If you’ve ever craved a comforting, flavorful dish that combines the heartiness of potatoes with rich, spiced ground beef, then you’re going to absolutely love this Picadillo con Papa Recipe. It’s a classic Latin American favorite that brings together simple, humble ingredients into a warm, satisfying meal. Every bite bursts with cozy spices like cumin and oregano, combined with tender potatoes and juicy tomatoes, making it an irresistible comfort food that’s perfect for any day of the week. I’m so excited to guide you through making this dish — it’s truly a kitchen gem that quickly becomes a family staple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Picadillo con Papa Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the savory ground beef to the tender potatoes and bright seasonings, this dish balances flavors and textures beautifully. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand before you start cooking:
- 1 pound ground beef: The rich and meaty base that gives the dish its hearty feel.
- 1 tablespoon oil: For browning the potatoes and cooking the beef evenly.
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped: Adds a sweet and aromatic foundation.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant, savory depth to every bite.
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced small: The star starch that soaks up all the flavorful juices.
- 1 medium tomato, chopped (or 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes): Adds freshness and a slight tang.
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce: Creates a luscious, saucy base to marry all ingredients.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin: Infuses a warm, earthy note.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Offers a gentle kick without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika: Adds mild smokiness and vibrant color.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano: Lends a hint of herbal brightness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balance.
- 1/2 cup water or beef broth: Keeps everything moist and simmers flavors together.
- Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional): Delivers a fresh, zesty finish to the dish.
How to Make Picadillo con Papa Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
Start by heating the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and cook them for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring now and then. You’re aiming for them to be lightly browned and just tender because you want them to hold their shape once the beef is added. This first step sets a wonderful textural contrast for the whole dish, giving it bite and warmth.
Step 2: Brown the Beef with Onion and Garlic
Push the potatoes to one side of the skillet. Add your ground beef, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic to the other side. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, breaking up the beef so it cooks evenly and mixes with the aromatics. Once the beef is browned and cooked through, drain any excess fat if needed to keep the dish from feeling greasy. This layer of flavor is what makes Picadillo con Papa Recipe so richly satisfying.
Step 3: Combine Tomatoes and Spices
Stir in the chopped tomato (or canned diced tomatoes), tomato sauce, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. This step is where the ingredients start melding together, creating that unmistakable, savory Latin flavor profile. The tomatoes add brightness, while the spices bring warmth and complexity.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Add the water or beef broth to the skillet and stir everything to combine well. Bring it to a simmer, then cover the pan and cook for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure the potatoes finish cooking and all the flavors come together beautifully. By the end, the potatoes will be tender and perfectly infused with the spiced beef mixture.
Step 5: Final Adjustments
Give your Picadillo con Papa Recipe a final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like, sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top for a fresh, green pop of flavor. Now it’s ready to serve and enjoy!
How to Serve Picadillo con Papa Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro is the classic way to finish this dish—it adds a lively, herbaceous note that brightens up the hearty flavors. If you want to get creative, a dollop of sour cream or a wedge of lime can also bring a wonderful contrast.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with simple white rice, which helps soak up every bit of that flavorful sauce. Warm corn or flour tortillas are also delicious for wrapping a spoonful of Picadillo con Papa Recipe, turning it into a satisfying handheld meal. For a vegetable side, consider a crisp salad or steamed greens to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving it in small bowls topped with shredded cheese and avocado slices for a fiesta-style presentation. Or use it as a filling for stuffed peppers or empanadas to transform this humble recipe into something surprising and festive. The versatility is part of what makes Picadillo con Papa Recipe such a crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Picadillo con Papa Recipe stores very well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep it in an airtight container to preserve its flavor and moisture. Leftovers often taste even better, as the spices have more time to mingle.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, feel free to freeze the cooked Picadillo. Portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags and it will keep for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for an easy ready-made meal.
Reheating
When reheating, warm it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. Microwaving is convenient too—just cover loosely and heat in short intervals stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat for Picadillo con Papa Recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional and delicious, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even pork if you prefer. Each will change the flavor profile slightly but still yield a tasty meal.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, by swapping out the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils, you can enjoy a vegetarian version. Just keep the same spices and potatoes for that signature taste and texture.
How small should I dice the potatoes?
The potatoes should be diced into small, bite-sized pieces—about half-inch cubes work best. This size ensures they cook through evenly and blend beautifully with the ground beef mixture.
Is it okay to add extra vegetables?
Definitely! Peas, carrots, or green olives are popular additions and add more flavor and color to the dish. Just add them in during the simmering step so they cook through with the other ingredients.
What if I don’t have tomato sauce on hand?
No worries! You can use more canned diced tomatoes or a bit of tomato paste mixed with water. The key is to have enough tomato base for that rich, saucy texture that defines Picadillo con Papa Recipe.
Final Thoughts
Making this Picadillo con Papa Recipe is like welcoming a warm hug from your kitchen. It’s filling, flavorful, and easy enough to whip up any night of the week while still tasting like you spent hours perfecting it. Once you try this dish, it’s bound to become one of your favorite go-to meals to share with loved ones—comfort food at its finest!
Print
Picadillo con Papa Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican, Latin American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Picadillo con Papa is a classic Mexican comfort dish combining ground beef and tender diced potatoes simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce with aromatic spices. This easy stovetop recipe offers a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners, served alongside rice or warm tortillas.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced small
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium tomato, chopped (or 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes)
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup water or beef broth
Garnish
- Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly browned and just tender.
- Cook the beef and aromatics: Push the potatoes to one side of the pan. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic to the pan. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking up the beef with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add tomatoes and spices: Stir in the chopped tomato, tomato sauce, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the mixture: Pour in the water or beef broth and stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet. Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fully tender and the flavors meld together.
- Final seasoning and serve: Adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt or pepper. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve hot with rice or warm tortillas for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can add peas, carrots, or green olives to the dish for added flavor and texture variations.
- This dish stores well in the refrigerator and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
