Picadillo Mexicano con Papas (Mexican Minced Beef Stew with Potatoes)
Why this recipe works
- Layered savoury base: Browning the beef before simmering builds depth, while cumin, oregano and bay leaves season the tomato sauce without overpowering it.
- Hearty but balanced: Tender potatoes make the picadillo satisfying, and a squeeze of lime cuts through the richness just before serving.
- Flexible serving options: The saucy texture works equally well spooned into bowls, served over rice or used as a filling for tortillas.
Get the most out of this recipe
Adjust the heat
- For less heat: Remove the jalapeño seeds and membranes, or use a smaller amount of chilli for a gentler background warmth.
- For more heat: Keep some of the jalapeño seeds in the pot, or add extra fresh chilli to taste as the onion softens.
- Keep the finish fresh: Add the lime at the end rather than during simmering; its acidity sharpens the sauce and keeps the chilli from tasting heavy.
Common mistakes
- Rushing the beef: Let the mince brown properly before adding the tomatoes. If it only steams, the finished sauce will taste flatter.
- Stopping too early: After the potatoes are nearly tender, simmer uncovered until the sauce turns glossy and clings to the meat and potatoes.
- Letting the potatoes break down: Cut the potatoes evenly and check them towards the end of simmering so they stay tender rather than collapsing into the sauce.
Make-ahead tips
- Good for meal prep: Picadillo keeps well in the fridge and reheats gently with a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce.
- Freezes well: Cool completely before freezing in sealed containers, then defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Flavour improves as it rests: The sauce becomes more rounded after chilling, making leftovers particularly good with rice or tortillas.
Serving ideas
- Serve with rice: Steamed rice soaks up the tomato-rich sauce and makes the dish a complete, filling meal.
- Serve with tortillas: Warm tortillas turn the picadillo into an easy taco-style filling for a more casual meal.
- Finish with lime: A final squeeze of lime brightens the beef, potatoes and tomato sauce just before serving.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel the potatoes and cut into 1.5 cm cubes. Finely chop the onion and jalapeño (remove the seeds for less heat), and crush the garlic. Cut the lime into wedges.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and jalapeño with a pinch of the salt and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, cumin and oregano and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the minced beef and cook over medium-high heat for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and any liquid has evaporated. Season with the remaining salt and the black pepper. Stir in the bay leaves.
- Tip in the chopped tomatoes and beef stock, then add the potatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the potatoes are nearly tender. Uncover and simmer for 5 to 8 minutes more until the sauce is glossy and thick enough to coat the meat and potatoes.
- Remove the bay leaves and taste for seasoning. Squeeze over lime to brighten the picadillo just before serving. Serve hot, spooned into bowls or as a filling for rice or tortillas.
Recipe notes
Serving suggestions
This recipe pairs well with:
Tips
- For a richer, more savoury base, let the beef brown well before adding the tomatoes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- If you prefer a looser picadillo for spooning over rice, add a splash more beef stock and simmer briefly to bring it back to a gentle bubble.
- If serving to children or anyone sensitive to heat, remove the jalapeño seeds and membranes, or use only half the jalapeño.
Substitutions
- Replace the jalapeno pepper with 1 tsp smoked paprika for a milder warmth and a hint of smokiness.
- Replace the beef stock with chicken stock for a lighter, cleaner flavour.
- Replace the lime with lemon for a similar bright finish.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Cool completely, then refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan with a splash of water or beef stock until piping hot. Freeze for up to 3 months; defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 45min (20min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Mexican
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