Mom’s Picadillo Con Papa is a traditional and comforting dish that combines ground beef, potatoes, and a variety of flavorful ingredients. This Mexican-style picadillo is savory, slightly sweet, and packed with deliciousness. Here’s a recipe you can try:
Ingredients:
For the Picadillo:
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean is ideal)
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced (optional)
- 1/4 cup green olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup raisins (for a sweet touch)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder (optional, for some heat)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the potatoes:
- In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil and add the diced potatoes. Cook until tender (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the ground beef:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat from the beef and return the meat to the skillet.
3. Add onions, garlic, and carrots:
- To the cooked beef, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant.
- If using carrots, add them at this point and cook for another 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
4. Season the picadillo:
- Stir in the cumin, chili powder, paprika, and cinnamon (if using). Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the tomato sauce, green olives, raisins, and beef broth or water. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer.
5. Combine potatoes:
- Gently fold in the cooked potatoes into the picadillo mixture. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce reduce slightly.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.
6. Serve:
- Once the picadillo is cooked through and the flavors are well combined, remove from heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
- Serve hot with rice, warm tortillas, or crusty bread.
Tips:
- Variation: Some people like to add a little chopped bell pepper or a touch of tomato paste to deepen the flavor of the sauce.
- Sweetness: The raisins add a slight sweetness, which is a characteristic of picadillo, but you can adjust the amount to your taste.
- Spice: If you prefer more heat, add a chopped fresh chili or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Mom’s Picadillo Con Papa is a perfect comfort food dish, combining hearty potatoes, savory beef, and a burst of sweetness from the raisins and olives. Enjoy!