Easy Carne Molida Recipe
Español When a Mexican moms like my self run out of ideas for weeknight dinners, we often turn to this easy carne molida recipe also known as picadillo.

This simple recipe combines a delicious blend of ground beef with different vegetables according to the region of Mexico where you live. This recipe is how we make carne molida in Chihuahua and Durango but I also have the picadillo recipe as it is preaper in Mexico city.
Potatoes, tomato, onion and jalapeño create a hearty dish that’s perfect as a main meal, side dish, or even as a filling for tacos. Whether you serve it with warm corn tortillas, Mexican rice, or white rice, this versatile dish is a favorite in many Mexican households.
Picadillo has different variations across Latin American countries. While the Mexican version is often made with ground beef and potatoes, you can find Puerto Rican picadillo or Cuban picadillo, which include green olives and bell peppers, even raising in some version, adding a unique twist. You can even make it with ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter option.

Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup onion chopped white onion or yellow onion is ok
- 2 cup tomato chopped
- 1 piece jalapeno sliced
- 2 pieces potato diced (perfect for making a potato hash)
- 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions
- Prep the Potatoes: Peel and cut the potatoes into small cubes. If you have some extra time, soak them in water for about 10 minutes to remove a little bit of starch, which helps them cook better.


- Cook the Potatoes: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add the potatoes with a pinch of salt, and sauté for a few minutes. Cover the skillet, lower the heat, and let the potatoes cook until tender. If needed, add a splash of water to prevent sticking.


- Cook the Ground Beef: Once the potatoes are fully cooked add onion and garlic and sauté, once onion ha changed color add the ground beef along with the salt, cumin, and oregano. Cook while stirring to mix the spices evenly.


- Cook for about 8 minutes or until the beef is about 3/4 cooked, then add the jalapeños and tomatoes. Let it cook until fully done.



Serving Suggestions: Picadillo is a very versatile dish. Serve it as a main meal with Mexican rice and black beans, or use it as a perfect filling for tacos or tostadas. For a low-carb option, pair it with a side of green beans. Don’t forget to add your favorite taco toppings like a salsa verde and lime juice for an extra burst of flavor.

Storage Tip: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It also freezes well, making it a great recipe for meal planning.

Easy Carne Molida Recipe
Equipment
- 2 pans
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup onion chopped yellow onion or white onion is ok
- 2 cup tomato chopped
- 1 piece jalapeno sliced
- 2 pieces potato diced (perfect for making a potato hash)
- 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the Potatoes: Peel and cut the potatoes into small cubes. If you have some extra time, soak them in water for about 10 minutes to remove a little bit of starch, which helps them cook better.
- Cook the Potatoes: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add the potatoes with a pinch of salt, and sauté for a few minutes. Cover the skillet, lower the heat, and let the potatoes cook until tender. If needed, add a splash of water to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Once the potatoes are fully cooked add onion and garlic and sauté, once onion ha changed color add the ground beef along with the salt, cumin, and oregano. Cook while stirring to mix the spices evenly.
- Cook for about 8 minutes or until the beef is about 3/4 cooked, then add the jalapeños and tomatoes. Let it cook until fully done.
Notes
Nutrition
