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Authentic Mexican Picadillo

Authentic Mexican Picadillo Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium russet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1/2 medium white onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, minced
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/3 cup raisins
  • 1/3 cup pitted green olives, halved
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

Method
 

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until deeply browned, 5 to 6 minutes. Drain excess fat and transfer beef to a plate.
  2. To the same skillet, add onion, jalapeño, and potato. Cook, stirring often, until onion softens and potatoes begin to color, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, cumin, and oregano and cook 30 seconds.
  3. Return beef to the skillet. Add tomato sauce, broth, bay leaf, salt, pepper, raisins, and olives. Stir, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender and sauce thickens.
  4. Remove bay leaf. Spoon into bowls, top with cilantro, and serve hot.

Notes

This picadillo tastes even better after a 5-minute rest off the heat. The sauce will thicken slightly as it sits. Leftovers keep well and make a great meal-prep option.