If you’ve ever craved a comforting dish that bursts with warm, homestyle flavors, then you will absolutely love this Picadillo Con Papa Recipe. This Mexican classic combines tender ground beef with perfectly cooked potatoes, simmered in a fragrant tomato sauce spiced just right to bring each bite to life. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a cozy hug on a plate, perfect for family dinners or anytime you want something both hearty and truly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Picadillo Con Papa Recipe is in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in balancing flavors, textures, and colors—from creamy potatoes to the savory depth of beef and spices.
- 1 pound ground beef: The star protein that delivers rich, savory flavor and comforting texture.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps to cook the potatoes and beef, adding richness and aiding browning.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and a gentle bite to deepen the flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and delightful savoriness.
- 1 large russet potato, peeled and diced: Brings a soft yet slightly crispy texture when cooked, making the dish wonderfully hearty.
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce: Creates a luscious, tangy base that ties all the ingredients together.
- 1/4 cup water: Keeps the mixture moist and helps the potatoes finish cooking evenly.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds an earthy, slightly smoky depth that’s signature to Mexican cuisine.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings herbal brightness that complements the meatiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives a mild sweetness with a subtle warmth and beautiful red hue.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional): Provides a surprising hint of warmth and complexity.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every flavor note.
- 1/4 cup green olives, sliced (optional): Lends a briny pop of flavor that contrasts nicely with the rich beef and potatoes.
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional): Adds fresh, citrusy brightness as a finishing touch.
How to Make Picadillo Con Papa Recipe
Step 1: Brown and Cook the Potatoes
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your diced russet potatoes, stirring occasionally to ensure they brown evenly. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes until the potatoes are tender on the inside with a slight crisp on the outside. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside—this step ensures each bite has a delightful texture contrast.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Browning adds incredible depth of flavor and richness to the dish. If there’s excess grease, drain it carefully to keep the dish balanced.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next up, toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Let them sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes until soft and fragrant. This builds a savory base layer that complements the heartiness of the meat and potatoes perfectly.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Return the cooked potatoes to the skillet. Pour in the tomato sauce and water, then sprinkle in ground cumin, dried oregano, paprika, cinnamon if using, salt, and pepper. Stir everything vigorously to make sure the seasonings blend well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the flavors marry for 10 to 15 minutes. This step allows the potatoes to finish cooking and the meat to soak up all those beautiful spices.
Step 5: Add Final Touches
Just before you serve, stir in sliced green olives and chopped cilantro if you love that fresh and salty contrast. These ingredients make the Picadillo Con Papa Recipe feel vibrant and give it that extra finishing flourish that elevates every bite to a new level.
How to Serve Picadillo Con Papa Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or even a dollop of crema add brightness that cuts through the richness of the dish. If you like a little heat, sprinkle some thinly sliced jalapeño peppers on top for an exciting kick.
Side Dishes
This Picadillo Con Papa Recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice or warm corn tortillas to soak up every bit of the savory sauce. For a lighter meal, serve it over a crisp bed of lettuce or alongside a fresh avocado salad to balance the heartiness.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve the picadillo stuffed inside baked bell peppers or atop crispy tostadas for a fun twist. You can also turn it into a filling for enchiladas or savory empanadas, offering a delicious way to enjoy those classic flavors in new forms.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Picadillo Con Papa Recipe keep wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness and flavor, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead in bulk, this dish freezes wonderfully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for a stress-free meal that tastes just as fresh.
Reheating
Reheat your picadillo in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm it evenly and keep those potatoes tender. You can also use the microwave—just cover loosely and heat in short intervals, stirring between each to avoid hotspots.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for Picadillo Con Papa Recipe?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes work beautifully due to their texture and ability to crisp up, you can use Yukon gold or red potatoes, though they might stay a bit firmer and less fluffy.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils to maintain that meaty texture while keeping it vegetarian-friendly. Just adjust seasoning as needed.
How spicy is this Picadillo Con Papa Recipe?
This recipe is mild by default, focusing on warm spices rather than heat. If you like things spicier, adding fresh chili peppers or a dash of cayenne can bring up the heat level with ease.
Can I prepare Picadillo Con Papa Recipe in advance?
Definitely. The flavors even deepen if made ahead and refrigerated overnight. Just reheat gently before serving to keep the potatoes intact and tender.
What can I serve with this dish for a complete meal?
A simple green salad, a side of black beans, or some warm tortillas round out the meal beautifully, turning it into a satisfying, well-balanced dinner.
Final Thoughts
I encourage you to try this Picadillo Con Papa Recipe soon. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the classic comforts of Mexican home cooking that’s straightforward, full of flavor, and sure to bring warmth to any table. Whether a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is bound to become a treasured favorite.
Print
Picadillo Con Papa Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Picadillo Con Papa is a classic Mexican comfort dish featuring seasoned ground beef cooked with tender diced potatoes in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. Enhanced with aromatic spices like cumin, oregano, and a hint of cinnamon, this one-pan skillet meal is hearty, satisfying, and easy to prepare. Ideal for a weeknight dinner, it pairs wonderfully with warm tortillas, rice, or fresh greens for a lighter option.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large russet potato, peeled and diced into small cubes
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup water
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes
- 1/4 cup green olives, sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Potatoes: Heat the olive 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. Remove the potatoes from the skillet and set aside.
- Brown Beef: In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent, enhancing the flavor base.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir the cooked potatoes back into the skillet. Pour in the tomato sauce and 1/4 cup of water, then sprinkle in the cumin, oregano, paprika, and cinnamon if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together thoroughly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and cook for 10–15 minutes, allowing the potatoes to become fully tender and the flavors to meld.
- Add Finishing Touches: Just before serving, stir in the sliced green olives and chopped cilantro if desired to add a fresh, bright note to the dish.
Notes
- Serve Picadillo Con Papa with warm tortillas or steamed rice for a complete meal.
- For a lighter option, serve over a bed of fresh lettuce instead of tortillas or rice.
- Add diced carrots or peas during the sauté step to incorporate more vegetables.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and reheats well, making it convenient for meal prep.
