Best Easy Carne Molida con Chícharos Recipe

Ground beef sautéed with green peas, tomatoes, and aromatic spices in a traditional Mexican guisado. A balanced, protein-packed family meal that's quick to prepare on busy weeknights.

Cook 30 min Difficulty EASY 310 kcal
#high protein #diabetic friendly #family meal
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • Ground beef (lean) 1 lb
  • Green peas (frozen or fresh) 1 cup
  • Tomatoes (diced) 1 cup
  • Yellow onion (chopped) 0.5 cup
  • Carrot (diced) 0.5 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Garlic (minced) 2 cloves
  • Cumin (ground) 1 tsp
  • Oregano (dried) 0.5 tsp
  • Salt 1 tsp
  • Black pepper 0.25 tsp
  • Vegetable oil 1 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 18 g 23%
Protein 25 g 32%
Fat 15 g 45%
Serving size 220g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, but not smoking.

  2. 2

    Add the chopped onion and diced carrot; sauté for 3–4 minutes until onion turns translucent and carrot softens slightly.

  3. 3

    Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

  4. 4

    Add the ground beef, season with salt, black pepper, cumin, and oregano. Cook, breaking up the meat, until fully browned and no longer pink—about 6–7 minutes.

  5. 5

    Stir in the diced tomatoes and bring to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat to medium, cover, and cook for 5 minutes so flavors meld.

  6. 6

    Mix in the green peas, cover, and cook on low for an additional 5 minutes until peas are tender but still bright green.

  7. 7

    Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and serve hot with rice or tortillas.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The key ingredient in Carne Molida con Chícharos is lean ground beef, which forms the base of the dish and delivers hearty flavor and protein. Its combination with green peas, tomatoes, and aromatic spices defines the classic taste and texture of this Mexican guisado.
Q. Which step is most important for proper flavor development?
Sautéing the onion, carrot, and garlic before adding the ground beef is crucial. This step releases their natural sweetness and aroma, providing depth to the guisado. Proper browning of the beef with spices ensures the dish has rich, balanced flavor.
Q. How do I avoid overcooking the green peas?
Add the green peas after simmering the beef and tomatoes, then cook uncovered on low heat for about 5 minutes. This technique keeps the peas tender and bright green, preserving their sweet flavor and preventing them from becoming mushy.
Q. How many calories and protein are in each serving?
Each serving (220g) provides approximately 310 kcal and 25g of protein, making this recipe a balanced, protein-rich option for family meals.
Q. Is this recipe suitable for someone looking to manage their carbohydrate intake?
Yes, each serving contains 18g of carbohydrates, which is moderate, with a protein-to-carb ratio that supports balanced nutrition. The dish fits well for those watching carbs, especially with side options like vegetables or salad.
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