Green Chile Picadillo

Green Chile Picadillo is a savory and comforting dish that brings together the bold flavors of roasted green chiles, tender ground beef, and hearty potatoes. This Mexican-inspired recipe is easy to prepare and versatile, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Whether served with warm tortillas, over rice, or alongside beans, Green Chile Picadillo is a flavorful meal that’s sure to satisfy.

Why People Will Love Green Chile Picadillo

Green Chile Picadillo is a flavorful and comforting dish that offers a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and hearty ingredients, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Here’s why people will fall in love with this recipe:

Rich in Flavor: The combination of roasted green chiles, tomatoes, and spices like cumin and coriander brings a depth of flavor to the picadillo. Roasting the chiles enhances their natural smokiness, creating a mouthwatering, aromatic base for the dish.

Versatile and Customizable: This dish is easy to adapt to personal preferences or dietary restrictions. You can switch up the protein by using ground turkey or pork, and it’s easily made vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding more vegetables. The optional peas also add a burst of color and sweetness that complements the dish perfectly.

Comforting and Hearty: The tender ground beef, soft potatoes, and simmered tomatoes create a satisfying, filling meal. Whether you serve it with rice, tortillas, or beans, it’s a warm, comforting dish that provides a sense of home and tradition with every bite.

Packed with Nutrients: Not only is this dish rich in flavor, but it also offers a variety of nutrient-packed ingredients like potatoes, tomatoes, and green chiles. Potatoes provide fiber and vitamins, while chiles deliver a boost of vitamin C and antioxidants.

Easy to Make: The recipe is relatively simple to prepare, with basic ingredients and straightforward cooking steps. It’s an excellent option for busy weeknights or even as a make-ahead meal for gatherings, and it’s sure to impress guests or family alike with its bold, complex flavors.

Key Ingredients:

Ground Beef (or Pork/Turkey): The base of this dish, offering a rich, savory protein that pairs perfectly with the spices and vegetables. It provides the hearty, filling component of the picadillo.

Green Chiles: Roasted and peeled, green chiles like Hatch or poblano bring a smoky, mild heat that infuses the entire dish with a deep, savory flavor. They are the star of the show!

Potatoes: Diced potatoes add a comforting, starchy element to the dish, absorbing the flavors of the broth and spices as they cook. Their creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the other ingredients.

Tomatoes: Diced fresh tomatoes provide juicy sweetness and a slight acidity, balancing the richness of the meat and chiles.

Spices: Ground cumin, coriander, oregano, and garlic powder infuse the dish with earthy, aromatic flavors, enhancing the complexity of the picadillo.

Olive Oil: Used to sauté the aromatics, adding a subtle richness that ties all the flavors together.

Beef Broth or Water: This helps create the flavorful base for simmering the dish and makes the potatoes tender while infusing them with spices.

Peas (optional): These add a burst of color, sweetness, and texture, enhancing the dish’s overall balance of flavors.

Recipe of Green Chile Picadillo

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef (you can also use ground pork or turkey)

1 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2-3 green chiles (such as Hatch or poblano), roasted, peeled, and chopped

2 medium tomatoes, diced

1 large potato, peeled and diced

1/2 cup peas (optional)

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp ground coriander

1/2 tsp dried oregano

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/4 cup beef broth or water

2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Green Chiles

Start by roasting the green chiles.

You can do this by placing them over an open flame or under a broiler until the skins blister and char.

Afterward, place the chiles in a bowl and cover them to steam for about 10 minutes.

Once cooled, peel off the skins, remove the seeds, and chop the chiles.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Add the ground beef and cook until it is fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.

Once done, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic.

Cook until the onion becomes soft and fragrant.

Next, add the diced potato and continue to sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet.

Add in the chopped green chiles, diced tomatoes, peas (if using), ground cumin, ground coriander, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.

Stir everything together to ensure the ingredients are evenly mixed.

Step 5: Simmer the Picadillo

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Pour in the beef broth or water, reduce the heat to low, and cover the skillet.

Let the mixture simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have fully developed.

Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Adjust Seasoning

Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

You can add more salt, pepper, or spices according to your preference.

Step 7: Serve

Serve the Green Chile Picadillo hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice if desired.

It pairs wonderfully with warm tortillas, over rice, or with a side of beans.

Notes:

Chile Variety: You can adjust the heat level by choosing different types of green chiles. Hatch chiles will give a more authentic flavor, while poblanos offer a milder taste. If you prefer spicier picadillo, consider adding a few jalapeños or serranos.

Peas (Optional): The peas add a touch of sweetness and color to the dish but can be omitted if preferred.

Make it Ahead: Picadillo often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Consider making it a day ahead and reheating before serving.

Serving Suggestions: Serve with warm flour or corn tortillas, over white or Spanish rice, or with a side of refried beans for a complete meal.

Texture: For a chunkier texture, avoid overcooking the potatoes. They should be tender but still hold their shape.

Substitutions: Ground turkey or pork can be used instead of ground beef for a different flavor profile.

Garnishes: Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or a dollop of sour cream can be added on top for extra flavor and presentation.

Freezing: This dish freezes well. Make a larger batch and freeze portions for a quick meal on busy days.

Low Carb Option: If you’re watching carbs, skip the potatoes and add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.

Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or use crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground pork, turkey, or even chicken.

The cooking time and method remain the same.

How spicy are the green chiles in this recipe?

The spiciness depends on the type of green chiles you use.

Hatch chiles and poblanos are generally mild to medium.

If you prefer less heat, you can use fewer chiles or a milder variety like Anaheim.

Can I use canned green chiles instead of roasting fresh ones?

Yes, canned green chiles can be used as a substitute for fresh roasted chiles.

Just make sure to drain them before adding to the recipe.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or use extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.

Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

How can I store leftovers, and how long will they last?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

You can also freeze the picadillo for up to 3 months.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or corn to the picadillo for extra flavor and nutrition.

What are some good side dishes to serve with Green Chile Picadillo?

This dish pairs well with warm tortillas, rice, refried beans, or a simple side salad.

You can also serve it over mashed potatoes or in tacos.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, Green Chile Picadillo can be made ahead of time.

The flavors actually develop more as it sits, making it a great option for meal prep.

What can I do if my picadillo is too dry?

If the picadillo seems too dry, you can add a bit more broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.

Stir and let it simmer for a few more minutes.

Is it necessary to peel the roasted chiles?

Yes, peeling the roasted chiles is recommended because the skin can be tough and bitter.

Steaming them after roasting makes the peeling process easier.