The aroma of a simmering picadillo recipe Mexican wafts through the air like a warm hug on a chilly day, inviting everyone in the house to gather around. This dish, with its savory ground beef, colorful veggies, and sweet undertones of raisins and olives, is not just a meal; it’s a fiesta for your taste buds.

Every bite of this comforting classic dances on your palate, giving you a delightful mix of flavors and textures, while memories of family dinners come flooding back. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this picadillo brings people together like nothing else.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This picadillo recipe Mexican is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The flavor profile balances savory and sweet perfectly, while the vibrant colors make it visually appetizing
- It’s versatile enough to serve with rice, tortillas, or as a filling for tacos
- Plus, it’s an excellent way to sneak in some extra veggies!
I remember the first time I made this dish for my friends; their eyes lit up as they took their first bites and declared me the “Picadillo Queen.”

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; chop finely for even cooking.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring aromatic depth; don’t skimp on these little wonders.
Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers add crunch; use any color you fancy!
Tomatoes: Fresh or canned tomatoes provide acidity; opt for ripe ones if using fresh.
Raisins: Sweet surprises in every bite make this dish unique; use golden raisins for added flavor.
Olives: Green olives offer briny goodness that perfectly complements the sweetness.
Cumin and Oregano: Essential spices that enhance the overall taste; freshly ground is best!
Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that elevate all flavors; adjust according to your preference.
Cooking Oil: Olive oil works well for sautéing; it adds richness to the dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your onions, bell peppers, and mincing your garlic. Having everything ready ensures smooth sailing when cooking.
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic until they turn translucent and fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
Add Ground Beef: Stir in the ground beef and cook until browned. Break it apart with a spatula until no pink remains—this step ensures all those savory flavors meld beautifully.
Add Veggies and Spices: Toss in chopped bell peppers and stir in cumin and oregano. Let these cook until softened—about 5 minutes—while savoring the delicious scent that fills your space.
Mix in Tomatoes and Raisins: Add diced tomatoes along with raisins and olives into the pan. Allow everything to simmer together for about 15 minutes so the flavors can mingle and develop.
Taste and Adjust: Give your picadillo a taste test! Adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving it up hot over rice or inside warm tortillas.
Enjoy creating this flavorful picadillo recipe Mexican that not only fills bellies but also warms hearts!
You Must Know
- This picadillo recipe Mexican is a delightful blend of flavors, perfect for family gatherings
- The aroma of spices wafting through your kitchen will make everyone’s stomach rumble
- Plus, it’s an easy dish that offers plenty of room for creativity and personal touches
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the meat first, then add vegetables and spices to enhance flavor. Cook until everything melds beautifully, creating a lovely aroma.

Add Your Touch
Consider swapping ground beef for turkey or adding raisins for a sweet twist. Experiment with spices to find your perfect blend.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For ultimate flavor, let the picadillo simmer longer than usual; it allows spices to deepen
- Always taste before serving—adjust seasonings as needed
- Serve with warm tortillas for a complete experience!
Sharing my first attempt at this picadillo recipe Mexican still makes me smile; friends devoured it, asking for seconds and thirds.

FAQ
What is picadillo traditionally made of?
Picadillo is typically made with ground meat, tomatoes, onions, and spices.
Can I make picadillo ahead of time?
Yes, picadillo can be cooked ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer.
Is there a vegetarian version of picadillo?
Absolutely! Substitute meat with lentils or mushrooms for a tasty vegetarian dish.
Enticing Picadillo Recipe
Experience the warmth of a traditional Mexican picadillo, a comforting dish that combines savory ground beef, colorful vegetables, and sweet raisins and olives. This delightful recipe is not only quick to prepare but also perfect for family gatherings, bringing everyone together around the dinner table. With its vibrant flavors and textures, each bite is a celebration of home-cooked goodness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bell peppers (any color), chopped
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- ½ cup golden raisins
- ½ cup green olives, sliced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by chopping your onions, bell peppers, and mincing garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onions and garlic until translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Stir in the chopped bell peppers, cumin, and oregano; cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add diced tomatoes, raisins, and olives; simmer for 15 minutes to meld flavors.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving hot over rice or in warm tortillas.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg

