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Mexican Picadillo

Discover Hearty Mexican Picadillo: A Comforting Classic

Mexican Picadillo is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender beef with vibrant vegetables, creating a comforting classic.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Beef
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 2 tablespoons Oil olive oil is a great substitute
  • 4 medium Tomatoes fresh or canned
  • 1 large Onion diced
  • 4 cloves Garlic fresh
  • 2 medium Tomatillos can swap for more tomatoes if needed
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds toasting enhances flavor
For the Protein
  • 2 pounds Top Round Beef or ground beef for quicker prep
  • 4 cups Beef Stock homemade or low-sodium for healthier option
For the Heat and Flavor
  • 2 pieces Chile de Arbol or jalapeños for a milder flavor
  • 2 pieces Guajillo Chile or ancho chiles as substitute
For the Vegetables
  • 2 cups Yukon Potatoes or sweet potatoes as variation
  • 1 medium Green Zucchini or yellow squash
  • 2 medium Carrots can swap with any root vegetable
  • 2 cups Swiss Chard or spinach/kale
Seasoning
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper

Equipment

  • large rondeau pot
  • blender
  • separate pan

Method
 

Base Preparation
  1. Heat a generous splash of oil in a large rondeau pot over medium-high heat. Add halved tomatoes, tomatillos, garlic cloves, and onions, roasting for about 10–15 minutes until browned and fragrant.
  2. Remove the vegetables from the pot and set aside.
Toast Spices
  1. In the same pot, toast cumin seeds for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Remove and set aside.
Sear the Beef
  1. Season chunks of top round beef with salt and pepper. Sear in the pot for 10–15 minutes until browned on all sides, then remove and set aside.
Sauté Onions
  1. Add diced onions to the pot, sauté for 20 minutes over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant.
Deglaze the Pot
  1. Pour in beef stock, scraping the pot to deglaze. Return browned beef and reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 60 minutes.
Add Chiles
  1. Introduce seeded chilies to the pot during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
Blend Veggies
  1. Blend softened chilies, roasted vegetables, and some cooking broth until smooth.
Cook Vegetables
  1. Sauté Yukon potatoes, green zucchini, carrots, and Swiss chard in a separate pan over medium heat until tender, about 8–10 minutes.
Combine and Serve
  1. Mix shredded beef, warm broth, and blended vegetable puree back into the pot. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Customize your Mexican Picadillo by adding seasonal vegetables. Make sure to toast your spices for enhanced flavor!

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