Picadillo con Chile Serrano

Picadillo con Chile Serrano is a beloved Latin American dish that combines ground beef with a medley of savory ingredients, creating a hearty and flavorful meal. Infused with the warmth of Serrano chile and fresh vegetables, this dish showcases the rich culinary traditions of the region.

The tender potatoes and diced tomatoes meld together to form a comforting sauce, making it perfect for serving over rice or with warm corn tortillas.

Whether enjoyed as a family dinner or a festive gathering, Picadillo is sure to please with its delicious flavors and satisfying textures.

Picadillo with Serrano Chile

Ingredients:

1 ½ tablespoons vegetable oil

1 lb ground beef (85/15%)

⅓ cup diced white onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 Serrano chile, chopped

1 ½ cups diced potatoes (about 8 ounces)

1 lb diced tomatoes (about 2 large tomatoes)

1 Knorr® beef bouillon cube

⅓ cup chopped cilantro

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Heat the Oil:

In a large skillet, warm the vegetable oil over medium heat.

Once the oil is shimmering, add the ground beef.

If the beef clumps together, use a wooden spoon to break it apart, ensuring even cooking.

Sauté until browned, approximately 8 minutes.

Add Aromatics:

Incorporate the diced onion and minced garlic.

Stir and cook for about 1 minute, just until the onion becomes translucent.

Then, add the chopped Serrano chili and diced potatoes.

Continue cooking for about 5 minutes, or until the potatoes begin to soften but remain firm.

Combine Ingredients:

Add the diced tomatoes and the Knorr beef bouillon cube. Mix well.

The tomatoes will release their juices, and the bouillon will dissolve, enhancing the flavor of the dish.

Cover the skillet, reduce the heat, and let it simmer until the potatoes are fully cooked and the tomatoes create a thick sauce.

Season:

Taste the mixture and season with salt and pepper as desired.

Stir in the chopped cilantro.

Serve:

Enjoy your Picadillo with rice and warm corn tortillas on the side.

This flavorful dish brings a delicious blend of textures and tastes, perfect for a comforting meal!

Notes:

Ground Beef Options: You can use lean ground beef (90/10) for a healthier version, but the 85/15 ratio offers a nice balance of flavor and moisture.

Potato Variations: Feel free to substitute the diced potatoes with other vegetables, like carrots or bell peppers, for added flavor and nutrition.

Adjusting Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Serrano chili or remove the seeds before chopping. For extra heat, you can add more Serrano or include a different spicy pepper.

Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes work well, but canned diced tomatoes can be a convenient alternative. Just ensure they are drained if they are in liquid.

Herbs and Seasoning: Fresh cilantro adds brightness, but you can also experiment with other herbs like parsley or even a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions: Picadillo pairs wonderfully with rice, but it can also be served with tortillas, in tacos, or as a filling for empanadas.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even tastier the next day.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even pork for a different flavor.

Just adjust cooking times as needed based on the meat used.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To increase the heat, you can add more Serrano chilies, include chopped jalapeños, or sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce during cooking.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Absolutely! You can make Picadillo ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

The flavors will develop even more as it sits. Just reheat it before serving.

What can I serve with Picadillo?

Picadillo pairs wonderfully with rice, but you can also serve it with warm corn tortillas, in tacos, or alongside black beans for a complete meal.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, Picadillo freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.

What should I do if the beef is too greasy?

If you find the ground beef is too greasy after cooking, you can drain some of the excess fat before adding the onions and garlic.

This will help create a lighter dish.

How can I ensure the potatoes cook evenly?

Cut the potatoes into uniform dice, about 1/2 inch in size, to ensure they cook evenly.

You can also parboil them for a few minutes before adding them to the skillet to speed up cooking.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! Just peel and dice them before adding to the skillet.

If they’re very juicy, you might need to cook them a bit longer to achieve the desired sauce consistency.

Is it necessary to use a bouillon cube?

The bouillon cube adds depth of flavor, but you can substitute it with beef broth or stock instead.

Just adjust the amount of salt you add, as broth can be salty.

What if I don’t have Serrano chilies?

If Serrano chilies aren’t available, you can use jalapeños for a milder heat or even crushed red pepper flakes if you want to add spice without the fresh chili.