Name: Mexican Picadillo con Papas - Mexican Food Recipes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tomatoes, diced; 1/4 cup tomato sauce; 1 cup beef broth; 1/2 cup green peas (optional); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish

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When I first made this Mexican Picadillo con Papas, I didn’t expect it to fill the kitchen with such a warm, cozy aroma. There’s something about the sizzle of ground beef, onions, and garlic that just pulls you in. I remember standing there, spoon in hand, sneaking tastes straight from the pan because patience? Not my strong suit. This dish is the kind of comfort food that hugs you from the inside. The potatoes soak up all that rich, tomato-spiced goodness, and every bite feels like home. If you’ve been searching for Mexican Food Recipes that balance hearty flavors with everyday simplicity, this Mexican picadillo recipe is it. I love how it’s humble yet bold, traditional yet flexible—you can make it your own without losing its soul. We all have that one recipe that becomes part of our story, and for me, this is one of them. Whether you’re cooking dinner for two or a table full of family, this one will disappear faster than you can say ‘seconds.’ It’s one of those Mexican Recipes For Dinner that makes everyone feel a little extra loved. Simple, satisfying, and unforgettable—just like the best Easy Mexican Food Recipes should be.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Mexican Picadillo con Papas Recipe
3) Ingredients for Mexican Picadillo con Papas
4) How to Make Mexican Picadillo con Papas
5) Tips for Making Mexican Picadillo con Papas
6) Making Mexican Picadillo con Papas Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Mexican Picadillo con Papas
8) Try these Mexican Food Recipes next!
9) Mexican Picadillo con Papas
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Mexican Picadillo con Papas is the ultimate comfort meal with simple ingredients.
Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep for busy families.
Customizable with ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils for a vegetarian twist.
Pairs beautifully with rice, tortillas, or even a fried egg on top.

2) Easy Mexican Picadillo con Papas Recipe

I’ve made a lot of Mexican Food Recipes, but none feel quite like home the way this Mexican Picadillo con Papas does. The smell alone makes me think of family dinners when laughter filled the kitchen, and someone always tried to sneak a bite before it hit the table. This dish is all about warmth and comfort, cooked with love and maybe a few extra pinches of spice when no one’s looking.

It’s one of those Mexican Recipes For Dinner that feels both traditional and forgiving. Forgot to buy peas? No problem. Want more heat? Add a jalapeño. There’s no rigid rulebook here—just good, honest food that makes people happy. The rich sauce clings to tender potatoes and ground beef in a way that practically begs for a warm tortilla to soak it all up.

We love recipes like this because they remind us that Mexican Food Recipes aren’t about fancy ingredients but about flavor and care. Simple ingredients can tell big stories when you cook them right. So grab a skillet, and let’s make something that’ll have everyone asking for seconds before they’ve finished their first plate.

3) Ingredients for Mexican Picadillo con Papas

Ground Beef: This is the heart of the dish. I like to use lean beef so the sauce doesn’t get greasy but still has that deep, rich flavor that makes it feel hearty.

Potatoes: Soft, golden cubes that soak up all the saucy goodness. They add that perfect bit of comfort to every spoonful.

Onion: A quick sauté of onion sets the base flavor for everything that follows. I always let mine get slightly golden before adding the next ingredient.

Garlic: Just two cloves make all the difference. That hint of garlic blends right into the beef and tomatoes for a smooth depth of flavor.

Tomatoes: Fresh and juicy, diced small so they melt right into the sauce. I’ve used canned before too, and it works just fine on busy nights.

Tomato Sauce: A few spoonfuls help tie everything together into that rich red stew-like consistency we love.

Beef Broth: Keeps everything tender and juicy, giving the sauce that perfect balance between hearty and silky.

Spices: A mix of cumin, paprika, and chili powder gives that classic Mexican recipe kick without overwhelming the natural flavors.

Olive Oil: Just enough to brown the beef and potatoes without making things heavy. It’s a small detail but it makes all the difference.

Green Peas: Optional, but I add them whenever I want a pop of color and sweetness.

Salt and Pepper: Always to taste—just trust your senses. Taste, adjust, taste again. Cooking’s supposed to be fun.

4) How to Make Mexican Picadillo con Papas

Step 1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Toss in diced potatoes and cook them until they start turning golden. They’ll crisp slightly and smell amazing—that’s when you know they’re ready to rest on the side for a bit.

Step 2. Add onions and garlic to the same skillet. Cook until you catch that perfect, savory aroma that means you’re building flavor. Then toss in the beef and stir it around until browned.

Step 3. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and spices. Stir gently and let everything bubble for a minute or two. That’s when the sauce starts thickening and deepening in flavor.

Step 4. Pour in beef broth and bring it to a simmer. Return the potatoes to the pan and let them soak in all that spiced richness.

Step 5. Add peas if you like them, then lower the heat. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring once or twice to keep it even.

Step 6. When it’s done, you’ll see the sauce cling to the beef and potatoes. That’s your cue. Serve it hot with tortillas, rice, or even a fried egg if you’re feeling extra.

5) Tips for Making Mexican Picadillo con Papas

Don’t rush the browning. Let the beef and onions take their time—it’s where the depth of flavor comes from. If you skip that, you’ll lose that signature richness that makes Mexican recipes like this so comforting.

Make it your own. Some people add raisins for sweetness, others throw in jalapeños for a spicy kick. There’s no wrong way to personalize your food, especially when you’re making something from a list of Mexican Food Recipes meant to fit real life.

Balance the seasoning as you go. The potatoes will soak up salt and spice, so taste near the end. If it feels too thick, a splash more broth can bring it right back to silky perfection. Trust yourself—you know when it’s right.

6) Making Mexican Picadillo con Papas Ahead of Time

This dish gets even better the next day. The flavors settle in, mingle, and deepen in a way that feels cozy and familiar. I often make it the night before and reheat it for an easy weeknight dinner—it’s one of those Easy Mexican Food Recipes that doesn’t just save time but somehow tastes even better after resting.

Store it in an airtight container once it cools down. Reheat on the stove with a small splash of broth to keep it soft and saucy. The potatoes stay tender, and the flavor holds up beautifully.

If you’re meal prepping, divide it into portions and freeze them. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently on the stove. It’s the kind of dish that welcomes you back home after a long day.

7) Storing Leftover Mexican Picadillo con Papas

Leftovers keep well for about four days in the fridge. Just make sure they’re stored in an airtight container. I like reheating it on the stove because it brings that comforting aroma back to life.

If it thickens too much, a splash of water or broth brings it back to the right texture. Don’t microwave it too long—it’s better to warm it slowly so the potatoes stay firm and flavorful.

Honestly, sometimes the leftovers taste better than the first round. There’s something about the sauce getting cozy overnight that makes it even richer. It’s one of those Mexican recipes that age like a good story—gets better every time you revisit it.

8) Try these Mexican Food Recipes next!

9) Mexican Picadillo con Papas