If you are on the hunt for a hearty, comforting, and flavorful dish that captures the essence of classic Mexican cuisine, this Mexican Picadillo Recipe is an absolute must-try. This savory ground beef stew is a beautiful harmony of tender meat, aromatic spices, and subtle hints of sweetness from raisins and olives. Each spoonful offers a warm, satisfying experience that feels like a cozy kitchen hug straight from Mexico. Whether served over rice or stuffed inside tortillas, this dish delivers authentic taste with a surprisingly simple cooking process that anyone can enjoy mastering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Mexican Picadillo Recipe is how straightforward yet thoughtfully selected the ingredients are. Each one adds a unique layer of flavor, texture, or color that transforms simple ground beef into a wonderfully rich and complex dish.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Essential for sautéing and bringing together all the flavors with a gentle base.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides the hearty protein foundation with just the right amount of meatiness.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when softened in the pan.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a robust aroma that wakes up every bite.
- 1 small bell pepper, chopped: Offers a fresh crunch and bright, subtle sweetness.
- 1 medium tomato, chopped: Lends acidity and moisture for a balanced sauce.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Infuses that warm, earthy aroma synonymous with Mexican cooking.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Adds mild heat and smoky undertones without overwhelming.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano: Contributes an herbal note that enriches the flavor profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Provides a subtle sweet-spicy tone that’s unexpected yet perfect.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Delivers a delicate warmth that rounds out the spices beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the flavors and balances the dish.
- 1/4 cup raisins: Brings a wonderful burst of sweetness that contrasts the savory elements.
- 1/4 cup sliced green olives: Adds a salty tang and slight briny zing.
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce: Thickens the mixture and deepens the tomato flavor.
- 1/2 cup beef broth: Keeps things juicy and lets the stew simmer to perfection.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro: Sprinkled at the end for freshness and vibrant color.
How to Make Mexican Picadillo Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the beef
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the lean ground beef and brown it thoroughly, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. This step builds the meaty flavor and creates the perfect base for your picadillo.
Step 2: Add aromatics and vegetables
Next, toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper directly into the skillet with the beef. Cook everything together until the vegetables soften, releasing their natural sweetness and fragrant aromas that begin layering the dish’s complexity.
Step 3: Incorporate the spices and tomato
Stir in the chopped tomato along with ground cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, salt, and pepper. Let these mingle over medium heat for about 2 to 3 minutes. This allows the spices to bloom and infuse the mixture with that signature Mexican flavor.
Step 4: Build the stew
Pour in the raisins, sliced green olives, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Mix thoroughly to combine all the ingredients, ensuring every bite will have an exciting blend of sweet, savory, and tangy notes.
Step 5: Simmer to perfection
Bring the entire mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it cook slowly for 20 to 25 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking. This slow simmer lets all the flavors marry beautifully and the liquid reduce to a perfect velvety consistency.
Step 6: Finish with fresh cilantro
Once the liquid has thickened and the flavors have melded harmoniously, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro at the very end to brighten the dish with its fresh herbal kick.
Step 7: Serve and enjoy
Your delicious Mexican Picadillo Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed hot alongside your favorite accompaniments.
How to Serve Mexican Picadillo Recipe
Garnishes
Top your picadillo with some freshly chopped cilantro or even a squeeze of lime for an extra pop of brightness. You could also add diced avocado or a dollop of sour cream for creaminess that complements the spicy and sweet notes in the dish perfectly.
Side Dishes
Serve your Mexican Picadillo alongside fluffy white or Mexican red rice to soak up those wonderful juices. Warm corn or flour tortillas are an ideal partner to scoop up the savory goodness. Some black beans or refried beans also provide traditional and satisfying sides.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, consider stuffing the picadillo into warm taco shells, topping with shredded cheese, or even baking it inside bell peppers for a colorful and elegant twist. It also works beautifully as a filling for empanadas or enchiladas, showing just how versatile this recipe can be.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftover Mexican Picadillo to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making it a convenient and delicious option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This recipe freezes exceptionally well, so you can double the batch and save some for later. Place cooled picadillo in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to retain the best texture and flavors.
Reheating
Warm your Mexican Picadillo gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can add a splash of beef broth or water if it seems too thick. Microwave reheating also works fine—just cover and heat in short intervals, stirring between times for even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a leaner alternative to beef, though you might want to add a little extra seasoning or a splash of broth to keep the dish moist and flavorful.
What can I substitute for raisins if I don’t like them?
If raisins are not your favorite, try using chopped dried apricots or cranberries for that touch of sweetness. They bring a different but equally delicious flavor contrast to the picadillo.
Is Mexican Picadillo spicy?
This recipe has just a mild heat from the chili powder, making it approachable for most palates. If you’re craving more spice, you can easily add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to kick it up.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Use textured vegetable protein (TVP) or lentils as meat substitutes and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. It won’t taste exactly the same but will still capture the spirit of picadillo.
What’s the best way to serve leftover picadillo?
Leftover picadillo is great the next day stuffed inside tacos or even spooned over a baked potato for a quick and tasty meal.
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Picadillo Recipe brings together the comforting aromas and flavors of traditional Mexican cooking with ease and practicality. Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner for your family or hoping to surprise friends with something a little different, this dish checks all the boxes for flavor, texture, and satisfaction. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite to cherish and share again and again!
Print
Mexican Picadillo Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Mexican Picadillo is a flavorful and hearty dish made with lean ground beef, a medley of spices, vegetables, and unique additions like raisins and green olives. This savory mixture is simmered to perfection, blending sweet, salty, and tangy flavors for a comforting and versatile meal that pairs wonderfully with rice or tortillas.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup sliced green olives
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the beef and vegetables.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add lean ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper to the skillet and cook until the vegetables soften, releasing their flavors.
- Add Spices and Tomato: Stir in chopped tomato, ground cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to blend the spices with the vegetables.
- Combine Sweet and Savory: Add raisins, sliced green olives, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop rich flavors and reduce liquids.
- Finish Cooking: Once the liquid has reduced and the flavors have melded together, remove the skillet from heat.
- Add Fresh Cilantro: Stir in chopped fresh cilantro to add a burst of fresh herbal flavor before serving.
- Serve: Enjoy the Mexican Picadillo hot alongside rice, tortillas, or your choice of side dishes for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a slightly sweeter taste, you can add a teaspoon of brown sugar along with the raisins.
- To make it spicier, increase the chili powder or add a diced jalapeño pepper when adding the vegetables.
- Serve with warm tortillas or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a lighter version, use ground turkey instead of ground beef.
