Mom’s Picadillo Con Papa (Ground Beef with Potatoes)

Here’s a comforting and classic recipe for Mom’s Picadillo con Papa (Ground Beef with Potatoes) — a beloved Mexican dish full of simple, homey flavors. Perfect with rice, beans, or warm tortillas.

Mom’s Picadillo con Papa (Ground Beef with Potatoes)

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 is ideal for flavor)

• 1 medium white or yellow onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2–3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes

• 2 Roma tomatoes, chopped (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)

• 1 small can (8 oz) tomato sauce

• 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper, finely chopped (optional for spice)

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1–2 tbsp vegetable oil

• ½ cup water or beef broth

• Optional: ¼ cup chopped cilantro or green peas

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef:
   In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Sauté the aromatics:
   Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes, then stir in the garlic and jalapeño (if using). Cook another minute until fragrant.

3. Add tomatoes and seasonings:
   Stir in chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until tomatoes soften.

4. Add potatoes:
   Mix in the diced potatoes and stir well to coat with the sauce.

5. Simmer:
   Add ½ cup water or broth. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking; add more water if needed.

6. Optional finish:
   Stir in chopped cilantro or peas at the end for added color and freshness.

Serve with:

• Warm corn tortillas or flour tortillas

• A side of Mexican rice and refried beans

• Topped with sliced avocado or a dash of hot sauce