Picadillo Con Papas Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a truly comforting, flavorful, and downright satisfying meal, look no further than this Picadillo Con Papas Recipe. This dish brings together perfectly seasoned ground beef, tender diced potatoes, and a vibrant mix of tomatoes and spices that create a warming, homestyle experience. With every bite, you get a delicious blend of textures and hearty flavors that feel like a warm hug after a long day. Whether for a family dinner or a casual get-together, Picadillo Con Papas is an absolute crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to make and incredibly rewarding.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Picadillo Con Papas Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building that rich, comforting flavor and satisfying texture without any fuss.

• 1 pound ground beef: Provides the savory, meaty base that brings heartiness to the dish.
• 1/2 onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a slight crunch that balances the richness of the beef.
• 1/2 green bell pepper, diced: Brings a subtle earthiness and color vibrancy.
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic: Infuses a fragrant aroma and deepens the overall flavor.
• 1 medium russet potato, chopped: Offers a soft, comforting texture that complements the beef perfectly.
• 1 (10.5-ounce can) diced tomatoes and chilies: Gives the stew a zesty kick and juicy brightness.
• 1 (8-ounce can) tomato sauce: Adds richness and helps create a luscious sauce.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning: A blend of spices that brings warmth and authentic flavor.
• 1 teaspoon cumin: Adds a smoky, earthy depth perfect for Picadillo.
• Chopped cilantro or green onions for garnish: Fresh herbs that brighten the finished dish.

How to Make Picadillo Con Papas Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating some oil in a skillet over medium heat and adding the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula, stirring until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. This step builds a flavorful foundation, so be sure to drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.

Step 2: Add Onions and Bell Pepper

Once the beef is browned, toss in the diced onions and bell pepper. Cooking them along with the beef softens their texture and lets their flavors mingle, creating a wonderful aromatic base.

Step 3: Stir in Garlic

Next up, add your minced garlic and stir for about a minute. Garlic is crucial here—it releases a savory aroma that lifts the entire dish and pairs beautifully with the beef and veggies.

Step 4: Incorporate the Potatoes

Now, mix in the chopped potatoes. It’s super important to cut these into small pieces, roughly the same size as the onions, to ensure they cook through evenly alongside the meat. Perfectly tender potatoes add a lovely heartiness and subtle sweetness.

Step 5: Add Tomatoes, Sauce, and Seasonings

Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with chilies (including the liquid) and the tomato sauce. Then sprinkle in the taco seasoning, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine those beautiful savory, spicy, and smoky notes that make Picadillo Con Papas Recipe so irresistible.

Step 6: Simmer Until Perfect

Cover the skillet and let everything simmer gently for about 20 minutes. This simmering stage gives the potatoes time to soften fully and allows the flavors to marry into a rich, comforting stew. Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro or green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch.

How to Serve Picadillo Con Papas Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes like cilantro or green onions add a pop of color and a burst of bright, herbal flavor that balances the richness of the dish wonderfully. Don’t be shy—sprinkle generously for that extra wow factor.

Side Dishes

Pair your Picadillo Con Papas with simple sides like warm corn tortillas, steaming white rice, or even some black beans. These sides soak up the flavorful sauce and make for a hearty, well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to jazz it up? Try stuffing Picadillo Con Papas into crispy taco shells or spoon it over a baked sweet potato for a creative twist. It’s also perfect as a filling inside warm pita pockets or even atop nachos for a fun party snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Picadillo Con Papas tastes just as good the next day, making it an excellent candidate for leftovers. Store cooled portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for later, this dish freezes beautifully. Simply let it cool completely, place it in freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw fully before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much to keep that perfect saucy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat in this Picadillo Con Papas Recipe?

Absolutely! While ground beef is the classic choice, ground turkey, chicken, or even pork can work nicely. Just adjust cooking times as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked and tender.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Swap out the meat for plant-based crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms and lentils. Using vegetable broth and adding extra seasoning will keep the flavors rich and satisfying.

What if I don’t have taco seasoning on hand?

No worries! You can make your own by mixing chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne. This blend will achieve a similar depth of flavor.

Are the potatoes necessary, or can I leave them out?

The potatoes give this recipe its signature texture and heartiness but if you prefer, you can leave them out or substitute with sweet potatoes or another root vegetable for a twist.

Is this dish spicy?

The spice level depends largely on the diced tomatoes and chilies you choose. Using mild diced tomatoes will keep it gently spiced, but if you want more heat, opt for ones labeled “hot” or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a dish that feels like home, and this Picadillo Con Papas Recipe does exactly that. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and sure to become a forever favorite in your kitchen. Don’t hesitate—gather your ingredients and bring a little comforting joy to your table tonight with this wonderful recipe.

Picadillo Con Papas Recipe

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3.9 from 21 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A hearty and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish combining seasoned ground beef, diced potatoes, tomatoes, and spices simmered to perfection. Picadillo Con Papas offers a comforting and wholesome meal that’s easy to prepare in under 40 minutes, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Vegetables

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 medium russet potato, chopped into small pieces

Tomatoes and Sauces

• 1 (10.5-ounce can) diced tomatoes and chilies (such as RO*TEL)
• 1 (8-ounce can) tomato sauce

Seasonings

• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

Garnish

• Chopped cilantro or green onions

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Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of oil. Add the ground beef, stirring and breaking it up as it cooks until no longer pink. Drain excess fat carefully.
2. Add Onions and Bell Pepper: To the same skillet with the cooked beef, add the diced onions and green bell pepper. Stir and cook until the onions soften.
3. Incorporate Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir continuously for about one minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Add Diced Potatoes: Stir in the chopped potatoes, ensuring they are diced small enough to cook thoroughly along with the meat and vegetables. If using larger chunks, pre-cooking potatoes beforehand is recommended.
5. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the diced tomatoes with chilies, tomato sauce, taco seasoning, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well to combine all flavors.
6. Simmer: Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure the potatoes are tender.
7. Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or green onions before serving hot.

Notes

• Dice potatoes into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking with the ground beef.
• Adjust seasoning to taste, especially the salt and spiciness based on your preference.
• Use fresh cilantro or green onions to add a fresh burst of flavor at the end.
• This dish pairs well with rice, tortillas, or can be served as a filling for burritos.
• For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican