Craving a comforting, one-pan dish that brings together bold flavors with minimal fuss? Ground Beef with Potatoes Picadillo is the answer. This humble yet hearty Latin-American classic combines ground beef, golden potatoes, and a vibrant mix of spices to create a meal that’s both satisfying and nostalgic.

Whether served with warm tortillas, spooned over fluffy rice, or eaten straight from the pan, this dish delivers. It’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and flexible enough to fit into any weeknight rotation. Ready in under 45 minutes, it transforms pantry staples into a meal that tastes like home.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Getting everything ready ahead of time makes this dish even more enjoyable to cook. Here’s what you need and why:

1. Large Skillet or Sauté Pan
This is essential for even browning of the beef and allowing the potatoes to absorb all the delicious flavors.

2. Sharp Chef’s Knife
You’ll need a precise knife to dice the potatoes into evenly-sized cubes, ensuring they cook through at the same rate.

3. Cutting Board
A sturdy board is key for chopping without slipping or damaging your counters.

4. Wooden Spoon or Spatula
Stirring and breaking up ground beef is easier with a wooden spoon, which is gentle on your nonstick surfaces.

5. Measuring Spoons
To get that perfect spice balance every time, accurate measuring tools are a must.

6. Bowl for Mise en Place
Have your chopped veggies and spices ready to go for a smoother cooking process.

Once you have these tools in place, the process flows seamlessly. Set the mood with your favorite playlist, and let’s cook something delicious.

Ingredients for the Ground Beef with Potatoes Picadillo

Ground Beef
The star of the show, providing a rich, savory base that absorbs the spices beautifully.

Gold Potatoes
They hold their shape and become tender without turning mushy, soaking in all the flavors.

Onion
Adds depth and a slight sweetness that balances the dish.

Garlic
Essential for an aromatic and flavorful base.

Red Bell Pepper
Adds a pop of color and a mild sweetness.

Tomato Sauce
Creates a savory-sweet sauce that ties everything together.

Beef Broth
Enhances the meatiness and adds moisture to help the potatoes cook evenly.

Cumin
Brings warmth and earthiness to the flavor profile.

Oregano
Adds a subtle herbal note that complements the beef.

Paprika
Adds color and a smoky undertone.

Salt & Black Pepper
To season and balance all the ingredients.

Fresh Parsley (optional)
For garnish and a bit of freshness.

How To Make the Ground Beef with Potatoes Picadillo

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Add Seasonings

Stir in cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the meat evenly with the spices.

Step 4: Simmer with Potatoes

Add diced potatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything together. Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Uncover and allow the mixture to simmer for an extra 5 minutes to thicken slightly, if desired. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

How to Serve and Store Ground Beef with Potatoes Picadillo

Serving Ideas:
This dish pairs beautifully with white rice or warm flour tortillas. You can also spoon it into taco shells or serve it with a fried egg on top for a Cuban-style twist. Add a side of avocado slices or fresh lime wedges to brighten things up.

Storing Leftovers:
Let the picadillo cool completely before storing. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Freezing:
This dish freezes well. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of gold potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes will add a slightly sweeter taste and a softer texture. Adjust cooking time slightly to prevent overcooking.

Is this dish spicy?

Not inherently. The recipe uses mild spices, but you can add a pinch of cayenne or a chopped jalapeño for heat.

What kind of ground beef works best?

An 80/20 mix is ideal for flavor. You can also use leaner beef and drain excess fat after browning.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Substitute the beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Vegetable broth works well in place of beef broth.

How do I prevent the potatoes from overcooking?

Dice them evenly and simmer gently. Stir occasionally and check doneness with a fork around the 20-minute mark.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Use a larger skillet or Dutch oven, and extend the cooking time by a few minutes if needed.

Want More Ground Beef Ideas?

If you loved this Ground Beef with Potatoes Picadillo, you’re in for a treat with more meaty comfort meals.

Try the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta for a saucy and cheesy weeknight favorite. If you like bold, smoky flavors, the One Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef Rice might just be your next go-to meal.

Craving something baked? The Taco Bake Casserole is a hearty layered option that’s packed with Tex-Mex flavor. Or switch it up with the melty goodness of the Ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef Melt.

For a dish that hits all the nostalgic notes, the Easy Homemade Beefaroni offers familiar flavors with a homemade twist.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

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If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you serve it with rice or tortillas? Did you add heat or keep it mild? Drop a comment below.

Looking for more weeknight favorites and creative takes on comfort food? Follow along on Pinterest @LadyPlate where I share daily recipes and kitchen inspiration.

Ground Beef with Potatoes Picadillo

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Ground Beef with Potatoes Picadillo is a comforting, one-pan Latin-inspired dish made with savory beef, tender golden potatoes, and rich spices. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. Simple ingredients, quick prep, and maximum flavor in under 45 minutes!

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.

2. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add ground beef, break it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat.

4. Stir in cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the meat with spices.

5. Add diced potatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine.

6. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 20–25 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.

7. Uncover and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to reduce and thicken the sauce if desired.

8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Make sure to dice the potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate and don’t turn mushy.

For a thicker consistency, uncover the skillet in the last 5 minutes to allow the sauce to reduce.

Add a small splash of vinegar or squeeze of lime before serving to brighten the dish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 415
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0.3g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: ground beef, picadillo, potatoes, one pan, easy dinner