Description
There’s something special about a one-pan meal that fills the kitchen with warm, savory aromas and comes together without stress. Classic Picadillo is exactly that kind of dish—simple, hearty, and full of flavor. It’s made with ground beef, tender potatoes, tomatoes, and cozy spices, and it works perfectly over rice or tucked into warm tortillas. If you want a reliable comfort dinner that tastes like home, this is it.
Ingredients
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef (85–90% lean)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced small
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1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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1/2 cup beef broth or water
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1 tsp paprika
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1/2 tsp dried oregano
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Optional: 1/4 cup green olives or 2–3 tbsp raisins
Instructions
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Sauté aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook 5–7 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds. -
Brown the beef:
Add ground beef and cook until well browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed. -
Add spices:
Stir in cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute to toast the spices. -
Simmer:
Add diced potatoes, diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, and broth. Stir well. Bring to a gentle boil. -
Cook until tender:
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender and sauce thickens. -
Finish:
Stir in olives or raisins if using. Taste and adjust seasoning. Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
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Dice potatoes small so they cook evenly and quickly.
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Brown the beef well — deep color = deeper flavor.
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Simmer uncovered the last 5 minutes if the sauce is too thin.
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Make it lighter: swap ground beef for turkey or chicken.
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Add veggies: peas or diced carrots work great stirred in near the end.