Picadillo con Chile Serrano
Picadillo con Chile Serrano is a vibrant and comforting Mexican dish that beautifully combines the hearty flavors of ground beef with the fresh, spicy kick of Serrano chili.
This dish is a delightful blend of textures and tastes, featuring tender potatoes, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic spices that come together to create a rich, savory stew. Perfectly seasoned with a hint of cilantro, this picadillo is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed with rice and warm corn tortillas.
Whether you’re looking for a satisfying family meal or a tasty dish to impress guests, Picadillo con Chile Serrano offers a delicious taste of traditional Mexican cuisine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Comforting and Hearty: Picadillo con Chile Serrano is the quintessential comfort food, offering a rich and satisfying blend of flavors and textures. The savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and spicy kick from the Serrano chili create a dish that warms and nourishes, making it perfect for any meal.
Quick and Easy Preparation: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort, with most of the work done in a single skillet. With simple ingredients and accessible cooking methods, you can have a delicious, home-cooked Mexican meal ready in no time.
Versatile and Adaptable: Whether you prefer it mild or spicy, this recipe is easily customizable. Adjust the heat by varying the amount of Serrano chili or substitute different vegetables to suit your taste. You can even swap the ground beef for turkey or plant-based alternatives to accommodate dietary preferences.
Bursting with Flavor: The combination of aromatic garlic, onion, and cilantro, along with the savory depth from the beef bouillon, infuses the dish with vibrant flavors. The tomatoes add a natural sweetness and acidity that perfectly balance the savory and spicy elements.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether served as a cozy family dinner, a dish to impress guests, or a flavorful meal to warm up a cold day, Picadillo con Chile Serrano is sure to delight. It’s a versatile recipe that brings people together, making it a beloved choice for many households.
Key Ingredients:
Ground Beef: The foundation of this dish, ground beef provides a rich, hearty flavor and a satisfying texture. The 85/15% lean-to-fat ratio ensures that the beef remains juicy and flavorful, complementing the other ingredients beautifully.
Serrano Chili: Known for its vibrant heat, the Serrano chili adds a spicy kick to the picadillo. It infuses the dish with a lively warmth, enhancing the overall flavor profile and adding a touch of excitement to each bite.
Diced Potatoes: These provide a starchy, comforting element, absorbing the flavors of the stew as they cook. Their tender yet firm texture adds depth to the dish, making it hearty and filling.
Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes bring a fresh, juicy sweetness and a subtle acidity that balances the richness of the beef. They help create a thick, flavorful sauce as they break down during cooking.
Garlic and Onion: These aromatic vegetables form the backbone of the dish’s flavor, offering a savory base that enhances the taste of the beef and other ingredients.
Cilantro: Added just before serving, cilantro brings a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the dish and adds an authentic Mexican touch.
Knorr® Beef Bouillon Cube: This ingredient intensifies the savory depth of the picadillo, infusing it with a rich, beefy flavor that ties all the components together harmoniously.
Picadillo con Chile Serrano
Ingredients:
1 ½ tablespoons of vegetable oil
½ kilogram of ground beef (85/15% lean-to-fat ratio)
⅓ cup of finely chopped white onion
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 Serrano chili, finely chopped
1 ½ cups of diced potatoes (approximately 8 ounces)
½ kilogram of diced tomatoes (roughly 2 large tomatoes)
1 Knorr® beef bouillon cube
⅓ cup of chopped cilantro
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1:
Begin by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef.
Break up any large clumps of meat with a wooden spoon to ensure even cooking.
Cook the beef until it is browned, which should take about 8 minutes.
Step 2:
Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet.
Stir and cook for about 1 minute, or until the onion becomes translucent.
Following this, incorporate the Serrano chili and diced potatoes into the mixture.
Stir well and continue cooking for about 5 minutes, ensuring the potatoes become slightly tender yet firm, as they will continue cooking later.
Step 3:
Next, add the diced tomatoes and the beef bouillon cube to the skillet.
Stir thoroughly.
