Picadillo con papas is a Mexican ground beef and potatoes recipe that’s simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce. It’s a simple, comforting and inexpensive meal that will have your family asking for seconds! The best part about it is it makes enough to have leftovers the next day! Who doesn’t love leftovers? If you enjoy this recipe then you’ll also love picadillo soup!
Picadillo con papas is a family favorite in my house.
My kids can be pretty picky sometimes but this recipe isn’t something they complain about.
It’s super easy therefore making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.
This is one of the ultimate comfort foods in my opinion. This and fideo loco, which is a similar dish.
What is picadillo sauce made of?
This picadillo sauce is made from canned tomato sauce, water and spices.
It is simmered with ground beef and vegetables resulting in a delicious and flavorful sauce.
Some recipes will call for fresh tomatoes instead of a canned sauce.
This picadillo con papas recipe is very adaptable, so work with what you have in your kitchen.
Ingredients
Ground beef
I like to use ground chuck 80% to 20% lean to fat ratio.
Ground beef is a very versatile ingredient. I use it in a variety of recipes including taquitos, chiles rellenos and Mexican meatball soup.
Vegetables
You’ll need potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic and jalapeno. You could omit the carrots if you wish but I like to add them when I have them.
Spices and seasonings
I use ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.
Tomato sauce
I like to use El Pato hot tomato sauce. If you can’t find it, then regular tomato sauce works fine.
Cilantro
This adds a fresh flavor to the picadillo. If you don’t like cilantro you can leave it out.
Is picadillo spicy?
Picadillo can be either spicy or mild.
It depends on how you make it.
To me, this recipe isn’t even that spicy.
However, if you are especially sensitive to spicy food then I recommend substituting green bell pepper for the jalapeno.
I would also suggest using regular tomato sauce instead of a hot tomato sauce.
How to make picadillo con papas
Make sure you have all the vegetables diced before you begin cooking.
It just makes things easier and faster.
Now brown the ground beef over medium high heat in a large pot.
Once browned transfer to a large paper towel lined bowl to absorb all the grease.
But make sure to leave about 2 tablespoons worth of grease in the pot.
Now add the onion, garlic and jalapeno to the pot.
Saute for a few minutes over medium heat.
Then add the potatoes, carrots and spices. Stir.
Next add the ground beef, tomato sauce and water. Stir well.
This is the tomato sauce that I use.
It is a hot tomato sauce.
But honestly the picadillo doesn’t taste very spicy.
My kids are still able to eat it.
But if you are especially sensitive to spicy foods you can always use a regular tomato sauce..
Bring picadillo to a boil over medium high heat then cover and reduce heat to medium low.
Simmer for about 40 minutes or until the vegetables are fork tender.
Garnish the cooked picadillo with chopped cilantro if desired.
Serve the picadillo over some white rice or with warm tortillas or both.
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What do you eat picadillo with?
Picadillo is typically served with rice.
You can also serve it with warm flour or corn tortillas.
It’s also great as a filling for empanadas or gorditas.
Picadillo con papas recipe
This picadillo con papas recipe is a simple and comforting meal that the whole family can enjoy.
The leftovers make for a great lunch the next day.
I really hope you enjoyed today’s delicious recipe.
Let me know what you think of it in the comments below.
And don’t forget to leave it a rating.
Thanks for visiting, see you soon!
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Picadillo con Papas
This picadillo con papas is a delicious meal made from ground beef, vegetables and spices. It's best served over white rice.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1/2 onion diced
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 potatoes diced
- 1 whole carrot diced
- 1 jalapeno diced
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- 2 cans el pato hot tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- cilantro optional
Instructions
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Dice all vegetables before cooking.
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Brown the ground beef over medium high heat in a large pot.
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Then transfer to a large paper towel lined bowl so the grease can drain.
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Leave about 2 tablespoons of grease in the pot.
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Now add the onion, garlic and jalapeno to the pot.
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Saute for a few minutes over medium heat.
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Then add the potatoes, carrots and spices. Stir.
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Add the ground beef, tomato sauce and water. Stir well.
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Bring the picadillo to a boil over medium high heat then cover and reduce heat to medium low.
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Simmer for about 40 minutes or until the vegetables are fork tender.
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Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
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Serve over white rice.
If you liked my Mexican picadillo recipe then you should also give Puerto Rican picadillo a try!
Maria
Friday 7th of July 2023
Oh no, what happened to the free recipe?
Carissa
Friday 7th of July 2023
It’s fixed.
Gianna A
Tuesday 8th of March 2022
I love this recipe! I noticed when I first made it, it wasn’t “wet” enough? Do you suggest adding canned diced tomatoes to help with this issue?
Carissa
Thursday 7th of April 2022
You can add a little more water if you like.
Renee
Tuesday 9th of June 2020
THIS WAS SUPER GOOD! MY HUSBANDS ABULIETA MADE THIS FOR US ONE DAY and I absolutely loved it. I am so glad that I stumbled on this recipe. My grocery store did not have that particular tomato sauce, so I added some jarred jalapeños and juice. Thanks for sharing!
Carissa
Thursday 11th of June 2020
Thank you, I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Grace
Sunday 26th of April 2020
Thank you for this recipe. I made this TWICE, and my friends loved it, to think I seldom cook. And because i really dont like chopping vegetables, i made a modification and used 2 cups of frozen vegetables for the stated vegetables. This will be my go to recipe.
Carissa
Monday 27th of April 2020
I'm glad you liked it! I totally understand, I don't love chopping vegetable either.
Yoli
Monday 28th of October 2019
The hubby and I loved it. We will make it again because of how easy it was to prepare. Thank you and keep then recipes coming.
Nicole
Wednesday 17th of February 2021
I have issues with garlic and onion powders so I added extra of the real deal, This turned out amazing, after grabbing diced tomatoes in error bc I couldn't find the hot tomato sauce in the recipe, i added chili flakes, tapatio hot sauce, salsa, cayenne (out of Chili powder), left in the jalapeño seeds, and a little extra cumin. I also added a veggie bouillion instead of plain water and a yellow bell pepper. It was delicious over rice It's also making for a yummy lunch leftover - I'll be making this again for sure!
Carissa
Tuesday 29th of October 2019
I'm so glad you all enjoyed it! It's something I make frequently because of how simple yet delicious it is. Have a great day!