Picadillo Ranchero

Picadillo Ranchero is a flavorful and comforting Mexican dish that combines seasoned ground beef with tender vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and peas, all simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce. Infused with cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika, this dish delivers a hearty taste that’s both familiar and exciting. Its rustic, home-cooked feel makes it the perfect choice for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a special family gathering.

The beauty of Picadillo Ranchero lies in its versatility. Serve it with warm corn tortillas, over fluffy rice, or alongside fresh avocado slices for a complete meal. You can adjust the spice level to your liking, keep it mild for a family-friendly dinner or add jalapeño and chili powder for a bold kick. This dish not only fills your home with mouthwatering aromas but also brings a touch of authentic Mexican tradition to your table.

Ingredients:

1 lb (450 g) ground beef
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 medium potato, diced
1 medium carrot, diced
1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 jalapeño pepper, minced (optional, for heat)
1/4 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Directions:

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they start to break down, about 3 minutes.
Add the diced potatoes, carrots, peas, green bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using). Stir well.
Pour in tomato sauce and beef broth. Add cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
Adjust seasoning as needed.
Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 285 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Picadillo Ranchero: A Hearty Mexican Classic Packed with Flavor

Picadillo Ranchero is more than just a simple beef and vegetable dish, it’s a heartwarming, comforting recipe that speaks of tradition, family, and the rich culinary heritage of Mexico. This rustic, ranch-style version of picadillo blends ground beef with tender vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and peas, all simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce. What sets it apart is the balance of flavors: earthy cumin, smoky paprika, aromatic oregano, and the natural sweetness of vegetables coming together to create something deeply satisfying.

This dish has been cherished in Mexican households for generations, often served as a go-to family meal that’s both nourishing and budget-friendly. It’s versatile, easy to make, and perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings where you want something hearty yet wholesome. Whether you enjoy it with warm tortillas, over steamed rice, or simply as a standalone stew, Picadillo Ranchero delivers a satisfying meal that will keep everyone at the table happy.

The Origins of Picadillo Ranchero

Picadillo is a dish that spans cultures, appearing in various forms across Latin America, Spain, and even the Philippines. The name “picadillo” comes from the Spanish verb picar, meaning “to mince” or “to chop,” referring to the finely chopped or ground meat that forms the base of the dish. In Mexico, picadillo has evolved into many regional varieties, each with its own signature twist.

The Ranchero version, or estilo ranchero, takes inspiration from traditional rural cooking: hearty, rustic meals that could be made with whatever fresh and preserved ingredients were on hand. Ranchero-style dishes often include fresh vegetables from the garden, basic pantry spices, and a tomato-based sauce, cooked slowly to let the flavors meld together. This farm-to-table approach results in a meal that’s both nutritious and deeply flavorful.

Key Ingredients and Their Role

While Picadillo Ranchero can be adapted depending on what’s available, the following ingredients are the heart of the recipe:

1. Ground Beef
Lean ground beef is the most common choice, offering a rich flavor and tender texture. The beef browns beautifully, absorbing the spices and sauce for a deep, savory taste.

2. Fresh Vegetables
Diced potatoes and carrots add body and natural sweetness to the dish, while peas bring a pop of color and freshness. Green bell pepper and optional jalapeño add another layer of flavor, balancing sweetness with a mild heat.

3. Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce
Fresh chopped tomatoes add a juicy, slightly tangy base, while a small amount of tomato sauce helps bind the flavors and give the dish a rich, smooth texture.

4. Aromatics and Spices
Onion and garlic form the aromatic foundation. Cumin provides warmth, oregano adds an earthy herbaceous note, and smoked paprika lends a hint of depth. Salt and pepper bring everything into balance.

5. Beef Broth
A small amount of beef broth keeps the picadillo moist and flavorful, allowing the vegetables to cook evenly without drying out.

6. Fresh Cilantro
Used as a garnish, cilantro brightens the dish and adds a fresh herbal touch to every bite.

Cooking Tips for the Perfect Picadillo Ranchero

While Picadillo Ranchero is easy to make, a few small techniques can elevate your dish to the next level:

Brown the Meat Well: Allow the ground beef to develop a deep brown color before adding vegetables. This step enhances the flavor and richness of the final dish.
Cut Vegetables Evenly: Dice potatoes and carrots into similar sizes so they cook at the same rate.
Simmer Slowly: Let the dish cook gently on low heat. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat and vegetables fully.
Balance the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker picadillo, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid. For a more stew-like consistency, add a splash more broth.
Adjust the Heat: Control the spice level by adding jalapeños, serrano peppers, or even a pinch of chili powder for more heat.

Serving Suggestions

One of the best things about Picadillo Ranchero is how versatile it is when it comes to serving:

With Tortillas: Warm corn or flour tortillas are a classic pairing. Scoop the picadillo into the tortillas for a quick taco-style serving.
Over Rice: White rice, Mexican red rice, or even quinoa makes a perfect base to soak up the flavorful sauce.
With Fried Plantains: Sweet fried plantains add a delicious contrast to the savory, slightly tangy picadillo.
Stuffed Peppers: Use the picadillo as a filling for bell peppers, then bake for a rustic stuffed pepper variation.
As a Side Dish: Serve alongside refried beans, grilled vegetables, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Why Picadillo Ranchero is a Family Favorite

This dish earns its place as a family favorite for several reasons:

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients without compromising flavor.
Nutrient-Rich: Contains protein, vegetables, and healthy carbs in one dish.
Customizable: Works with beef, turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian base using lentils or plant-based crumbles.
Quick to Make: Ready in about 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
Great for Leftovers: The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even better the next day.

Variations You Can Try

Picadillo Ranchero is adaptable, and here are some creative variations:

Sweet and Savory Twist: Add raisins or diced apples for a sweet contrast.
Smoky Flavor: Replace smoked paprika with chipotle peppers in adobo for a deeper, spicier note.
Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for crumbled tofu, tempeh, or cooked lentils.
Seafood Style: Try using diced shrimp and fish for a coastal Mexican variation.
Green Sauce Base: Replace the tomato sauce with salsa verde for a tangy, herbaceous flavor profile.

Storage and Reheating

Picadillo Ranchero stores beautifully, making it a great meal prep option:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Cultural Significance of the Dish

In many Mexican households, Picadillo Ranchero isn’t just food, it’s a symbol of home cooking at its finest. It’s the type of meal that brings families together at the table, encourages conversation, and fills the house with comforting aromas. Passed down from generation to generation, it’s a dish that reflects resourcefulness, creativity, and a love of feeding loved ones well.

Conclusion

Picadillo Ranchero is the kind of recipe that makes you appreciate the beauty of simple, well-balanced cooking. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a quiet family dinner or serving it to friends, it’s a dish that invites everyone to slow down and enjoy good food together.

From its humble rural roots to its place on modern tables, Picadillo Ranchero remains a shining example of how tradition and taste go hand in hand. Once you try it, it might just become a permanent part of your meal rotatio, the kind of recipe you’ll pass down, just like so many families in Mexico have done for generations.

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