Mom’s Picadillo Con Papa. Ground Beef with Potatoes

Mom’s Picadillo Con Papa is a warm and comforting Mexican dish that combines savory ground beef with crispy, tender potatoes in a rich, flavorful tomato-based sauce. This hearty recipe is packed with aromatic spices like cumin, garlic, and Mexican oregano, creating a perfect balance of savory and slightly spicy flavors.

Whether served on its own or with rice, this dish brings the warmth of home-cooked family meals to your table, making it a delicious and satisfying choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Comforting & Hearty: This dish combines ground beef with tender, crispy potatoes—making it a satisfying and filling meal. It’s a perfect blend of meat and vegetables, ideal for those who enjoy savory, hearty comfort food.

Rich, Flavorful Seasonings: The mix of cumin, garlic powder, and Mexican oregano gives this dish a warm, aromatic flavor profile. These spices bring an authentic, savory taste that evokes traditional home-cooked meals, making it a crowd-pleaser.

Simple, Accessible Ingredients: The recipe uses everyday ingredients like potatoes, ground beef, and tomatoes, so it’s easy to find everything you need. It’s simple but still rich in flavor, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.

Satisfying Texture: The combination of crispy potatoes and tender ground beef creates a wonderful contrast in texture. The crispiness of the potatoes and the smooth, saucy beef mixture come together beautifully in every bite.

Customizable Heat: The serrano chiles allow for customization in spice level. Whether you like it mild or a little spicier, you can adjust the amount to suit your personal preference, making it versatile for different tastes.

Versatile Meal: Whether served on its own, with rice, or in tortillas, this picadillo recipe is incredibly versatile. It’s an ideal dish for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep, as it can be enjoyed in many different ways.

Family Tradition: The use of “Mom’s” in the title gives the dish a personal, nostalgic touch, evoking a sense of tradition and family cooking. It’s the kind of recipe that’s passed down through generations and brings back memories of family gatherings and love-filled meals.

Easy to Make: With a simple set of instructions and a manageable cooking time, this picadillo recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a flavorful, no-fuss meal without sacrificing taste.

Key Ingredients:

Ground Chuck: A flavorful and juicy base that adds richness to the dish, making the picadillo hearty and satisfying.

Russet Potatoes: Diced and cooked to crispy perfection, these potatoes add a wonderful texture and comfort to the meal.

Roma Tomatoes: Fresh and vibrant, these tomatoes provide a rich, tangy sauce that forms the base of the picadillo’s flavorful gravy.

Serrano Chiles: These chiles add a subtle heat, infusing the dish with just the right amount of spice.

Garlic & Onion: These aromatic ingredients bring a depth of flavor and a savory foundation to the picadillo.

Cumin & Mexican Oregano: Essential spices that give the dish its distinct, warm, and earthy flavor, adding an authentic touch of Mexican cuisine.

Mom’s Picadillo Con Papa. Ground Beef with Potatoes

Ingredients :

1 medium Russet potato or 2 white potatoes peeled and diced

1 pound ground chuck

1 teaspoon salt more to taste

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 clove garlic minced

1 small white onion diced

2 large Roma tomatoes roughly chopped

1 to 2 serrano chiles roughly chopped

1/4 cup water pinch of salt and Mexican oregano

Instructions:

Preheat 1/8 to 1/4 cup of olive oil in a nonstick pan to medium heat for a few minutes.

Add the diced potatoes and cook until browned and crispy in most spots.

I like to cover my potatoes while they cook. The steam created helps them cook a little faster from the inside. Transfer potatoes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain, set aside.

Add the ground beef to that same skillet and heat to medium/high.

Season beef with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon cumin and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until nicely browned.

Add the garlic and onion, continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes.

Add tomatoes, serranos, 1/4 cup water, salt and oregano to the blender and blend until smooth.

Pour tomato mixture into picadillo.

Let it come to a boil and taste for salt.

Fold in the potatoes and stir until well combined.

Taste for seasonings and continue cooking at a low simmer until sauce thickens and reduces, 7-10 minutes .

Remove from heat.

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enjoy !!

Notes:

Potato Preparation: Cooking the potatoes separately and crisping them adds texture and prevents them from becoming mushy when added to the picadillo later.

Meat Seasoning: Seasoning the ground beef with salt, garlic powder, cumin, and pepper enhances its flavor profile and contributes to the overall taste of the dish.

Blending Tomato Mixture: Blending tomatoes, serrano chiles, water, salt, and oregano into a smooth mixture creates a flavorful base for the picadillo.

Adjusting Spiciness: You can easily adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of serrano chiles used or by removing the seeds for a milder flavor.

Potato Types: The recipe recommends using Russet or white potatoes due to their starch content and ability to hold up well in the dish.

Substituting Meat: While the recipe calls for ground chuck, you can substitute with other ground meats like pork or turkey, keeping in mind that it may alter the final taste.

Serving Suggestions: Mom’s Picadillo Con Papa pairs well with rice, warm tortillas, beans, avocado slices, and fresh salsa or pico de gallo.

Make Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to develop further before reheating gently when ready to serve.

Potato Variations: Feel free to use different types of potatoes such as red potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.

Storage and Reheating: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for a day or two and reheated on the stovetop for a quick and delicious meal.

Nutrition Information:

YIELD: 4 SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why are the potatoes cooked separately first?

Cooking the potatoes separately ensures that they are thoroughly cooked and have a nice crisp texture before being added to the Picadillo.

This helps them to hold their shape and not become mushy in the final dish.

How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?

The spiciness in this dish comes from the serrano chiles.

If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the number of chiles, remove their seeds before using, or substitute with a milder variety like jalapeno.

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

Yes, you can use other types of ground meat such as pork or turkey, but it may alter the flavor of the final dish.

Ground chuck is used for its rich flavor and ideal fat content which contributes to the overall taste of the Picadillo.

What type of potato should I use?

The recipe specifies Russet or white potatoes, both of which have a good starch content and will hold up well in the dish.

Russets will give a fluffier texture, while white potatoes will be a bit creamier.

How spicy is this dish?

The spiciness mainly comes from the serrano chiles.

You can adjust the heat level by using less serrano, removing the seeds, or substituting a milder pepper like jalapeno.

Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of potatoes, such as red potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes, if you prefer.

Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly based on the potato type.

Is there a substitute for serrano chiles if I prefer less heat?

If you want to reduce the heat, you can use milder chili peppers like jalapenos or even bell peppers for a non-spicy option.

Adjust the quantity based on your heat preference.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner meat option.

Keep in mind that the flavor and texture might differ slightly.

What can I serve with Mom’s Picadillo Con Papa?

This dish is often served with rice or warm tortillas to make tacos.

You can also serve it with beans, avocado slices, and a side of fresh salsa or pico de gallo.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the picadillo ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a day or two.

Reheat it gently on the stovetop when ready to serve.

Keep in mind that the flavors might develop more after sitting overnight.