Authentic Mexican Picadillo: The Ultimate Ground Beef and Potato Comfort Meal

If you’re planning to visit Mexico someday, but haven’t yet decided when exactly, you can still have the taste of the country’s rich culture by cooking one of its best dishes.

Mexican picadillo is adored by those who prioritize the balance between ground beef and vegetables, as well as those who just love Mexican spicy food. Apart from all that, picadillo is very easy to prepare, so make sure you include this recipe into your cookbook for family dinners.

Ingredients: 2–3 potatoes, 1–2 carrots, 2 tomatoes, 1 onion, 1–2 hot peppers, 70–100 g of pitted olives, 3–4 cloves of garlic, 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil, 450 g of ground beef, 200 ml of meat broth or water, salt to taste, ground black pepper to taste, 1 tablespoon of hot or smoked paprika, ½–1 teaspoon of ground oregano, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin.

Cut the potatoes, carrots, and tomatoes into small pieces. Finely chop the onion, bell pepper, and olives. Press the garlic through a garlic press.

Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the potatoes, onion, bell pepper, and carrots for 4–5 minutes. Add the minced meat and cook for another 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the tomatoes, olives, and garlic. Cook for 1 minute, continuing to stir.

Pour in the hot broth or water. Add salt, black pepper, paprika, oregano, and cumin. Stir.

After boiling, reduce heat, cover with a lid and simmer for about half an hour.