Picadillo con Papa is a traditional Latin American dish that combines ground meat, potatoes, and a blend of spices to create a hearty and flavorful meal. This dish is perfect for family dinners and is incredibly versatile, often served with rice, tortillas, or even as a filling for tacos. The combination of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and fresh vegetables makes Picadillo con Papa a comforting and satisfying dish. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make this delicious meal step-by-step.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 1 medium Russet potato, finely diced (skins intact for added texture, weighing about 240 grams)
Oil:
- 3 tablespoons olive or avocado oil
Meat:
- 1 pound ground chuck or sirloin (80% lean is perfect)
Spices:
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
Veggies:
- 1 cup diced onion (about 200 grams)
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced (roughly 16 grams)
- 2 large Roma tomatoes, roughly chopped (around 288 grams)
- 1-2 serrano chiles, roughly chopped (25 grams, give or take)
Liquids:
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Dice Potatoes: Finely dice the Russet potato, keeping the skins on for added texture and flavor.
- Chop Veggies: Dice the onion, mince the garlic, roughly chop the Roma tomatoes, and chop the serrano chiles.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive or avocado oil over medium heat.
- Cook Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and turn golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the potatoes from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Meat
- Brown Meat: In the same skillet, add the ground chuck or sirloin. Cook over medium heat, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 4: Add Spices and Vegetables
- Add Spices: Add the salt, garlic powder, black pepper, cumin, and oregano to the cooked meat. Stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the spices to bloom.
- Add Veggies: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, chopped Roma tomatoes, and serrano chiles to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
- Combine Potatoes and Meat: Return the cooked potatoes to the skillet with the meat and vegetable mixture. Stir to combine.
- Add Water: Pour in the 1/4 cup of water to help create a bit of sauce and to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the potatoes to finish cooking.
Serving
- Serve: Serve the Picadillo con Papa hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, warm tortillas, or as a filling for tacos.
Cooking Notes
- Potatoes: Keeping the skins on the potatoes adds extra texture and nutrients to the dish. Ensure they are diced finely to cook evenly.
- Heat Level: Adjust the number of serrano chiles to your taste preference. For a milder dish, use one chile or remove the seeds before chopping.
- Consistency: If you prefer a saucier picadillo, you can add a bit more water or even some tomato sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of meat? A: Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat substitute for a different variation of this dish.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover Picadillo con Papa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this dish? A: Yes, you can freeze Picadillo con Papa. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
Keto/Low Carb Version
To make a keto or low-carb version of this recipe, follow these modifications:
- Potatoes: Substitute the potatoes with diced cauliflower or turnips to reduce the carb content.
- Tomatoes: Use fewer tomatoes or opt for a low-carb tomato sauce.
Picadillo con Papa is a flavorful and hearty dish that’s perfect for any meal. With its blend of spices, tender potatoes, and savory ground meat, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious, homemade meal that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying!
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