Welcome, friends of Paulina Cocina! Feeling like cooking? Today we're sharing a truly Mexican recipe that we love because it's simple, yet super delicious, filling, and easy to make: Picadillo.
This is a dish that combines ground beef with vegetables and a delicious salsa to dip into a delicious tortilla or even enjoy tacos with this filling. In this article, we'll learn several important facts about this traditional dish.
We'll take a look at its most notable features, the best tips for preparing ground beef , and different ways to combine it to get the most out of it. As always, at the end of this journey, you'll find a tasty ground beef recipe to make at home.
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About the mince
Mexican ground beef is Mexican dish usually beef, and a variety of vegetables and seasonings that give it a unique and comforting flavor.
The interesting thing about this preparation is that it can be enjoyed in different ways, as a stew, with rice, as a filling for tacos or empanadas , making it an ideal option for any occasion, from a family meal to a quick dinner during the week.
5 Qualities of minced beef
- Versatile : It's a preparation that uses the ingredients you have in your kitchen. If you don't have potatoes, you can use other vegetables like carrots or zucchini.
- Quick : This recipe doesn't take much time. It can be ready in less than an hour.
- Economical : The ingredients are accessible and economical , ideal for feeding many people without spending a fortune.
- Tasty : The balance of flavors is exquisite. The combination of meat and vegetables and the touch of spices is sure to please any discerning palate.
- Nutritious : It is a nutritious dish that includes proteins and vitamins, perfect for a very substantial meal.
What basic ingredients does minced meat contain?
Traditional ground beef contains ground beef, potatoes, carrots , peas , tomato, onion , garlic, and spices such as cumin, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
The combination of these ingredients results in a colorful, comforting, and flavorful dish. This recipe also allows for variations that can include raisins, almonds, eggs, or even olives for a special touch.
How to prepare homemade mince
Making ground beef is as simple as it is delicious. First, cook the ground beef, then sauté it with onion and garlic . Then, add the chopped vegetables and tomato, and let everything cook together until the vegetables are tender and the beef is cooked through.
Because it's simple and inexpensive to prepare, it's perfect for a family meal , a quick weeknight dinner, or even to bring to a party or get-together. It's also commonly found on the menus of traditional Mexican restaurants and fondas.
10 Tips for preparing ground beef hash
- Choosing ground meat : Choose fresh, high-quality meat from a good source. Beef is often used, but it can also be prepared with pork or chicken , and with textured soy or lentils for a vegetarian mince .
- Season the meat thoroughly : Don't skimp on salt and pepper, and add spices like cumin, bay leaves, and even a touch of cinnamon to give it depth of flavor. A splash of Worcestershire sauce can also enhance the meat's flavor.
- Make a good sofrito : Before adding the meat, sauté the onion and garlic thoroughly in hot oil until golden and fragrant. This will help release their flavors and create an aromatic base for the stew.
- Cook the meat thoroughly : When adding the meat to the pan, cook over high heat to seal in the juices and achieve even browning. This will prevent the meat from becoming dry and flavorless. Crumble it well while cooking so it's crumbly and smooth.
- Add a variety of vegetables : The traditional recipe includes potatoes, carrots, and peas, but you can also experiment with other vegetables like zucchini, chayote, or corn. Vegetables add texture and color to the stew, making it more nutritious and appealing.
- Simmer : After adding the vegetables and tomato, it's important to keep the heat low. This will allow all the flavors to blend and the vegetables to cook evenly without falling apart.
- Add a touch of sweetness : For an interesting contrast of flavors, add a handful of raisins or some chopped plantain. This sweet touch complements the spices and meat well, creating a more intense flavor.
- Choosing the sides : Picadillo can be served in tacos de canasta , tostadas, chiles rellenos , empanadas, or simply accompanied by rice and beans. flour or corn tortillas with a delicious sauce, such as pipián , also make excellent accompaniments.
- Use leftovers : This recipe lends itself perfectly to making other meals with leftovers. It can be used as a filling for burritos , enchiladas , or even as a base for meatloaf .
- Storing and reheating properly: This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for several days, and its flavor improves with age. It's best to reheat it in a pan over medium heat, adding a little water or broth if necessary to maintain moisture.
7 Ways to Enjoy Picadillo
- Picadillo with Potatoes : This is one of the most traditional and comforting combinations. The potatoes absorb the flavors and add a smooth, creamy texture to the dish. To prepare it, simply add diced potatoes to the stew as it cooks, ensuring they are fully cooked before serving.
- Picadillo with vegetables : Adding a variety of vegetables not only makes the dish more nutritious, but also more colorful and flavorful. Carrots, peas, zucchini, and corn are excellent options.
- With rice : This combination is a complete and very satisfying meal. The rice absorbs the juices from the mixture, making each bite burst with flavor. It can be served on a bed of white or brown rice.
- With beans : Adding beans to your picadillo recipe is a great way to add protein and fiber. Beans can be black, bay, or pinto, cooked and seasoned to taste.
- Ground Beef Empanadas : This recipe makes a empanada filling . The crispy, golden dough contrasts perfectly with the juicy, savory stew. They're perfect as an appetizer or a quick lunch.
- Picadillo Tacos: Tacos are one of the most common and delicious ways to enjoy this recipe. They're simply served on corn or flour tortillas , accompanied by salsa, onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. It's a quick and delicious option for any meal.
- Enchiladas: Tortillas are filled with ground beef, rolled up, and topped with tomato or chili sauce, then topped with cheese. This option is perfect for a festive meal.
Now we're ready to make this easy and delicious homemade picadillo recipe. If you have any questions, leave them in the comments! Let's check out the recipe.
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Ground Beef Mince Recipe
Yields: 4 portions
Preparation time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 500 g of ground beef
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 cup of peas
- 2 large tomatoes
- 250 g cherry tomatoes (optional)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 serrano pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1 handful of chopped chives (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to make ground beef step by step
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and two cloves of garlic and cook for approximately 5 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Add the ground beef and cook until well browned, stirring to break it up.
- Add the potatoes, carrots, peas, and chopped chili. Cook for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend and the vegetables to begin to soften.
- Blend the tomatoes with a clove of garlic. Add to the meat and vegetable mixture along with the cherry tomatoes (optional). Season with cumin, salt, pepper, and the bay leaf.
- Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
- Serve hot and sprinkle with chives (optional). Enjoy alone or with corn tortillas.
