Picadillo Ranchero, a Quick & Easy Mexican Recipe on a Budget!

Cooking Con Claudia

Video Stats

Host: Cooking Con Claudia
Published: May 29, 2025
Views: 61.2k

Recipe Overview

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 20 min
Difficulty: Intermediate
Serves: 4

Overview

Picadillo Ranchero is a delightful dish that brings together the comforting flavors of ground beef and potatoes, making it a staple in many Mexican households. The recipe starts with sautéing onions and jalapeños in oil, which sets a fragrant base for the dish. Adding minced garlic and ground beef, seasoned with a blend of spices, creates a savory filling that is both hearty and satisfying.

One of the standout features of this recipe is its versatility. You can adjust the spice level by including more or fewer jalapeños, tailoring it to your family’s taste. The addition of tomatillos and chipotle not only enhances the flavor but also gives the dish a beautiful color. After simmering, the potatoes become tender, soaking up all the delicious juices.

Serving Picadillo Ranchero with warm flour tortillas and refried beans transforms it into a complete meal, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. It’s a dish that evokes nostalgia and comfort, reminding many of home-cooked meals from childhood. The best part? It’s budget-friendly and quick to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights.

Overall, this recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy authentic Mexican flavors without breaking the bank. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, Picadillo Ranchero is sure to impress and satisfy.

Recipe Details

Steps & Tips

1
00:18

Add a little bit of oil to a pan over medium high heat and allow it to heat up.

2
00:27

Add onion and jalapeños, sauté for a couple of minutes.

3
00:32

Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.

4
00:39

Add 2 lbs of ground beef and begin to break it down.

5
00:45

Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, and oregano.

6
00:51

Allow the beef to cook for 3 minutes.

7
00:55

Add potatoes, mix it in, and allow it to cook for 5 minutes.

8
01:00

Remove any grease from the meat.

9
01:04

Add tomatoes, tomatillos, and chipotle, then mix.

10
01:14

Add tomato sauce along with one cup of water and mix.

11
01:20

Reduce heat to medium low and allow it to come to a simmer.

01:26

Tip: Taste the dish for salt and adjust as needed.

12
01:29

Add two bay leaves, cover, and allow it to cook for 15 minutes.

13
01:35

Check that the potatoes are fully soft.

14
01:45

Turn off the heat and sprinkle some cilantro.

15
01:54

Serve with refried beans and flour tortillas.

02:20

Tip: You can make it spicy or not depending on your preference.

02:36

Tip: Add more water if you want a brothier consistency.

Ingredients

Serves: 4
Onion1
Garlic3 cloves
Jalapeno1
Tomato1 cup
Tomatillo1 cup
Chipotle1
Bay Leaf2
Cilantroto taste

Nutrition

Calories
450
kcal per serving
Protein
25
per serving
Carbs
30
per serving

Skill Level

Skill Level Intermediate
Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Frequently asked questions

Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.

Got a Recipe Question? Ask Away!

Interesting Tidbits

  • Picadillo is a traditional Mexican dish that often includes ground beef and potatoes.
  • The dish can be customized with various spices and heat levels based on personal preference.
  • Serving Picadillo with tortillas or refried beans enhances its flavor and makes for a hearty meal.
  • Tomatillos and chipotle add a unique depth of flavor to the Picadillo Ranchero.