meat remains moist and tender throughout the simmering process, preventing it from drying out. If you opt for leaner ground beef (e.g., 90% or 93% lean), consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil or other cooking oil to your pan before browning to compensate for the lower fat and achieve a rich texture.
• Onion and Garlic: These foundational aromatics are indispensable. Diced white onion and minced garlic cloves provide a robust base, adding essential depth and enhancing the overall seasoning of the dish. They are the backbone of many Mexican recipes, and their fragrant presence elevates the entire flavor profile.
• Tomato: Ripe Roma tomatoes are ideal for this recipe. Look for tomatoes that are firm but have a slight give when gently squeezed, indicating they are perfectly ripe. When diced, they contribute a natural acidity that brightens the dish and a subtle sweetness that balances the savory and spicy elements.
• Potato: Cubed potatoes are what make this picadillo so hearty and satisfying. As they simmer, they beautifully absorb the rich flavors of the broth, chiles, and seasonings. While russet potatoes are my go-to for their starchy texture, red potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes also work wonderfully, offering a slightly different texture but equally delicious result. Ensure they are cut into ½-inch pieces for even cooking.
• Roasted Green Chiles: The star of the show! Use roasted Pueblo, Hatch, or Anaheim chiles for their distinctive smoky aroma and varying degrees of spice. If you have access to fresh chiles, roasting your own at home is incredibly easy and yields the best flavor; you can learn how to roast green chiles at home here. If fresh isn’t an option, frozen roasted green chiles are an excellent alternative. They are typically additive-free and can be found in the freezer section of many grocery stores or purchased online from specialty retailers like The Hatch Chile Store. Avoid canned chiles if possible, as their flavor often pales in comparison to roasted fresh or frozen varieties.
• Broth: Either chicken broth or beef broth will work well, providing a flavorful liquid base for simmering. For an added nutritional boost, consider using bone broth, which is rich in protein and collagen. Always check ingredient labels to ensure your chosen broth meets any dietary requirements, such as Whole30.
• Ground Cumin: A small pinch of ground cumin goes a long way. It infuses the picadillo with a subtle, earthy smokiness that is characteristic of authentic Mexican cuisine and complements the chiles beautifully.
• Salt and Pepper: For optimal flavor, use Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Seasoning in layers throughout the cooking process ensures every component of the dish is perfectly flavored. Remember, you can always add more salt and pepper to taste at the end.

See the full recipe card below for exact quantities.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Green Chile Ground Beef Picadillo

Making this hearty Green Chile Picadillo is a straightforward process that comes together quickly, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal. Follow these simple steps for a delicious result:

Creative Ways to Serve Your Green Chile Picadillo

The versatility of Green Chile Picadillo is one of its most appealing qualities. It’s a satisfying meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides or can be incorporated into other dishes. Here are some popular and delicious ways to serve it:

• Classic & Simple: Enjoy it by itself, perhaps with a garnish of fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream, alongside warm corn or flour tortillas. The tortillas are perfect for scooping up every last bit of that flavorful sauce.
• With Rice: Serve it with a side of traditional Mexican rice such as Arroz Rojo (Mexican Red Rice) or a lighter, aromatic Mexican white rice with corn. The rice provides a nice textural contrast and soaks up the picadillo’s savory juices.
• With Beans: A hearty side of beans is always a welcome addition. Pair your picadillo with creamy refried beans or flavorful Instant Pot pinto beans for a complete and satisfying meal.
• As a Filling: Its rich, seasoned consistency makes it an excellent filling. Use it for burritos, tacos, or as a flavorful topping for crispy tostadas or homemade sopes. It also works wonderfully in empanadas or quesadillas.
• Breakfast Hash: Repurpose leftovers into a delicious breakfast hash! Serve it alongside a fried egg for a hearty start to your day.

Storing and Reheating Your Picadillo for Best Results

Green Chile Picadillo is a fantastic dish for meal prepping, as it often tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had more time to meld. Proper storage and reheating will ensure you can enjoy this comforting meal for days to come.

Storage: To store leftovers, allow the picadillo to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer it to an air-tight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, picadillo freezes exceptionally well. Place cooled picadillo in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags (removing as much air as possible) and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen picadillo overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: For best results, reheat picadillo on the stovetop. Transfer the desired portion to a pan over medium heat. Stir frequently until it is heated through. If the picadillo has thickened too much during refrigeration or freezing, add a splash of water or chicken/beef broth to achieve your desired consistency. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until hot.

I truly hope you enjoy making and savoring this comforting Green Chile Picadillo! If you try this recipe, please take a moment to leave me a commentwith a star rating below – your feedback is incredibly valuable. Also, be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest to stay connected and discover more delicious recipes. Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive content and updates!

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Recipe Card: Green Chile Picadillo