Picadillo with Potatoes
A hearty, homestyle Mexican comfort dish featuring seasoned ground beef and tender chunks of potato simmered in a lightly spiced tomato sauce. Perfect spooned into warm tortillas or served alongside rice, this one-skillet meal comes together in about 30 minutes and fills the kitchen with an irresistibly savory aroma.
For 4 servings
- prep
Prep the vegetables and potatoes.
1.Peel the potatoes and cut into 1/2-inch cubes.2.Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and dice the tomatoes.3.Set everything aside in separate bowls. - saute · ~8 min
Brown the ground beef.
1.Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.2.Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon.3.Cook until browned and no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes.4.Drain excess fat if needed, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.TIPLet the beef sit undisturbed for a minute before breaking it up to get a deeper, meatier sear. - saute · ~4 min
Cook the onion and garlic.
1.Push the beef to one side of the skillet.2.Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.3.Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds. - saute · ~5 min
Add the potatoes and brown them lightly.
1.Stir the diced potatoes into the beef mixture.2.Cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes get lightly golden at the edges, about 5 minutes.TIPDon't move the potatoes too often — letting them sit gives them a nice golden crust. - saute · ~2 min
Build the tomato base and season.
1.Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.2.Cook, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste darkens slightly and the mixture is fragrant, about 2 minutes.TIPCooking the tomato paste raw gives a metallic taste — let it caramelize until it turns brick-red. - simmer · ~15 min
Simmer until potatoes are tender.
1.Pour in the water and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.2.Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.3.Cover and cook until potatoes are fork-tender, about 12-15 minutes.4.Stir once halfway through and add a splash more water if the pan looks dry.TIPCheck doneness by piercing a potato cube with a fork — it should slide through easily. - garnish
Finish and garnish.
Taste and adjust salt if needed. Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the top and serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Drain all but 1 tablespoon of fat after browning to avoid greasiness.
- 2For extra depth, add a pinch of cinnamon or a bay leaf during simmering.
- 3Cut potatoes into even 1/2-inch cubes so they cook at the same pace.
- 4Use a wooden spatula to scrape up browned bits from the pan when adding water — that's concentrated flavor.
- 5Let the picadillo rest covered for 5 minutes after cooking to let flavors meld.
- 6Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 4 days; the potatoes absorb more sauce and taste even better.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-oil
Use 95% lean ground beef and skip the browning oil. Instead, cook the meat in a splash of water or broth, then drain well. This reduces fat without sacrificing much flavor.
veganVegan
Swap the beef with 2 cans of rinsed black beans or 300g of crumbled firm tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of water. A dash of soy sauce adds back the savory depth lost without meat.
spicierSpicier
Add 1-2 diced jalapeños or one chipotle pepper in adobo sauce when you cook the onions. This gives a smoky heat that pairs perfectly with the potatoes.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Balanced Comfort Food
A single dish provides protein from beef, complex carbs from potatoes, and lycopene from tomatoes, making it a satisfying and energizing meal.
Rich in Lycopene
Tomatoes and tomato paste are packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health and is better absorbed when cooked.
Contains Iron from Beef
Ground beef provides heme iron, which is easily absorbed by the body and essential for maintaining healthy oxygen transport in the blood.
Fiber from Potatoes and Vegetables
The potatoes (with skin, if left on) and onions contribute dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, use 93/7 lean ground turkey. Add 1 extra tablespoon of oil since turkey is leaner, and consider a splash of soy sauce for umami depth.
