It was one of those whirlwind evenings when the clock seemed to race against me. After a long day, the thought of fast food was quickly losing its charm, and I craved something homemade, something that felt like a warm hug. That’s when I decided to whip up my Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef—a delightful Tex-Mex staple that not only satisfies the taste buds but also comes together in a flash.
The rich aroma of seasoned ground beef mingled with the earthy notes of cumin filled my kitchen, instantly lifting my spirits. With just a handful of ingredients like tender potatoes and vibrant green bell peppers, this savory dish transforms into a versatile filling for tacos, a robust topping for nachos, or even a hearty meal served over rice. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or simply feeding a hungry family, this easy recipe promises to deliver delicious flavors without the hassle. Let’s dive into the comforting world of Carne Molida and make your weeknight dinners something special!
Why is Carne Molida a Must-Try?
Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes needed, you’ll satisfy your cravings without fussing over complicated techniques.
Savory Goodness: Each bite is filled with rich flavors from seasoned ground beef, making it an ideal comfort food.
Versatile Delight: Perfect as a taco filling, a nacho topping, or served over rice – the options are endless!
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe guarantees smiles at the dinner table.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make it ahead of time and enjoy delicious leftovers, giving you stress-free meals throughout the week.
Carne Molida Ingredients
For the Beef Mixture
• Ground Beef – Choose 80/20 for a flavorful and moist dish.
• Large Potato – Dice into small cubes for even cooking and added heartiness.
• Onion – Finely chop for more sweetness and better distribution in the mixture.
• Green Bell Pepper – Essential for brightness; avoid substituting with sweet peppers.
• Garlic – Fresh, minced garlic enhances aroma; it’s a key component in elevating flavors.
For Seasoning
• Cumin – Crucial for that authentic Tex-Mex flavor profile.
• Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust to your personal taste.
For Garnishing
• Cilantro – Chop finely and add just before serving to brighten the dish.
• Lime Juice – Use fresh for acidity that balances the rich flavors beautifully.
With these ingredients, you’re all set to create a delightful Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
How to Make Carne Molida
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Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat. Use a spatula to break it up as it browns, until there is no pink left, about 6-8 minutes.
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Add Potatoes and Onions: Toss in the diced potato and finely chopped onion to the skillet. Cook together for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes start to soften.
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Sauté Bell Peppers and Garlic: Carefully spoon off any excess fat, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pan. Add the diced green bell pepper and minced garlic; sauté for 2-3 minutes until the peppers are tender and fragrant.
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Season the Mixture: Sprinkle in cumin, salt, and pepper, stirring everything well to ensure the flavors meld together beautifully.
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Let It Simmer: Lower the heat and allow the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes. This will help the flavors combine and deepen, creating a rich savory filling.
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Finish with Freshness: Stir in the chopped cilantro and freshly squeezed lime juice. Serve the Carne Molida warm in tortillas or as desired.
Optional: For a bit of heat, add sliced jalapeños while cooking.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Carne Molida?
Warm tortilla chips are perfect for scooping up this savory mixture, creating a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender beef.
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Fresh Guacamole: Creamy avocado with bright lime juice adds a refreshing layer that complements the rich flavors of the beef.
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Mexican Rice: Fluffy, fragrant rice acts as a wonderful base, soaking up the savory juices and helping to balance the meal.
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Salsa Fresca: A zesty and fresh salsa provides a tangy bite with diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, elevating the entire dish.
Pair it with a cool, crisp salad dressed in lime vinaigrette for a bright contrast, adding freshness to each flavorful bite.
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Baked Spanish Rice: The robust spices in the rice echo the dish while offering a hearty and filling element to your plate.
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Pico de Gallo: Chopped tomatoes, onions, and cilantro deliver a burst of freshness, resulting in a delightful textural contrast to the mouthwatering carne.
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Chilled Horchata: This creamy, sweet rice drink pairs wonderfully, washing down the savory flavors and bringing a satisfying end to the meal.
Whether you choose one or several of these pairings, your Carne Molida dinner will be a fiesta of flavors and textures!
Make Ahead Options
These Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef are perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep enthusiasts! You can cook the entire mixture and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, allowing the flavors to deepen and meld together. Just cool it completely before refrigerating to maintain quality. If you’re planning ahead, this dish also freezes beautifully—simply divide it into portions and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 10 minutes or microwave until heated through, ensuring you enjoy the same delicious flavors just as if it were freshly made!
