Perfect Picadillo and Beans for Dinner

Perfect Picadillo and Beans for Dinner combines hearty ground beef picadillo with flavorful pinto beans for a satisfying meal. The picadillo is infused with classic spices like cumin and garlic, simmered with potatoes and tomatoes in beef broth until tender.

Meanwhile, the beans are slow-cooked overnight with bacon and garlic, creating a savory base that’s mashed for a creamy texture. This comforting dish is topped with crispy bacon bits, offering a blend of rich flavors and textures that make it ideal for a comforting dinner.

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.

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.

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.