Green Chile Picadillo and Pinto Beans

Introducing a hearty and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite: Green Chile Picadillo. This traditional Latin American dish combines seasoned ground beef with aromatic vegetables and spices, simmered to perfection in a savory green chile-infused broth.

With the addition of tender potatoes and a medley of spices including cumin and coriander, each bite bursts with rich and satisfying flavors. Served alongside warm tortillas, this comforting meal is perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to festive gatherings.

And to complete the meal, we’ve included a simple recipe for classic pinto beans cooked to creamy perfection with garlic and olive oil. Get ready to savor the taste of homemade comfort with this delicious duo of Green Chile Picadillo and Pinto Beans.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This Green Chile Picadillo paired with homemade Pinto Beans offers a deeply satisfying culinary experience that’s sure to be loved for several compelling reasons:

Authentic Southwestern Flavors

The combination of green chile, cumin, and coriander in the picadillo creates an authentic Southwestern flavor profile that is both distinctive and comforting. These flavors tell a story of regional cooking traditions, appealing to those who appreciate genuine cultural dishes.

Perfect Balance of Textures

The picadillo offers a delightful textural contrast between the tender ground beef, soft potatoes, and slightly crisp peppers and onions. When served alongside the creamy pinto beans, the dish provides a satisfying mouthfeel that keeps each bite interesting.

Hearty and Filling

Both components of this meal are substantial and filling, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The protein from the beef and beans, along with the starchy potatoes, creates a meal that satisfies hunger and provides sustained energy.

Simple, Wholesome Ingredients

The recipe relies on basic, whole food ingredients rather than processed components. This simplicity not only makes the dish accessible to prepare but also appeals to those seeking more natural, less processed meals for their families.

Versatility and Adaptability

The picadillo can be enjoyed in multiple ways—wrapped in tortillas, served over rice, or eaten on its own. The beans work as both a side dish and a base for other meals. This versatility means leftovers can be repurposed creatively for different meals throughout the week.

Economical Yet Impressive

Using ground beef and beans as protein sources makes this a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or satisfaction. It’s an excellent example of how simple, affordable ingredients can be transformed into something truly special.

Comforting and Familiar

There’s something inherently comforting about the combination of seasoned meat, potatoes, and beans. These dishes tap into familiar comfort food territory while offering distinctive flavors that elevate them beyond the ordinary.

Make-Ahead Friendly

Both the picadillo and beans actually improve in flavor when made ahead of time, allowing the spices to meld and develop. This makes them perfect for meal prep or for busy households where cooking every day isn’t always feasible.

Key Ingredients:

Green Chile: The star ingredient that gives this picadillo its distinctive Southwestern character, providing a perfect balance of heat and flavor that permeates the entire dish.

Ground Beef: Forms the hearty base of the picadillo, offering rich, savory flavor and satisfying protein that pairs beautifully with the aromatic spices and vegetables.

Potatoes: These add a comforting starchiness and absorb the flavorful sauce, creating tender bites that help stretch the dish and provide substance.

Cumin and Coriander: This classic spice duo brings earthy, warm notes that are essential to authentic Southwestern cuisine, enhancing both the picadillo and beans.

Pinto Beans: Prepared simply with olive oil and garlic, these beans develop a creamy texture and rich flavor that complements the picadillo perfectly while standing strong on their own.

Garlic: Used in both dishes, garlic provides an aromatic foundation that deepens the overall flavor profile and brings the separate components together.

Green Chile Picadillo

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef

1 tsp olive oil

1 small onion, diced

1 green pepper, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 small potatoes, peeled and diced

Green Chile

8 oz tomato sauce

1 ½ cup beef broth

1 tsp sea salt

½ tsp pepper

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground coriander

1 bay leaf

Tortillas

Instructions:

Heat oil in large skillet, then add ground beef. Cook over medium heat until mostly brown.

Add onions, peppers and potatoes. Cook for about 4 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.

