Picadillo Con Papa recipe

Introduction

Picadillo Con Papa is a hearty and flavorful Mexican dish featuring ground beef cooked with diced potatoes, aromatic spices, and a rich tomato-chile sauce. It’s a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

For this dish, you’ll need:

• 1 medium Russet potato or 2 white potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 pound ground chuck
• 1 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 small white onion, diced
• 2 large Roma tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 1 to 2 serrano chiles, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup water
• Pinch of salt and Mexican oregano
• 1/8 to 1/4 cup olive oil (for cooking the potatoes)

Directions

1. Cook the Potatoes:
   • Preheat 1/8 to 1/4 cup of olive oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat.
   • Add the diced potatoes and cook until browned and crispy on most spots.
   • Cover the pan to create steam, which helps the potatoes cook faster from the inside.
   • Transfer the cooked potatoes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Beef:
   • In the same skillet, add the ground beef and heat to medium-high.
   • Season the beef with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
   • Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until nicely browned.
3. Add Aromatics:
   • Add the minced garlic and diced onion to the beef and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Prepare the Tomato Mixture:
   • In a blender, combine the roughly chopped tomatoes, serrano chiles, 1/4 cup water, a pinch of salt, and Mexican oregano.
   • Blend until smooth.
5. Combine and Simmer:
   • Pour the blended tomato mixture into the skillet with the beef.
   • Bring to a boil and taste for salt, adjusting as needed.
   • Fold in the cooked potatoes and stir until well combined.
   • Continue cooking at a low simmer until the sauce thickens and reduces, about 7-10 minutes.
6. Serve:
   • Remove from heat and serve warm. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4

Variations

• Spicy: Add more serrano chiles or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Vegetarian: Use plant-based ground beef for a vegetarian option.
• Additional Vegetables: Incorporate bell peppers or carrots for added texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
   • Yes, sweet potatoes can be used for a slightly different flavor profile.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   • Yes, it can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors may even improve after a day.
3. What can I serve with Picadillo Con Papa?
   • It pairs well with rice, tortillas, or a simple side salad.
4. Can I freeze this dish?
   • Yes, it can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
5. What if I don’t have serrano chiles?
   • Jalapeños or other mild chiles can be used as a substitute.
6. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
   • Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner version.
7. How can I adjust the spiciness?
   • Adjust the amount of serrano chiles or add a dash of hot sauce to control the heat.
8. What kind of potatoes are best for this recipe?
   • Russet or white potatoes work best due to their texture and ability to hold up during cooking.
9. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
   • Yes, canned tomatoes can be used. Just adjust the seasoning as needed.
10. What is Mexican oregano, and can I substitute it?

• Mexican oregano has a distinct flavor compared to regular oregano. If unavailable, regular oregano can be used, though the taste may differ slightly.

Conclusion

Picadillo Con Papa is a satisfying and flavorful dish that combines ground beef and potatoes in a rich tomato-chile sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, it’s easy to make and versatile with various substitutions and additions. Enjoy this hearty dish with your favorite sides for a complete meal!

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