Name: Mexican Picadillo: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for 5-Star Flavor
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-485139H52M4S
Total time: PT-485139H52M4S
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium bell pepper, diced; 1 medium potato, peeled and diced; 1 medium carrot, diced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1/4 cup raisins; 1/4 cup sliced olives (optional); 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 2 teaspoons cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; Fresh cilantro for garnish

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Mexican Picadillo has everything you could want in a meal: tender ground beef, sweet raisins, savory olives, and aromatic spices, all cooked together in a rich, comforting sauce. It’s a one-pan dish that’s packed with flavor and is super versatile—serve it with rice, tortillas, or enjoy it on its own. The combination of vegetables and seasonings makes each bite satisfying and delicious. This recipe is sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium bell pepper, diced
1 medium potato, peeled and diced
1 medium carrot, diced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup sliced olives (optional)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Fresh cilantro for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Heat the Oil
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
Sauté the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables begin to soften, about 4-5 minutes.
Brown the Meat
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until the beef is browned, about 6-8 minutes.
Add Potatoes and Carrots
Stir in the diced potatoes and carrots. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
Mix in Other Ingredients
Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), raisins, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Simmer
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the mixture simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together, and the vegetables to become tender.
Add Olives
If you’re using olives, stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking.
Check Seasoning
Taste the picadillo and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes

Variations

Add More Spice: For extra heat, add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner option, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
Make it Sweet: Increase the amount of raisins for a sweeter flavor, or add diced pineapple for an extra tropical twist.
Add More Veggies: Try adding peas, corn, or even zucchini to boost the veggie content.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. You can add a splash of water or broth to loosen the mixture if it has thickened too much.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this picadillo ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

Can I freeze the picadillo?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh diced tomatoes, but you might want to add a little extra liquid to compensate for the juice that comes with canned tomatoes.

What can I serve with Mexican Picadillo?

Picadillo is traditionally served with rice, but you can also serve it with warm tortillas, over a bed of quinoa, or as a filling for tacos.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can swap the ground beef for plant-based protein like lentils or soy crumbles for a vegetarian version.

Conclusion

Mexican Picadillo is a delicious, comforting dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. The combination of ground beef, vegetables, and sweet raisins makes for a satisfying meal, and the spices give it that authentic Mexican flavor. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and sure to be a hit at your dinner table!