Pour in tomato sauce, beef broth and Green Chile. Season with salt, pepper, cumin and coriander. Stir to combine, add bay leaf.

Bring to a simmer, cover and let cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove lid and simmer for another 10 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.

Serve with warm tortillas

Pinto Beans

Ingredients:

2.lb of pinto beans .

1/2 cup of olive oil

5 cloves of garlic.

1 teaspoon and a half of salt

Instructions:

Wash the beans. 5 .times.,

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Then add 13 cups. of water

Add minced garlic and salt and oil

Then cook for 2 hours 30 minutes to medium heat or until the beans are soft.

Notes:

Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef for a healthier option or use ground turkey or chicken as a substitute.

Aromatic Base: The combination of diced onions, green peppers, and minced garlic creates a flavorful foundation for the dish, infusing the picadillo with savory depth.

Potatoes: Diced potatoes add heartiness and texture to the dish, providing a satisfying element alongside the beef and vegetables.

Green Chile: Adjust the amount of green chile according to your preference for heat, or use mild or hot varieties depending on your taste preferences.

Tomato Sauce and Beef Broth: These ingredients form the base of the flavorful sauce, providing richness and depth of flavor to the dish.

Seasonings: A blend of sea salt, pepper, ground cumin, and ground coriander enhances the savory profile of the picadillo, while a bay leaf adds aromatic complexity.

Tortillas: Serve the picadillo with warm tortillas for a traditional and comforting meal. Flour or corn tortillas work well, depending on your preference.

Cooking Method: Simmering the picadillo allows the flavors to meld together and the potatoes to become tender, resulting in a rich and satisfying dish.

Pinto Beans: The accompanying recipe for pinto beans offers a simple yet delicious side dish that complements the picadillo perfectly. The addition of garlic and olive oil adds flavor and richness to the beans.

Preparation Tips: Ensure to wash the pinto beans thoroughly before cooking and adjust the cooking time based on their tenderness. Additionally, you can customize the seasoning of the beans to suit your taste preferences.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 | SEVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef if you prefer a leaner option.

Keep in mind that turkey may have a slightly different flavor and texture compared to beef.

What type of Green Chile should I use?

You can use fresh, roasted, canned, or jarred green chilies depending on your preference and availability.

Adjust the amount based on your desired level of spiciness.

Can I omit the potatoes from the recipe?

Yes, you can omit the potatoes if you prefer or substitute them with another vegetable such as carrots or squash.

Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Are there any suitable substitutes for beef broth?

Yes, you can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth or chicken broth if you prefer.

You can also use water, but you may need to adjust the seasoning to compensate for the lack of flavor from the broth.

How should I store leftovers?

Allow the Green Chile Picadillo to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze it for longer storage.

Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef for a lighter option?

Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef in this recipe.

Adjust cooking time as needed.

What’s the best way to peel and dice the potatoes?

Peel the potatoes using a vegetable peeler or knife, then dice them into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.

Can I use fresh or canned green chilies?

Yes, you can use either fresh, roasted, canned, or jarred green chilies based on your preference and availability.

How do I adjust the spiciness level of the dish?

You can adjust the amount of green chilies you use to control the spiciness level.

Start with a smaller amount and add more according to your taste.

Can I substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version?

Yes, you can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth to make a vegetarian version of the dish.

Is it necessary to cover the skillet while simmering?

Yes, covering the skillet helps trap heat and moisture, allowing the flavors to meld together while cooking.

How do I know when the potatoes are tender and cooked through?

Pierce the potatoes with a fork or knife to check for tenderness.

They should be soft and easily pierced when they’re done.

What’s the best way to serve the Green Chile Picadillo?

Serve the picadillo with warm tortillas for a complete meal.

You can also serve it over rice or with a side of beans.

Can I make this dish ahead of time and reheat it later?

Yes, you can make the picadillo ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.

Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

How should I store leftovers?

Allow the picadillo to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze it for longer storage.

Reheat thoroughly before serving.