Picadillo con Papa (Ground Beef with Potatoes)
Picadillo con Papa is a comforting, traditional dish made with seasoned ground beef simmered with tender potatoes in a savory tomato-based sauce. It is hearty, flavorful, and commonly served with rice, tortillas, or warm bread, making it a perfect family-style meal.
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, 2 medium potatoes peeled and diced, 1 small onion finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 cup tomato sauce, ½ cup beef broth or water, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, salt and black pepper to taste, and optional chopped cilantro for garnish.
To prepare the potatoes, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden and partially tender. Remove the potatoes from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in the cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the tomato sauce and beef broth, mixing well. Return the potatoes to the skillet, stir to combine, and bring to a gentle simmer.
Cover and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and the flavors are well blended. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve hot with rice, tortillas, or bread, and garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.