Perfect Picadillo and Beans for Dinner

There’s something incredibly comforting about a pot of Perfect Picadillo and Beans for Dinner — a dish that warms both the kitchen and the soul.

This traditional comfort food blends the rich savoriness of seasoned ground beef and tender potatoes with the earthy, smoky flavor of slow-cooked pinto beans and bacon. Every bite carries a balance of spice, texture, and depth that feels both nostalgic and satisfying.

Rooted in humble, home-cooked tradition, this dish captures the essence of family meals made from the heart — hearty, simple, and full of warmth. Whether served with a stack of warm tortillas or a side of rice, it’s the kind of dinner that brings everyone to the table and reminds you why slow, flavorful cooking never goes out of style.

Why People Will Love Perfect Picadillo and Beans for Dinner

Rich, comforting flavors: The savory blend of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and smoky beans delivers a deeply satisfying taste that feels like home in every bite.

Perfect balance of texture: Soft beans, hearty beef, and creamy potatoes create a wholesome combination that’s both rustic and comforting.

Hearty and filling: Packed with protein and fiber, this dish is a complete, nourishing meal that keeps you full and energized for hours.

Family-style comfort: It’s the kind of dish that invites everyone to gather around the table — familiar, warm, and cooked with love.

Customizable and timeless: Whether you prefer extra spice, a bit more broth, or your favorite toppings, this recipe adapts easily to any taste while preserving its traditional essence.

Key Ingredients:

Ground Beef: The foundation of the picadillo — rich, savory, and deeply flavorful once browned and simmered with spices and tomatoes.

Potatoes: Tender cubes of potatoes soak up the broth and seasonings, adding heartiness and comfort to every spoonful.

Pinto Beans: Slow-cooked until creamy and soft, they bring earthiness and depth that perfectly complement the beef.

Bacon: Adds a smoky, salty undertone to the beans, infusing them with irresistible flavor.

Beef Broth & Garlic: These two elevate the dish, tying together all the ingredients into a warm, aromatic harmony.

Expert Tips:

Brown the beef properly: Don’t rush this step — allow the beef to sear and develop a deep golden color before adding other ingredients. This builds a richer, more complex flavor base for the picadillo.

Simmer slowly for tenderness: Once the potatoes and broth are added, keep the heat low and let it simmer gently. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and the potatoes to soften without falling apart.

Enhance depth with fresh aromatics: Use freshly chopped onions and garlic instead of powders when possible — they add layers of fragrance and authenticity.

Cook beans with patience: Soak your beans overnight to ensure even cooking and a creamy interior. Adding bacon and garlic early in the process infuses the broth with smoky richness.

Mash for texture control: When the beans are done, mash them slightly for a creamy yet rustic texture — perfect alongside the chunky, saucy picadillo.

Balance your seasoning: Taste as you go. A pinch more cumin, a touch of salt, or a dash of pepper at the right moment can elevate the entire dish from good to unforgettable.

Perfect Picadillo and Beans for Dinner

Ingredients:

Picadillo:

1 pound of ground beef

1-2 potatoes cut up

1/2 carton of beef broth

1 Chopped Tomato

Fresh Onion or onion powder

Cumin ( to your liking)

Garlic powder

Salt & pepper

Beans:

1 bag of pinto beans

1 package of bacon

2 cloves of garlic

Instructions:

Picadillo:

Cook & brown meat.

Drain grease.

Add potatoes, tomatoes, seasonings & beef broth.

Cook on low & cover with lid until potatoes are soft.

Beans:

Cook beans in a crock pot over night.

Place beans & fill with water.

Chop up half package of bacon & throw in 2 cloves of garlic.

Cook on low for 8 hours.

Add salt to your liking. When done, fry up rest of bacon in a pan.

Add beans and mash beans.

Add salt and pepper.

Enjoy!!!

Notes:

Picadillo Preparation:

Start by browning the ground beef until cooked through, then drain any excess grease for a leaner dish.

Adding diced potatoes and chopped tomatoes brings a hearty texture to the picadillo.

Season generously with cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavors.

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Simmer the mixture in beef broth until the potatoes are tender, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Bean Preparation:

Use dried pinto beans for a traditional touch, cooked slowly overnight in a crockpot for optimal tenderness.

Flavor the beans with bacon and garlic during the long cooking process to infuse rich, savory notes.

