Irresistible Mexican Picadillo Recipe for Comforting Meals

Name: Mexican Picadillo
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio); 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup bell peppers (mixed green and red), finely chopped; 1 cup tomato sauce; ½ cup pitted green olives, sliced; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup diced potatoes (optional)

Recipe By:

Daniel Lawson

Posted:

January 22, 2026

Updated:

January 22, 2026

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Imagine a dish that wraps you in warmth, as if your grandmother is giving you a big hug while wearing an apron and whistling a happy tune. Yes, we’re talking about the irresistible picadillo recipe Mexican style! This vibrant blend of ground meat, spices, and veggies fills the air with aromatic goodness that can make even the toughest food critic weak at the knees.

Picture this: It’s a chilly Sunday afternoon, and you’re gathering with family around the table, eager for some delicious comfort food. As the smell of picadillo wafts through the house, everyone’s anticipation builds—not just for dinner but for shared stories and laughter. Trust me when I say this dish will not only tantalize your taste buds but also create unforgettable memories.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This easy picadillo recipe Mexican style offers a delightful combination of flavors without requiring hours in the kitchen

The colorful ingredients make it visually appealing and perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings
It’s highly versatile; serve it over rice, in tacos, or even on its own!

My family always raves about my picadillo. They can’t resist going back for seconds—or thirds—every time I serve it!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Ground Beef: I prefer using 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for flavor without being too greasy.
Onion: A medium onion, finely chopped adds sweetness and depth to the mix.
Garlic: Use 3-4 cloves minced to pack your picadillo with aromatic goodness.

Bell Peppers: A mix of green and red bell peppers brings color and texture; chop them finely.
Tomato Sauce: About one cup adds moisture and richness to balance the spices.
Olives: A handful of pitted green olives gives that briny kick that makes every bite sing!

Cumin and Oregano: Essential spices that add warmth; fresh herbs are best but dried work too!
Potatoes (optional): Diced potatoes add heartiness to your picadillo; feel free to skip if you want lighter fare.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

First things first: Gather all your ingredients so you’re ready to create magic in the kitchen!

Prep Your Meats and Veggies: Start by dicing your onions, bell peppers, and garlic. This step is critical because nobody wants large chunks of veggies in their picadillo unless they enjoy a surprise crunch!

Sauté Until Fragrant: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add some olive oil and toss in those onions first until they’re translucent and fragrant. Then throw in garlic—the aroma will be heavenly!

Add Ground Beef: Increase the heat slightly before adding ground beef to the pan. Cook it until browned thoroughly while breaking it up with a spatula—this ensures even cooking.

Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in your chopped bell peppers, tomatoes, olives, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let everything mingle together like old friends at a reunion until all veggies soften beautifully.

Let It Simmer: Pour in tomato sauce along with any diced potatoes if using. Reduce heat to low, cover gently, and let simmer for about 30 minutes—this allows all those scrumptious flavors to blend perfectly.

Serve Up Some Happiness!: Remove from heat; give it a taste test! Adjust seasoning as needed before serving hot over rice or tucked into tortillas—whatever floats your boat!

Now go ahead! Gather your loved ones around this delightful meal that promises smiles all around. Enjoy sharing stories while indulging in every mouthwatering bite of your very own Mexican picadillo masterpiece!

You Must Know

This picadillo recipe Mexican is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, making it perfect for any family dinner
The rich aroma fills your kitchen as the ingredients meld together, creating a comforting meal that everyone will love

Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground beef to lock in flavor, then add the vegetables and spices for a harmonious blend. Cook until everything is tender and fragrant.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or chicken if you want a lighter option. You can also add raisins or olives for a sweet or briny kick!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Choose lean ground beef for less grease and a healthier dish
Sauté your onions until translucent for maximum flavor enhancement
Don’t forget to taste as you go; adjusting seasoning makes all the difference!

Sharing this picadillo recipe Mexican with friends at my last dinner party made me feel like a culinary rock star! Their compliments and happy bellies were more than enough validation that I nailed it.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use other meats in this picadillo recipe Mexican?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well if you prefer lighter options.

What sides pair well with picadillo?

Serve it with rice, tortillas, or even over mashed potatoes for comfort food bliss.

Can I freeze leftovers from this picadillo recipe Mexican?

Yes! Store in freezer-safe containers for up to three months for easy future meals.

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