Mexican Picadillo Recipe (Carne Molida con Papas)
Mexican Picadillo (carne molida con papas) is a classic Northern Mexico–style comfort food made with ground beef, potatoes, tomatoes, and simple seasonings. This easy one-skillet recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and is perfect for tacos, empanadas, gorditas, or a simple weeknight dinner.
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped white onion
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 tablespoon garlic salt
- 1/2 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 4 tomatoes chopped
- 1 jalapeño or serrano diced (optional)
- 1 large russet potato or 2 small Yukon gold potatoes peeled and finely chopped
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook for about 2 minutes, until translucent.
- Add ground beef and brown. Using a potato masher, mash meat so you have small pieces of meat with no big chunks. Drain off excess grease.
- Add garlic salt, pepper, tomatoes, jalapeño if using, and potato and cook over low heat for about 15 minutes, until potatoes are done. Salt to taste.
Video
Notes
- Keep the seasoning simple. Traditional Mexican picadillo relies on garlic salt and black pepper. For added depth, you can use a spoonful of my homemade taco seasoning instead of garlic salt — avoid store-bought seasoning packets for the best flavor.
- Dice potatoes evenly. Small, uniform pieces ensure the potatoes cook at the same rate and become tender without turning mushy.
- Adjust the heat. This recipe is mild as written. Add diced jalapeño or serrano for more spice.
- Make it lighter. Substitute ground turkey or ground bison for a leaner option.
- Low-carb swap. Replace potatoes with small cauliflower florets if desired. (Texture will differ slightly.)
- Make ahead. Mexican picadillo tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
- Freezer-friendly. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat gently.
Nutrition
Calories: 341kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 953mg | Potassium: 583mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 531IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 3mg