Mash the beans after cooking to create a creamy consistency, ensuring they absorb the flavors of the bacon and garlic.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting based on personal preference for a balanced flavor profile.

Final Assembly and Serving:

Fry up the remaining bacon until crispy to add a crunchy topping to the beans, adding texture and a smoky flavor.

Serve the picadillo and beans together for a comforting meal, perfect for a family dinner or a hearty weeknight treat.

Adjust seasoning as needed before serving to ensure the flavors are well-balanced and satisfying.

Important Notes When Making Perfect Picadillo and Beans for Dinner

Use quality beef: Opt for 80/20 ground beef for the ideal balance of flavor and tenderness — enough fat to keep the picadillo juicy but not greasy.

Don’t skip the draining step: After browning the meat, drain excess fat to avoid an oily texture and ensure a cleaner, richer taste in the final dish.

Be patient with the beans: Cooking beans slowly allows the flavors from bacon and garlic to fully infuse, creating that traditional smoky-sweet undertone.

Adjust the liquid carefully: If your picadillo starts to dry out, add a splash more beef broth; if it’s too soupy, remove the lid and let it simmer uncovered to thicken naturally.

Taste near the end: Seasoning changes as the dish cooks — add your final salt, cumin, and pepper only after tasting, ensuring perfect balance.

Serve fresh: Both components — picadillo and beans — taste best freshly made, but leftovers develop deeper flavor overnight, making this a great make-ahead meal.

How to Enjoy Perfect Picadillo and Beans for Dinner After Cooking

Serve it family-style: Bring the warm pot of picadillo and the creamy beans straight to the table. Let everyone serve themselves — the aroma alone will draw them in.

Pair it perfectly: Spoon generous portions of picadillo alongside a hearty serving of mashed or whole beans. The smoky beans balance beautifully with the savory beef and potatoes.

Add fresh sides: Complement the richness with warm flour tortillas, fluffy white rice, or a crisp side salad with lime vinaigrette. These simple additions complete the meal without overpowering it.

Garnish for freshness: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro, diced onions, or a squeeze of lime over the top just before serving — it brightens and lifts the flavors instantly.

Turn leftovers into new meals: Use the picadillo as a filling for tacos, burritos, or empanadas. Mash leftover beans for tostadas or refried beans — nothing goes to waste.

Pair with a drink: Enjoy with a chilled Mexican beer, agua fresca, or a comforting cup of café de olla for the perfect traditional touch.

Savor the warmth: Eat slowly and appreciate the balance of textures — the soft potatoes, creamy beans, and tender beef — all tied together by smoky spices and love in every bite.

Nutrition Information:

Picadillo (per serving, about 1/6th of the recipe):

Beans (per serving, about 1/6th of the recipe):

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in the picadillo?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef to make a lighter version of this dish.

How long do I need to cook the picadillo for the potatoes to become soft?

The cooking time for the picadillo will depend on the size of the potato pieces and the heat setting.

Generally, simmering covered on low heat for about 15-20 minutes after adding the potatoes should make them tender.

Can I use canned beans instead of cooking them from scratch?

Yes, you can use canned pinto beans to save time.

Just drain and rinse them before adding to the recipe, and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

You can make a vegetarian version by substituting plant-based ground “beef” or crumbles for the meat and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

What can I serve this dish with for a complete meal?

This dish can be served with rice, tortillas, or crusty bread.

You can also add a side of vegetables or a simple salad for a well-rounded meal.

Can I use canned beans instead of cooking pinto beans from scratch?

Yes, you can substitute canned pinto beans to save time.

Just be sure to drain and rinse them before using. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is there a healthier alternative to using bacon in the beans?

Yes, if you’re looking for a healthier option, you can skip the bacon or use turkey bacon or smoked turkey as a lighter alternative to add flavor.

What can I serve with this dish to make it a complete meal?

You can serve the picadillo and beans with rice, tortillas, or bread.

A side salad or some sautéed vegetables can complement the meal.

Can I make this recipe in advance and reheat it later?

Yes, both the picadillo and beans can be made in advance and reheated when you’re ready to eat.

Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

Can I adjust the level of spiciness in this recipe?

Yes, you can control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of cumin, or you can add chili powder or hot sauce to increase the heat according to your taste preferences.