🍳DailyRecipes
Dinner

Classic Mexican Picadillo

This hearty Mexican picadillo is a comforting, one pan meal that comes together quickly for a busy weeknight.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 Mexican· July 18, 2026
Classic Mexican Picadillo
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
10 minutes
Cook
30 minutes
Total
40 minutes
Serves
4

Picadillo is a staple in many kitchens because it is so satisfying and simple to put together. It combines tender ground beef with soft potatoes in a savory tomato base that tastes even better when served over a pile of warm rice.

My favorite thing about this recipe is how versatile it is. If you want a bit more flavor, you can always add some diced carrots or a handful of raisins for a traditional touch. Just make sure to cut your potatoes into small, even cubes so they cook through at the same time as the meat.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

  2. 2

    Add the diced potatoes and cook for about 8 minutes until they start to soften and turn golden brown.

  3. 3

    Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as you go.

  4. 4

    Stir in the onion and garlic and cook for another 3 minutes until the onion is soft.

  5. 5

    Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth.

  6. 6

    Season the mixture with cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.

  7. 7

    Cover the pan and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened.

  8. 8

    Serve hot garnished with fresh cilantro.

💡 Tips

Serve this dish with warm flour or corn tortillas and a side of avocado. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. It actually tastes wonderful the next day once the spices have had time to settle.

#Mexican#Dinner#Beef#Comfort Food#Easy

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