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
Scale
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.
