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Picadillo con Papas

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.

Picadillo con papas on a plate with rice and beans.

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 Picadillo

  • 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 con papas 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.

Picadillo con papas on a plate with rice and beans.
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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.

Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 411 kcal
Author carissa

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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. When the potatoes are cooked through, stir in the chopped cilantro. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Nutrition Facts
Picadillo con Papas
Amount Per Serving (1 g)
Calories 411 Calories from Fat 207
% Daily Value*
Fat 23g35%
Saturated Fat 9g56%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 10g
Cholesterol 81mg27%
Sodium 105mg5%
Potassium 1047mg30%
Carbohydrates 27g9%
Fiber 4g17%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 23g46%
Vitamin A 643IU13%
Vitamin C 39mg47%
Calcium 66mg7%
Iron 4mg22%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Recipe Rating




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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!

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