Go Back

Picadillo con papas

Anahi
Picadillo con Papas is a comforting Mexican ground beef and potato dish simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce with warm spices like cumin, garlic, and a hint of cinnamon
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1 onion diced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 ½ proud beef
  • 1 ¼ teaspoon salt husked and rinsed
  • ground pepper to taste
  • ground cinnamon pinch
  • 2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 4 roma tomatoes
  • 1 large russet potato
  • ¼ cup tomato sauce
  • ¼ water
  • 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp tomato bouillon optional
  • cilantro handful

Instructions
 

Saute the aromatics

  • In a large saucepan over medium heat, warm the avocado oil. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3–5 minutes, until softened and fragrant.

Brown the beef

  • Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until it’s no longer pink and most of the liquid has evaporated. Let it brown a bit for extra flavor.

season

  • Add the salt, pepper, cinnamon, cumin, and garlic powder. Stir and cook for another 2–3 minutes to toast the spices.

Simmer the vegetables

  • Mix in the chopped tomatoes, diced potato, tomato sauce mixture, apple cider vinegar, and bouillon if using. Stir to combine.

Cook until tender

  • Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded.

serve and enjoy

  • Spoon over fluffy white rice, garnish with fresh cilantro, and enjoy with your loved ones!

Notes

  • Make it ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day! Prep a day in advance and reheat gently on the stovetop for quick meals throughout the week.
  • Broth vs. water: If you have beef broth on hand, it adds more depth than water. But don’t worry — it’s still delicious either way.
  • Optional additions: Some families add peas, carrots, or even raisins for a sweet-savory twist. Feel free to make it your own.
  • No fresh tomatoes? You can substitute with one 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes if needed.
  • Low-carb option: Skip the potatoes and add chopped zucchini or cauliflower for a lighter version.
Keyword mexican picadillo, Picadillo, Picadillo con papas