Green Chile Picadillo

Love that! Here’s a zesty, flavorful Green Chile Picadillo recipe — a Tex-Mex classic with ground beef, green chiles, and a savory sauce that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or even over rice.

🌶️ Green Chile Picadillo

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups roasted green chiles, chopped (e.g., Hatch or Anaheim)

• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles (optional, for extra kick)

• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

• Juice of 1 lime (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Beef:

   • Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.

   • Add chopped onion and sauté until soft (~3 minutes).

   • Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

   • Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Add Chiles & Seasonings:

   • Stir in roasted and canned green chiles.

   • Add tomato sauce, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.

   • Stir to combine and simmer for 10 minutes, uncovered, to let flavors meld.

3. Finish & Serve:

   • Stir in fresh cilantro and lime juice if using.

   • Serve warm in tacos, burritos, or over rice.

Tips & Variations:

• For a milder picadillo, reduce or omit cayenne.

• Add diced potatoes or peas for a heartier dish.

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.