Ground Beef Potatoes Picadillo: 1 Amazing Skillet

Name: Ground Beef Potatoes Picadillo: 1 Amazing Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 2 medium potatoes, diced small; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium tomatoes, chopped; ½ cup tomato sauce; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon cooking oil; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)

by Jannet Lisa

18 de September de 2025

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Ground Beef Potatoes Picadillo has become my go-to weeknight meal, and I can’t wait for you to try it! This dish brings together the comforting flavors of savory ground beef and tender potatoes simmered in a rich, spiced tomato sauce. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma of cumin and paprika filled my kitchen, promising a delicious meal. It’s a truly hearty ground beef and potato picadillo that’s both satisfying and incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy evenings. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Potatoes Picadillo

You’re going to adore this dish for so many reasons:

It’s a true one-pan wonder, meaning minimal cleanup!
The combination of savory ground beef and tender potatoes is incredibly satisfying.
This easy ground beef potato picadillo comes together in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
The aromatic spices like cumin and paprika create a wonderfully rich flavor profile.
It’s a hearty and comforting meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
You’ll find this ground beef picadillo recipe potatoes is a fantastic way to serve a crowd.
It’s adaptable, so you can tweak the spice level to your liking.
The simple prep makes it accessible even for beginner cooks.

Ingredients for Ground Beef Potatoes Picadillo

Here’s everything you’ll need for this comforting skillet meal. For this delicious ground beef with diced potatoes, make sure your potatoes are cut into small, even cubes so they cook through perfectly.

1 lb ground beef – I like to use an 80/20 blend for the best flavor.
2 medium potatoes, diced small – Yukon Gold or red potatoes work wonderfully here.
1 medium onion, diced – a yellow or white onion is perfect.
3 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic makes all the difference.
2 medium tomatoes, chopped – ripe Roma tomatoes are ideal.
½ cup tomato sauce – this forms the base of our savory sauce.
1 teaspoon ground cumin – it adds that signature earthy warmth.
1 teaspoon paprika – for a touch of sweetness and color.
1 teaspoon salt – or to taste.
½ teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground is best.
1 tablespoon cooking oil – like vegetable or olive oil.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional) – for a fresh finish.

How to Make Ground Beef Potatoes Picadillo

Whipping up this hearty dish is a breeze, and the aroma alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon cooking oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the 1 medium onion, diced, and sauté until it’s softened and translucent, usually about 3–4 minutes. You’ll start to smell that sweet onion fragrance.
Step 2: Toss in the 3 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for just another 30 seconds until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
Step 3: Add the 1 lb ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with your spoon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned all over, about 6–8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease if you prefer.
Step 4: Now, let’s season! Sprinkle in the 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon paprika. Stir everything together really well so that savory goodness coats every piece of beef.
Step 5: Stir in the 2 medium tomatoes, chopped, and the ½ cup tomato sauce. Mix it all up and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This creates the flavorful base for our dish.
Step 6: Time for the potatoes! Add the 2 medium potatoes, diced small, to the skillet. Give everything a good stir, making sure those potato cubes are nicely coated in the rich sauce. This is where it really starts to look like a proper picadillo with ground beef and potatoes.
Step 7: Cover the skillet tightly with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring every so often. You want to ensure the potatoes are fork-tender and cooked through. This slow simmer is key for a tender result in your ground beef picadillo skillet potatoes.
Step 8: Give it a final taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. If you have some fresh herbs on hand, stir in the 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for a burst of freshness.
Step 9: Serve this delicious ground beef potatoes picadillo hot! It’s fantastic on its own or with a side of rice or warm tortillas.

Pro Tips for the Best Ground Beef Potatoes Picadillo

Want to make this dish truly shine? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make all the difference:

Dice your potatoes small and uniformly. This ensures they cook evenly and become perfectly tender without turning mushy.
Don’t skip browning the ground beef well before adding the liquids. This step builds a richer, deeper flavor base for the entire dish.
Always cover the skillet while the potatoes simmer. This traps steam, helping them cook through evenly and keeping everything wonderfully moist.
Taste and adjust seasoning *before* serving. Sometimes the potatoes absorb a bit more salt, so a final check is crucial for the perfect flavor.