Carne Molida Variations & Substitutions
Embrace your culinary creativity with these delightful twists on Carne Molida that will entice your taste buds and make each meal unique!
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Vegetable Boost: Add corn or diced tomatoes for an extra layer of flavor, introducing a pop of sweetness and color.
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Spicy Kick: Stir in chopped jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce during cooking for a fiery touch that will warm your soul.
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Creamy Addition: Mix in a splash of cream or sour cream just before serving for a rich, velvety texture that complements the savory beef beautifully.
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Protein Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version while still retaining great flavor.
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Herb Upgrade: Experiment with different herbs like oregano or parsley to personalize the flavor profile and add freshness to the dish.
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Heat Variation: Adjust the amount of cumin or add smoked paprika for a deep, smoky flavor that will elevate your dish to new heights.
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Serving Twist: Instead of tacos, try serving it as a filling for burritos or mixing it into pasta for a Tex-Mex pasta dish that’s sure to impress!
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Sweet Surprise: Incorporate sweet bell peppers or a pinch of brown sugar to balance the savory notes with a hint of sweetness for a delightful contrast.
Expert Tips for Carne Molida
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Choose Quality Beef: Opt for 80/20 ground beef for a perfect balance of flavor and moisture. Avoid leaner cuts as they can dry out.
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Perfect Potato Size: Cut potatoes into small cubes for even cooking. Larger chunks will take longer to soften and disrupt the texture.
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Don’t Skimp on Seasoning: It’s essential to season your Carne Molida well with cumin, salt, and pepper to bring out the authentic Tex-Mex flavors.
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Serve Fresh: Garnish with chopped cilantro and lime juice just before serving to brighten the dish up and elevate flavor.
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Store Smartly: This dish can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days or frozen for 3 months. Always cool completely before storing in airtight containers.
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Mix and Match: Feel free to add spices or veggies, like corn or diced tomatoes, to make your Carne Molida unique and tailored to your taste!
How to Store and Freeze Carne Molida
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Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the dish is cool before sealing to maintain freshness.
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Freezer: Freeze Carne Molida in portions for easy reheating. It will keep well for up to 3 months; just label your containers with the date.
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Reheating: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through for the best texture.
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Leftovers Tip: If you enjoy meal prepping, feel free to double the recipe! This way, you can enjoy quick homemade meals throughout the week with your delicious Carne Molida.
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef Recipe FAQs
What type of ground beef should I use for Carne Molida?
Absolutely, I recommend choosing an 80/20 ground beef. This mix provides a perfect balance of flavor and fat, ensuring your Carne Molida remains juicy and rich. If you go for leaner options, you might end up with a drier dish, which we absolutely want to avoid!
How can I store leftover Carne Molida?
You can store your Carne Molida in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s best to let the dish cool completely before sealing it to keep it fresh. Just reheat it in a skillet over medium heat for a quick meal later in the week!
Can I freeze Carne Molida?
Yes! Carne Molida freezes wonderfully. Portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags, ensuring to label them with the date, and it will last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet for the best texture.
What if my potatoes aren’t cooking evenly in the Carne Molida?
No worries! If your potatoes are not softening as quickly as you’d like, try cutting them into smaller, more uniform cubes next time. This ensures they cook evenly. You can also add a splash of water to the skillet and cover it with a lid to steam them a bit faster if needed.
Are there any dietary considerations for Carne Molida?
Absolutely! This dish is naturally gluten-free, but if you’re serving it to someone with allergies, double-check the seasonings and any additional ingredients you plan to add. If you’re cooking for pets, remember that onions and garlic are not safe for them, so reserve some plain cooked beef without those ingredients if they’d like a tasty treat!
What’s the best way to use Carne Molida in other dishes?
The more the merrier! Besides tacos, you can use Carne Molida as a filling for enchiladas, stuffed peppers, or even on top of nachos. You can serve it over rice or incorporate it into a hearty burrito. The possibilities are endless, giving you a chance to be creative each night!
Carne Molida: Delicious Mexican Ground Beef for Quick Tacos
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until there is no pink left, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add the diced potato and finely chopped onion to the skillet. Cook together for approximately 5 minutes.
- Carefully spoon off any excess fat, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pan. Add the diced green bell pepper and minced garlic; sauté for 2-3 minutes.
- Sprinkle in cumin, salt, and pepper, stirring everything well.
- Lower the heat and allow the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped cilantro and freshly squeezed lime juice. Serve warm.