Best Easy Picadillo con Papas Recipe

Classic ground beef and potato hash seasoned with tomatoes, onions, and Mexican spices. This protein-rich family comfort food is budget-friendly and ideal for batch cooking and freezer meals.

Cook 45 min Difficulty NORMAL 315 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean #diabetic friendly
Image coming soon
Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • ground beef (85% lean) 1 lb
  • russet potatoes 2 pieces
  • yellow onion 1 pieces
  • Roma tomatoes 2 pieces
  • green bell pepper 1 pieces
  • garlic cloves 2 cloves
  • olive oil 2 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • ground cumin 1 tsp
  • dried oregano 1 tsp
  • smoked paprika 0.5 tsp
  • kosher salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • tomato sauce 0.5 cup
  • beef broth 0.5 cup
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 28 g 36%
Protein 20 g 25%
Fat 13 g 39%
Serving size 240g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and soft.

  2. 2

    Stir in minced garlic and diced green bell pepper; cook for another 2 minutes to build a base of flavor.

  3. 3

    Add ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Increase heat to medium-high and brown the beef thoroughly, about 6–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

  4. 4

    Mix in diced Roma tomatoes, tomato sauce, ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Sauté for 2 minutes to bloom spices.

  5. 5

    Stir in peeled, diced russet potatoes and pour in beef broth. Reduce heat to simmer, cover, and cook for 20–25 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

  6. 6

    Uncover, season with kosher salt, and simmer 2–3 more minutes so the mixture thickens and flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What are the key ingredients that give Picadillo con Papas its signature taste?
Ground beef and russet potatoes build the hearty base, while onion, Roma tomatoes, green bell pepper, and a blend of cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and garlic create its classic Mexican flavor. Tomato sauce and beef broth add moisture and depth.
Q. How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy?
Cut potatoes into even, bite-sized cubes and add them only after browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics. Simmer gently, covered, until fork-tender—usually 20–25 minutes—then uncover and cook briefly to achieve the right texture without over-softening.
Q. What is the calorie and protein content per serving for this recipe?
Each serving of Picadillo con Papas provides about 315 kcal and 20g of protein. The protein makes up around 25% of calories, supporting a nutritious, hearty meal.
Q. Why is browning the meat before simmering important?
Browning the ground beef over medium-high heat develops rich, savory flavors and improves texture. Draining excess fat after browning keeps the dish satisfying but not greasy, setting the foundation for the aromatic vegetables and spices.
AI 채팅 아이콘