Picadillo con papas is one of those comforting, everyday meals that never gets old. It’s simple, filling, and made with ingredients most of us already have on hand. It’s nothing fancy, just good, honest food that always hits the spot! This version is brothy but still hearty, with tender potatoes and ground beef simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce. It’s perfect served with warm tortillas, rice, or even just a spoon and a bowl.
What is Picadillo con Papas?
Picadillo con papas is a traditional Mexican meal consisting of ground beef simmered with diced potatoes in a flavorful homemade tomato broth. This is an economical meal as the potatoes help stretch the ground beef. Some even serve this dish with a side of Mexican rice to further stretch it.
Ingredients
Roma Tomatoes
Roma tomatoes create the base of the sauce. When blended with the onion, garlic, and spices they turn into a flavorful homemade tomato broth that’s better than any canned tomato sauce!
Jalapeño
The jalapeño adds a mild heat and depth of flavor. It isn’t overly spicy but gives the picadillo a nice warmth. If you are sensitive to spice you can remove the seeds from the jalapeno. This helps reduce the level of spice.
White Onion
A small amount of onion adds sweetness and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
Garlic
Fresh garlic gives the sauce a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the beef.
Mexican Oregano
Mexican oregano has a slightly citrusy, earthy flavor that works wonderfully in many Mexican dishes like picadillo.
Chicken Bouillon
Chicken bouillon adds saltiness and depth to the sauce, making the broth more flavorful.
Ground Cumin
Cumin adds warmth and a subtle smoky flavor that complements the tomato sauce and beef.
Water
Water helps create the brothy sauce that the potatoes cook in.
Ground Beef
Ground beef forms the hearty base of the dish. As it cooks, it absorbs the flavors of the tomato sauce and spices.
Gold Potatoes
Gold potatoes are perfect for this dish because they hold their shape while becoming tender as they simmer.
Garlic Powder
Garlic powder enhances the flavor of the ground beef.
Salt and Black Pepper
Salt and pepper help balance the overall flavor of the dish.
Bay Leaves
Bay leaves add a subtle earthy depth while the picadillo simmers.
Fresh Cilantro
Chopped cilantro is stirred in at the end to add freshness and brightness.
How to Make Picadillo
This is an incredibly simple recipe to make. First make the sauce. Add the tomatoes, jalapeno, onion, garlic cloves, oregano, bouillon, cumin and water to a blender and blend until smooth.
Next it’s time to brown the beef. Brown it in a pot over medium heat and break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Let all the liquid evaporate from the beef so that it will eventually start to brown in it’s own fat. This is how you get a good color and flavor on ground beef. Then season it with garlic powder, salt and pepper.
Add the diced potatoes and bay leaf to the pot. Then add the homemade tomato broth. Give it a good stir so everything is evenly combined. Then cover and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender.
How to Serve Picadillo
Picadillo con papas is incredibly versatile. I love serving it with warm corn tortillas so everyone can make their own tacos. It’s also great alongside Mexican rice and beans or simply enjoyed on its own as a comforting bowl of stew.
If you like a thicker picadillo, you can reduce the amount of water slightly. For a more brothy version, keep it just as written. It’s perfect for scooping up with tortillas.
Tips for the Best Mexican Picadillo with Potatoes
- Adjust the broth: Use less water if you prefer a thicker picadillo.
- Don’t skip the bay leaves: They add subtle depth to the sauce.
- Cut potatoes evenly: This helps them cook at the same rate.
- Great for leftovers: Picadillo tastes even better the next day.
This picadillo recipe with potatoes is simple, comforting, and full of flavor, exactly the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table. If you try it, let me know how you served it. I always love hearing your variations.
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Picadillo con Papas
Picadillo con papas is a comforting Mexican ground beef and potato dish simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce. It’s simple to make, hearty, and perfect served with warm tortillas or rice.
Ingredients
- 4 roma tomatoes
- 1 jalapeno
- 1/4 white onion
- 3 garlic cloves peeled
- 1 tsp Mexican oregano
- 2 tsp chicken bouillon
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 2 cups water
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 gold potatoes peeled and chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 bunch cilantro chopped
Instructions
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Add the tomatoes, jalapeño, onion, garlic cloves, oregano, bouillon, cumin and water to a blender. Blend until the sauce is completely smooth and set it aside.
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Heat a pot over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook it while breaking it up with a spatula until it’s fully browned. Season the beef with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
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Once the beef is seasoned, add the chopped potatoes and bay leaves. Pour in the blended tomato sauce and stir everything together so the meat and potatoes are evenly coated.
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Bring the picadillo to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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When the potatoes are cooked through, stir in the chopped cilantro. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Kelly Huff
Tuesday 17th of February 2026
I just happened to have everything needed to make this so I did last night and glad i did because it came out so good! I'd never had this before but want to make it again. This is a comfort food for sure!