Spicie Foodie ™

Healthy, Fresh, and Delicious Recipes to Spice up Your Kitchen ™

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • My Books
    • Yummy Pics, Food Photography for Bloggers
    • An Epiphany of the Senses Cookbook
    • Foodista Best of Food Blogs Cookbook
  • Press
  • Photography
    • Tutorials
    • Food Photography Gear
  • Faves
  • YBR
  • Store
  • Copyright
  • Sponsor

Picadillo and Cinco Recipes for Cinco de Mayo

May 3, 2011 by Nancy Lopez-McHugh

Picadillo; Mexican; food; recipe; recipes; rice; pork; ground pork; minced pork; potatoes; carrot; sour cream; dinner; easy dinner; fast dinner; low-fat; Spicie Foodie; pork stew; authentic; authentic Mexican; Cinco de Mayo; 5 de Mayo; 5th of May

Tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo or the 5th of May, a Mexican holiday. Last year I gave you a small history lesson about the holiday, and you can read the full post here. But to give you a brief summary , “Cinco de Mayo or 5th of May is a Mexican holiday celebrating the victory of the Mexican army over the French army in the battle of Puebla on the 5th of May 1862. Contrary to popular belief in America and other parts of the world, this is not the celebration of Mexican Independence from Spain…” I also told you that my family does not celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Regardless I thought I share an new Mexican recipe for those of you looking to celebrate.

Picadillo. Picadillo is a dish popular all over Latin America with slight variations and twists. It is made with ground/minced meat, tomatoes, spices and depending on the area different vegetables and seasonings are added. It’s one of those dishes well known among Mexicans, other Latin Americans, and Filipinos but perhaps not as common to other people. Growing up my Mom made it often and I hated it. It wasn’t that it wasn’t appetizing looking, it was. It wasn’t that the sauce and seasonings didn’t taste good, they did. It was because I used to be really grossed out by minced meat. I don’t know why but I just was. Ground/minced meat is still not my favorite meat but I’ll eat it from time to time. However I do have to tell you that not having had Picadillo for so long made me really enjoy it and even go up for seconds.
 

I wanted to share an authentic Mexican recipe for Cinco de Mayo that is less common but muy delicioso. Plus Picadillo can be used as a main course or used as a topping or filling for any Mexican recipes. My version is different from many you will find online but it’s my way and similar to my Mom’s. I hope all of you my non-Mexican amigos enjoy my Picadillo as much as my American esposo and I did. Buen Provecho!!

Picadillo; Mexican; food; recipe; recipes; rice; pork; ground pork; minced pork; potatoes; carrot; sour cream; dinner; easy dinner; fast dinner; low-fat; Spicie Foodie; pork stew; authentic; authentic Mexican; Cinco de Mayo; 5 de Mayo; 5th of May

 

Ingredients:

500 g or 1 lb. ground meat, pork or beef
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 large carrots, halved and sliced
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 hot chile or more adjust to taste, finely chopped
Or substitute with Cayenne powder
2 large tomatoes, finely chopped

1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. salt, adjust to taste
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
1 tsp. paprika, for color

1 tbsp. vegetable oil
1/4 cup beef broth

White rice to serve (or use as a filling)

1. Heat the oil in a large pan, once warm saute the onion until soft. Add the ground pork/beef to the pan and cook all the way through. Drain off most of the liquid fat, reserve only a little bit to prevent burning. Add the minced garlic, fresh chile if using and cook for two minutes. Next add the potato and carrot pieces and cook for another 4 minutes. Next sprinkle all of the spices into the pan, stir to well combine. Add the chopped tomatoes, again stirring well. Pour the broth into the pan, cover and allow to simmer for 20 minutes under medium low heat.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If serving the picadillo as a meal, it can be allowed to have a bit of broth. If using the picadillo as a filling, remove the lid and allow all of the liquid to evaporate.