The tomatoes will release their juices, and the bouillon cube will dissolve, enriching the flavor of the dish.
Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to a simmer.
Cook until the potatoes are fully tender and the tomatoes have thickened into a rich sauce.
Step 4:
Season the dish with salt and pepper to your liking.
Just before serving, stir in the chopped cilantro.
Serve this flavorful picadillo with rice and warm corn tortillas.
Enjoy your meal!
Notes:
Adjusting Spice Levels: If you’re sensitive to heat, consider deseeding the Serrano chili before chopping it, or use only half the chili to reduce the spiciness. For those who enjoy extra heat, you can add more Serrano chilies or include a dash of cayenne pepper.
Meat Alternatives: While ground beef is traditional, this recipe can be adapted with other ground meats such as turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Each type of meat will bring its own unique flavor to the dish.
Vegetarian Variation: To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives or cooked lentils. Make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly, as these substitutes might absorb flavors differently.
Serving Suggestions: Picadillo con Chile Serrano is versatile and pairs well with various side dishes. Serve it with fluffy white rice, warm corn tortillas, or even a side of refried beans for a complete meal.
Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This dish also freezes well, making it a convenient option for meal prep. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Flavor Enhancements: For additional depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of lime juice or a pinch of smoked paprika towards the end of cooking. These small additions can enhance the overall taste and aroma of the dish.
Garnishing Ideas: Before serving, you can garnish the picadillo with additional fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco for an authentic finishing touch.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: 350 | Protein: 25 grams | Fat: 20 grams | Carbohydrates: 20 grams | Fiber: 3-5 grams | Sugars: 4-6 grams | Sodium: 600 mg | Cholesterol: 70 mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this recipe less spicy?
Yes, you can adjust the spice level by reducing the amount of Serrano chili used or removing its seeds, which contain most of the heat.
Alternatively, you can substitute the Serrano chili with a milder pepper like jalapeño or even bell pepper if you prefer a non-spicy version.
What can I use as a substitute for Knorr® beef bouillon cube?
If you don’t have a beef bouillon cube, you can use a teaspoon of beef broth concentrate or replace it with a cup of beef stock instead of water.
This will maintain the rich, savory flavor.
For a vegetarian version, consider using vegetable bouillon.
How can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
To make a vegetarian or vegan version of Picadillo con Chile Serrano, substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives, cooked lentils, or chopped mushrooms.
Use a vegetable bouillon cube in place of the beef bouillon to keep the dish plant-based.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, Picadillo con Chile Serrano can be prepared in advance. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for longer storage.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
What are some good side dishes to serve with Picadillo con Chile Serrano?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, such as white or brown rice, warm corn tortillas, or a fresh salad.
For a more complete meal, consider serving it with refried beans, avocado slices, or a simple coleslaw to complement the flavors and add variety to your plate.
How do I prevent the ground beef from clumping together while cooking?
To prevent clumping, use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the ground beef as soon as you add it to the hot skillet.
Stir frequently and continue breaking it into smaller pieces until it is evenly browned.
This helps ensure even cooking and a uniform texture.
What is the best way to dice potatoes for this recipe?
When dicing potatoes, aim for uniform pieces about half an inch in size.
This ensures they cook evenly and become tender at the same rate as the other ingredients.
It’s also helpful to peel the potatoes before dicing, although leaving the skin on can add texture and nutrients.
How can I tell when the potatoes are fully cooked?
To check if the potatoes are fully cooked, pierce a few pieces with a fork.
They should be tender and easily pierced without resistance.
If they are still firm, continue cooking for a few more minutes, checking periodically until they reach the desired tenderness.
Why is my picadillo too watery, and how can I thicken it?
If your picadillo is too watery, it may be because the tomatoes released more juice than expected.
To thicken the sauce, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
Alternatively, you can mash a few of the potatoes against the side of the skillet to naturally thicken the stew.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Picadillo is quite versatile, and you can customize it by adding other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or peas.
Simply chop them into small pieces and add them to the skillet along with the potatoes, adjusting cooking time as needed to ensure all vegetables are tender.