Description
This Picadillo Recipe is made with ground beef, onion, jalapeños, chili powder, cumin, and garnished with cilantro and limes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, deseeded and minced
- ½ cup diced medium red potatoes
- Salt and pepper
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 bay leaves
- Juice of ½ lime
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped red onion, minced garlic, and minced jalapeño to the skillet. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the diced potatoes to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes start to soften.
- Push the onion, garlic, jalapeño, and potatoes to one side of the skillet, creating space in the center. Add the ground beef to the center of the skillet and break it up with a spatula or spoon. Cook the ground beef until it is browned and fully cooked.
- Once the ground beef is cooked, mix it with the sautéed onion, garlic, jalapeño, and potatoes in the skillet.
- Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies to the skillet, along with the chili powder, cumin, and bay leaves. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and discard the bay leaves. Squeeze the juice of half a lime over the picadillo and sprinkle it with chopped cilantro. Stir to incorporate the lime juice and cilantro throughout.
- Taste the picadillo and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
- Serve the picadillo hot over steamed rice or with warm tortillas. It can be garnished with additional cilantro, if desired.
Notes
- If you cut the potatoes smaller, they require less time to cook.
- Browning the meat: When browning the ground beef, make sure to break it up into small crumbles for even cooking. This will help to develop a rich flavor and texture.
- Drain excess fat: After browning the ground beef, drain any excess fat from the skillet. This step helps reduce the greasiness of the dish and makes it lighter.
- Sauté the aromatics: Sauté the onions, garlic, and jalapeno until they become fragrant and slightly softened. This step allows their flavors to develop and infuse into the picadillo.
- Season in layers: Add the spices, such as chili powder and cumin, at the appropriate stage of cooking to allow them to bloom and release their flavors. This technique enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the picadillo as it cooks and adjust the seasoning according to your preferences. You can add more salt, pepper, or spices to achieve the desired flavor profile.
- Simmer for flavor melding: Once all the ingredients are combined, let the picadillo simmer over low heat for some time. This allows the flavors to meld together and intensify.
- Add acidity: Squeeze fresh lime juice into the picadillo towards the end of cooking or just before serving. The acidity brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the dish.
- Let it rest: If time permits, allow the picadillo to cool slightly and then let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to further develop and the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or parsley on top of the picadillo just before serving. The herbs add a fresh and vibrant element to the dish.
- Customize and experiment: Picadillo is a versatile recipe, so feel free to add your own twist. You can incorporate additional vegetables, spices, or even some unique ingredients to make it your own. Don't be afraid to experiment and adapt the recipe to suit your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 354.3
- Sugar: 2.7 g
- Sodium: 403.4 mg
- Fat: 24.0 g
- Saturated Fat: 9.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 7.7 g
- Fiber: 1.6 g
- Protein: 21.5 g
- Cholesterol: 85.0 mg
