If you’re craving a comforting dish that bursts with savory flavors and tender bites, the Picadillo Con Papa Recipe is exactly what you need. This classic Mexican meal combines seasoned ground beef with soft, golden potatoes, accented by the subtle sweetness of raisins and the briny pop of olives. Every spoonful offers a harmonious blend of smoky spices and fresh herbs, making it the perfect dish to share with family or friends on any night of the week. Once you make it, you’ll understand why Picadillo Con Papa is such a beloved traditional Mexican dinner favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that work together to create an incredible depth of flavor and texture. Each one plays a crucial role, from the hearty potatoes that soak up rich tomato sauce to the fragrant spices that give the dish its signature warmth.
- Ground beef: The star protein provides a rich, meaty base that makes the dish hearty and satisfying.
- Olive oil: Adds a smooth and fruity richness to help sauté the aromatics.
- Onion: Offers a sweet and savory foundation when sautéed until fragrant.
- Garlic: Infuses the dish with a pungent, aromatic kick that elevates every bite.
- Russet potatoes: Tender and starchy, they soak up all the delicious sauce while adding comforting texture.
- Tomato: Fresh and slightly acidic, providing brightness and balance.
- Tomato sauce: Helps create a luscious, savory base with that classic Mexican flavor.
- Beef broth: Adds depth and moistness, blending all ingredients seamlessly.
- Green olives: Bring a salty, briny contrast that surprises and delights.
- Raisins (optional): Introduce a touch of sweetness that complements the spices beautifully.
- Cumin: A warm, earthy spice essential to Mexican cooking that rounds out the flavor profile.
- Smoked paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and rich color.
- Chili powder: Offers mild heat and complexity without overpowering.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
- Bay leaves: Impart a fragrant herbal note during simmering.
- Fresh cilantro: Used as a garnish, it brightens the finished dish with fresh, citrusy undertones.
How to Make Picadillo Con Papa Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Brown the Meat
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until they become fragrant and soft—this usually takes about 2 minutes. Next, add the ground beef and break it apart with your spoon as it browns evenly, which will take approximately 7 minutes. Browning the beef properly is key because it builds a deep, meaty flavor that forms the heart of your Picadillo Con Papa Recipe.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
Once the meat is browned, stir in the diced potatoes. Cooking these for about 5 minutes will start to soften them while allowing them to absorb the savory flavors from the skillet. The potatoes add wonderful texture and substance to this dish, making it belly-filling without being heavy.
Step 3: Combine Tomatoes, Broth, and Seasonings
Time to bring everything together! Add the finely chopped tomato, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the skillet. Throw in the sliced green olives and raisins if you’re using them for a sweet contrast. Now, add the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Mixing these spices in at this stage allows the flavors to meld beautifully during simmering, creating that unmistakable warmth and complexity that defines Picadillo Con Papa.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender and Flavorful
Reduce your heat to low and cover the skillet. Let this hearty mixture simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes. During this time, stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking. When the potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly, your dish is ready. Remember to remove the bay leaves before plating, as they’re only meant for flavor during cooking.
How to Serve Picadillo Con Papa Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is the perfect finishing touch for Picadillo Con Papa. Its bright, slightly citrusy flavor cuts through the richness of the dish and adds a vibrant pop of green, making the presentation as inviting as the taste. Feel free to add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for an extra burst of freshness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with warm tortillas for wrapping, fluffy white rice to soak up every bit of sauce, or refried beans for an authentic Mexican experience. You can even serve it alongside a crisp green salad if you want something lighter. The versatility of Picadillo Con Papa means it complements almost any side you choose.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, stuff cooked tortillas with Picadillo Con Papa and top with shredded cheese, avocado slices, and a dollop of sour cream for a quick taco-style meal. Alternatively, serve it over crispy tostadas or even atop baked potatoes for an unexpected but delightful fusion. Each presentation offers a new way to enjoy this classic dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Picadillo Con Papa tastes even better the next day, making leftovers a real treat. Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly sealed, it will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this rich, comforting meal without reheating from scratch.
Freezing
If you want to make this dish ahead for busy nights, freezing is a great option. Allow Picadillo Con Papa to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your Picadillo Con Papa gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can add a splash of beef broth or water if the dish looks dry. Alternatively, microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until piping hot throughout.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground beef with other meats in the Picadillo Con Papa Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or pork work wonderfully as alternatives. They each bring a slightly different flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment according to your taste or dietary preferences.
Is it necessary to add raisins in this recipe?
Raisins add a subtle sweetness that balances the savory and spicy elements in the dish. However, they are optional, so if you prefer your Picadillo Con Papa less sweet, you can easily leave them out without compromising the overall flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
Yes, by replacing ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth, you can create a vegan version. Just ensure to adjust seasoning and cooking times as needed.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too watery?
For a thicker texture, simply remove the lid during the last 5 minutes of simmering to allow excess liquid to evaporate. You can also mash some of the potatoes gently to naturally thicken the sauce.
What are the best ways to serve leftover Picadillo Con Papa?
Leftovers can be repurposed into filling for tacos, stuffed peppers, or even layered in casseroles. It’s a versatile dish that adapts well, turning simple reheats into exciting new meals.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about gathering around a table to enjoy a warm, flavorful dish like this Picadillo Con Papa Recipe. With its inviting aroma, comforting textures, and bold Mexican seasonings, it’s a recipe that not only satisfies hunger but also fills the heart. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover why it’s a treasured classic in so many homes. Happy cooking!
Print
Picadillo Con Papa Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Picadillo Con Papa is a flavorful traditional Mexican main course featuring ground beef simmered with tender diced potatoes, tomatoes, olives, and warm spices. This hearty skillet dish is perfect served with warm tortillas, rice, or beans, offering a comforting and protein-rich meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
- 1 medium tomato, finely chopped
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
Flavorings and Spices
- 1/4 cup green olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Heat the Oil and Sauté Aromatics: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 2 minutes.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook for approximately 7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until fully browned. Drain any excess grease if needed to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Cook Potatoes: Stir in the diced potatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to begin softening the potatoes.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Mix in the chopped tomato, tomato sauce, beef broth, sliced green olives, raisins if using, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and bay leaves. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let the mixture simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and all flavors meld together beautifully.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaves before serving. Garnish the picadillo with chopped fresh cilantro and enjoy with warm tortillas, rice, or beans for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a diced bell pepper along with the onion during sautéing.
- Ground turkey or pork can be used as substitutes for the ground beef for a different taste profile.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, simmer uncovered for the last 5 minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate.