What’s the secret to perfect Ground Beef Potatoes Picadillo?

The real secret to the best ground beef potato picadillo is in the balance of textures and flavors. Ensure your potatoes are diced small, and don’t overcook them. Browning the beef properly also adds immense depth, making it a truly savory experience. For more on achieving perfect textures, you can explore cooking techniques for potatoes.

Can I make Ground Beef Potatoes Picadillo ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish up to the point of adding the potatoes and simmering. Store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, add the diced potatoes and proceed with the simmering time, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Ground Beef Potatoes Picadillo?

A common pitfall is cutting potatoes too large, leading to undercooked spuds. Another mistake is not browning the beef sufficiently, which results in a less flavorful picadillo. Finally, avoid overcrowding the skillet; give the ingredients space to cook properly.

Best Ways to Serve Ground Beef Potatoes Picadillo

This versatile dish is fantastic on its own, but I love serving it with a few complementary sides to create a complete meal. For a taste of the islands, try serving a hearty portion of this Cuban picadillo ground beef potatoes alongside some black beans and plantains. If you’re leaning towards a more zesty experience, this Mexican picadillo ground beef potatoes pairs wonderfully with warm corn tortillas and a dollop of sour cream or avocado crema.

Another favorite way to enjoy it is with a side of fluffy white rice to soak up all that delicious savory sauce, or even some crusty bread for dipping. It’s truly a crowd-pleaser that fits any occasion!

Ground Beef Potatoes Picadillo - Ground Beef Potatoes Picadillo - additional detail

Nutrition Facts for Ground Beef Potatoes Picadillo

This hearty dish is packed with flavor and satisfying ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving (which is about 1.5 cups of this delicious ground beef and potato picadillo):

Calories: 380
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 520mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on nutritional guidelines, consult resources like the USDA MyPlate.

How to Store and Reheat Ground Beef Potatoes Picadillo

Leftovers of this delicious ground beef potatoes picadillo are just as tasty, if not more so, the next day! Once the dish has cooled down slightly, transfer any remaining ground beef and potato stew picadillo into an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing the container to prevent condensation.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for a quick reheat. If reheating from frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight first for the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef Potatoes Picadillo

What is Ground Beef Potatoes Picadillo?

This dish is a hearty, savory one-pan meal featuring ground beef and tender diced potatoes simmered in a rich, seasoned tomato sauce. It’s a comforting and flavorful Latin American-inspired classic that’s perfect for a satisfying dinner.

How to make Ground Beef Potatoes Picadillo?

Making it is simple! You’ll start by sautéing onions and garlic, then browning the ground beef with spices. Next, you add tomatoes and tomato sauce, followed by diced potatoes. Cover and simmer until the potatoes are tender. It’s a straightforward process that yields fantastic results.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Absolutely! Sweet potatoes offer a slightly different flavor profile and can add a lovely sweetness to the dish. Just be sure to dice them small and cook them until tender, similar to regular potatoes.

What are some good side dishes for Ground Beef Potatoes Picadillo?

It’s delicious with simple sides like fluffy white rice, warm corn tortillas, or a fresh green salad. Black beans and fried plantains also make excellent accompaniments, especially if you’re aiming for a more traditional Cuban or Mexican-inspired meal.

Variations of Ground Beef Potatoes Picadillo You Can Try

This classic dish is incredibly versatile, and I love tweaking it to suit different moods and dietary needs. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

Vegetarian Picadillo: Swap the ground beef for crumbled firm tofu or a plant-based ground alternative. This makes for a wonderfully hearty ground beef potato picadillo that’s completely meat-free.
Spicy Kick: For a fiery twist on this savory ground beef potato picadillo, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other spices, or stir in a diced jalapeño with the onions.
Sweet Potato Twist: Substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes. Their natural sweetness complements the savory beef and spices beautifully, creating a unique flavor profile.
Slow Cooker Method: For an even easier approach, brown the beef and sauté the aromatics first, then combine everything in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.