Step 1: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 2: Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.
Step 3: Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Add ground meat (beef or pork) to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon.
Step 5: Once the meat is cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Step 6: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
Step 7: Add spices such as cumin, chili powder, oregano, and salt to the skillet and mix well.
Step 8: Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 9: Add diced potatoes and carrots to the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce.
Step 10: Cover the skillet and let it simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
Step 11: Stir in sliced green olives and raisins, if desired, and cook for another 5 minutes.
Step 12: Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 13: Remove the skillet from heat and let the picadillo rest for a few minutes before serving.
Step 14: Serve the picadillo hot with your choice of accompaniments, such as rice, tortillas, or crusty bread.
Step 15: Enjoy your homemade Mexican picadillo!

Substitutions for Picadillo in Mexican cuisine:

1. Ground beef:
- Ground turkey (same quantity)
- Ground chicken (same quantity)
- Ground pork (same quantity)

2. Onion:
- Shallots (same quantity)
- Leeks (same quantity)
- Scallions (same quantity)

3. Garlic:
- Garlic powder (use 1/2 teaspoon for every clove)
- Onion powder (use 1/2 teaspoon for every clove)

4. Tomato sauce:
- Tomato paste diluted with water (use 1 part tomato paste and 1 part water)
- Canned diced tomatoes (use 1 cup, drained)

5. Raisins:
- Dried cranberries (same quantity)
- Chopped dried apricots (same quantity)

6. Green olives:
- Black olives (same quantity)
- Capers (same quantity)

7. Ground cumin:
- Ground coriander (same quantity)
- Chili powder (same quantity)

8. Ground cinnamon:
- Ground allspice (same quantity)
- Ground nutmeg (same quantity)

9. Salt:
- Soy sauce (use 1/2 teaspoon for every 1/4 teaspoon salt)
- Worcestershire sauce (use 1/2 teaspoon for every 1/4 teaspoon salt)

10. Ground black pepper:
- White pepper (same quantity)
- Cayenne pepper (adjust quantity to desired heat level)

11. Bay leaf:
- Dried thyme (use 1/2 teaspoon for every bay leaf)
- Dried oregano (use 1/2 teaspoon for every bay leaf)

Note: Adjust seasoning quantities to taste and follow the original recipe's cooking instructions for preparation.

- Rice
- Tortillas
- Refried beans
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Cheese
- Cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Cornbread
- Mexican-style pickled vegetables
- Queso fresco
- Lettuce and tomatoes for a salad
- Mexican-style street corn
- Chiles rellenos
- Tostadas
- Mexican-style rice pudding
- Horchata (Mexican rice milk drink)
- Agua fresca (fruit-infused water)
- Margarita
- Michelada (beer cocktail)
- Mexican lager or light beer

1. Improve presentation:
- Serve the picadillo in individual mini tortilla bowls for a visually appealing presentation.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for a pop of color and freshness.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema to add a creamy element to the dish.

2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add a handful of toasted pumpkin seeds or crushed peanuts for a crunchy texture.
- Incorporate a small amount of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to give the picadillo a smoky and spicy kick.
- Enhance the umami flavor by adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of fish sauce to the recipe.

3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Substitute ground beef with ground wagyu beef for a more tender and flavorful meat.
- Include diced pancetta or bacon for an added depth of richness and savory taste.
- Add a splash of red wine or tequila to deglaze the pan and infuse the dish with a luxurious undertone.

- Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef to reduce saturated fat content.
- Replace white rice with brown rice or quinoa for a higher fiber and nutrient content.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium broth or tomato sauce and limiting the use of added salt.
- Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for added nutrients and fiber.
- For a vegetarian or vegan option, substitute the meat with plant-based alternatives like textured vegetable protein (TVP) or lentils.
- If you have gluten intolerance, ensure that all ingredients used, such as broth and seasonings, are gluten-free.
- To reduce calorie intake, use cooking methods like baking or grilling instead of frying.
- Adjust the spice level to accommodate individual preferences, especially for those with sensitive stomachs or acid reflux issues.
- Serve picadillo with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables to increase the overall nutrient content and promote satiety.

- Replace ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken to reduce saturated fat content.
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the recipe by adding diced bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini.
- Use whole grain rice instead of white rice to increase fiber content.
- Reduce the amount of oil used for cooking by opting for a non-stick pan or using cooking spray.
- Choose low-sodium or no-added-salt canned tomatoes or tomato sauce to reduce sodium intake.
- Add a variety of herbs and spices, such as cumin, oregano, and chili powder, to enhance flavor without adding extra salt.
- Serve picadillo with a side of fresh salsa or pico de gallo instead of sour cream or cheese for a lighter topping option.
- Opt for baked or air-fried tortilla chips instead of deep-fried ones for a healthier accompaniment.

1. Use ground beef instead of cubed beef to save time on cooking and tenderizing.
2. Opt for canned diced tomatoes instead of fresh ones to skip the step of peeling and chopping.
3. Replace traditional raisins with chopped prunes or dried cranberries for a more affordable alternative.
4. Substitute fresh garlic with garlic powder or pre-minced garlic for faster preparation.
5. Use pre-made taco seasoning mix instead of individual spices to save time measuring and blending.
6. Consider using frozen mixed vegetables instead of fresh ones to skip the chopping and reduce prep time.
7. Use store-bought beef broth instead of homemade to save time on simmering and extracting flavors.
8. Serve picadillo over rice or mashed potatoes instead of stuffing it in tortillas to reduce preparation steps.
9. Consider using a pressure cooker or slow cooker to tenderize the meat faster and save time on monitoring.
10. Double the recipe and freeze leftovers for future quick and economical meals.

 Related

• Arroz con Pollo
• Birria
• Breakfast Burritos
• Burritos
• Carne Asada
• Carnitas
• Chalupas
• Chiles Rellenos
• Chili Rellenos Casserole
• Chorizo and Eggs
• Cochinita Pibil
• Enchiladas
• Fajitas
• Menudo
• Mexican Lasagna
• Mexican Rice
• Nacho Casserole
• Nopales Tacos
• Quesadillas