Mexican Picadillo con Papas Recipe

There’s something comforting about a pan full of beef picadillo with potatoes simmering on the stove. It’s a humble, everyday dish that’s simple to make and rich in flavor. Whether you grew up eating picadillo con papas at home like I did, or you’re discovering it for the first time, this easy Mexican picadillo recipe will instantly feel familiar and comforting. It’s hearty, family-friendly and made with staples you probably already have on hand.

What is Mexican Picadillo with Potatoes?

Picadillo is a traditional Mexican dish made with ground beef, diced potatoes, and a mix of spices. It’s typically cooked in a large pan, where the ground meat is browned and then simmered with the rest of the ingredients to create a rich, saucy filling that’s incredibly delicious.

Unlike other Latin American variations, such as Cuban picadillo, which may contain olives and raisins, Mexican picadillo focuses more on savory and earthy flavors. This is accomplished by using flavors popular in Mexican kitchens, such as onions, garlic, cumin, and oregano. The addition of diced potatoes not only makes it hearty but helps to stretch the dish so you can feed more people. This is the kind of easy recipe you can whip up on a weeknight without much fuss, yet it never feels boring since you can add leftover veggies to switch it up. Whether served with Mexican rice, inside tacos, or used as a filling for chiles rellenos, ground beef picadillo con papas will become a staple in your menu.

Why You’ll Love Mexican Picadillo con Papas

• Quick & Budget-Friendly – This recipe is quick and budget-friendly as ground beef and potatoes stretch far.
• Versatile – Beef picadillo is incredibly versatile. Want to increase the heat? Add sliced jalapenos or serranos. Have leftover veggies? Add them to this recipe to bump the nutrients.
• Family-Friendly – Picadillo is mild enough for kids without lacking flavor.
• Great for Meal-Prepping – Picadillo tastes just as good (if not, better) the next day, which makes it great for lunch leftovers and meal-prepping.

Mexican Picadillo Ingredients

• Ground Beef (Carne Molida) – Choose 85/15 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness without too much grease. Note: This can be substituted with ground turkey.
• Potatoes – I personally like to use red potatoes, but yukon gold potatoes are another great option, as they hold their shape beautifully and add a subtle sweetness. Meanwhile, russet potatoes are an even more budget-friendly option.
• White Onion – A must for Mexican sofritos, diced white onion adds depth and savory balance.
• Knorr Beef Bouillon – Add complexity and a subtle meaty note to this dish by adding a spoon of beef bouillon.
• Jalapeño or Serrano Pepper (Optional) – Add a small kick to your Mexican picadillo by adding slices of either pepper to this recipe.
• Salt & Pepper – Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors.

Recommended Tools for Making Picadillo con Papas

• Large Pan with Lid – A deep, large pan is ideal for browning the beef and simmering everything in one pan. Make sure your pan has a lid, as this will ensure our potatoes become fork-tender.
• Cutting Board & Sharp Knife – You’ll need these to comfortably dice the potatoes and onions.
• Mixing Spoons – For stirring while browning the meat and sautéing the potatoes.
• Measuring Spoons – Ensure your spice levels are just right with measuring spoons.

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Mexican Picadillo con Papas Recipe

Courses: Dinner Recipes, Entree Recipes

Difficulty: Beginner Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 30 mins

Servings: 4

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Ingredients

Servings

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground protein of choice)
• 1 yellow onion
• 3 red potatoes
• 1 tbsp beef bouillon
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 c water (Increase amount if you'd like it more soupy)

How to Make Beef Picadillo con Papas

1. Brown ground beef

   Heat a large pan to medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking up the meat as it browns.

2. Dice vegetables

   Dice up the onion and potatoes.

3. Stir in the onion and spices to the pan. Sauté for 5 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent.

   Drain any excess grease, if necessary, before the next step.

4. Add potatoes

   Stir in the potatoes, and add water.

5. Simmer

   Cover with a lid and allow to simmer for 20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.