Description
This easy and flavorful Mexican Picadillo features lean ground beef, tender potatoes, and carrots simmered in a homemade tomato sauce with aromatic spices. A perfect weeknight meal that combines savory and slightly spicy flavors for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Tomato Sauce
- 4 small-medium Roma tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 jalapeño pepper, stemmed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 cup water
Picadillo
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium russet potato, diced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
Instructions
- Prepare the tomato sauce: In a blender, combine the halved tomatoes, half of the diced onion, garlic, jalapeño pepper (stemmed), ½ teaspoon kosher salt, Mexican oregano, ground cumin, and ½ cup water. Blend until completely smooth and set aside.
- Sauté the onions: Heat 2 teaspoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the remaining half of the diced onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, sprinkle with the remaining ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and cook for 6 minutes. Break up the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Drain and discard any excess grease if necessary.
- Add vegetables and simmer: Stir in the diced potato and carrot, and cook for 5 minutes. Pour the pureed tomato mixture over the meat and vegetables and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 15 minutes.
- Finish cooking: Remove the cover and cook uncovered for an additional 5 minutes. Stir in the frozen peas and cook uncovered for another 5 minutes, until the potatoes and carrots are tender. If the mixture starts to dry, add ¼ cup water and continue cooking.
- Season and serve: Taste the picadillo and season with more salt as needed. Serve hot as a main dish or over rice for a hearty meal.
Notes
- Jalapeño pepper can be deseeded to reduce spiciness or omitted entirely for no heat.
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier version and to reduce grease.
- If you prefer, substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.
- Adjust water quantities slightly if the sauce becomes too thick or dry while cooking.
- Serve with warm tortillas, rice, or beans to make it a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