Picadillo; Mexican; food; recipe; recipes; rice; pork; ground pork; minced pork; potatoes; carrot; sour cream; dinner; easy dinner; fast dinner; low-fat; Spicie Foodie; pork stew; authentic; authentic Mexican; Cinco de Mayo; 5 de Mayo; 5th of May
Need more Mexican recipe ideas for Cinco de Mayo? Check out my archives or these top 5 :


 
~ Top 5 Spicie Foodie Mexican Recipes ~

 

1- Arroz ala Mexicana, Mexican Rice
2 – Zanahorias en Escabeche, Spicy Pickled Carrots
3 – Guacamole
4 – Taquitos
5 – Tostadas de Tinga

SaveSave

Filed Under: Beef, Mexican, Pork

« My Take on Nan Khatai or Indian Almond Semolina Cookies
Flower Showers, Spring Serenade, Gourmet Greens and Tangerines »

Comments

  1. Sandra says

    May 4, 2011 at 14:55

    I love your post..fun reading for sure!
    I have to say that I am making something very similar minus the cumin. I will have to try this..Maybe even today, I have all the ingredients! Thanks again for sharing bit of history and delicious dish!!!

  2. Spicie Foodie says

    May 4, 2011 at 15:07

    Hi Sandra, Really you are? I'll have to check your blog for it to see it. I'm so behind on my blog ready but I'll be stopping by yours in a little bit.

  3. Paaka Shaale says

    May 4, 2011 at 15:07

    Gosh Nancy!!! I really loved the photographs in this post. What have you placed under that plate? Whatever it is, it has given a wonderful texture to the photograph

  4. Mihaela says

    May 4, 2011 at 15:17

    Happy Cinco de Mayo! Mom has the best recipes, like always :)

  5. Pacheco Patty says

    May 4, 2011 at 15:32

    Happy Cinco de Mayo! Thanks for the recipes Nancy, beautiful photos and an interesting post;-)

  6. Pegasuslegend says

    May 4, 2011 at 15:37

    This sounds wonderful mom knows best for sure!

  7. Anna C says

    May 4, 2011 at 15:47

    Nancy, loved the history info your provided on the Cinco de Mayo. Funny to hear your reactions to minced meat, my son also had an aversion to it when he was very young. It was probably the texture but that soon changed! Your presentation looks so appetizing!

  8. FamilySpice says

    May 4, 2011 at 15:55

    Cinco gets mixed reviews here in Southern California. Especially lately with the rise of border crime. But, I still LOVE LOVE LOVE Mexican food! So we'll be celebrating with a margarita, at the very least!

  9. Belinda @zomppa says

    May 4, 2011 at 16:51

    Right on! I'm pretty sure I'd be happy eating this any day.

  10. sandra says

    May 4, 2011 at 17:39

    Wow this sounds and looks good. I've heard of this before but never knew it had potatoes and carrots in it. And thanks for sharing the history.

  11. Miriam says

    May 4, 2011 at 18:30

    I find very difficult to make such a mixed and “shapeless” dish look beautiful and appetizing… and you did! Great photos and recipe.

  12. spcookiequeen says

    May 4, 2011 at 19:02

    I'll take a couple of tacos and taquitos please! I was just thinking about how I haven't visited in too long, I don't know how I got so behind. I say we raise a Margarita to tom.
    -Gina-

  13. Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says

    May 4, 2011 at 19:36

    If I could click my heels, I'd be at your house tomorrow evening! All of your dishes look awesome. Happy Cinco de Mayo!

  14. Free Spirit Eater says

    May 4, 2011 at 23:18

    Absolutely gorgeous! Looks full of flavor and warmth. Thanks so much for sharing, great site, I am now following! =]

  15. something_good says

    May 5, 2011 at 06:06

    Excellent recipe! Love your post and short history lesson :)

  16. Michelle Chin says

    May 5, 2011 at 07:33

    This isn't too hard to make! I have the right herbs and spices. I bet this would go very well with pasta too no?

  17. Tiffany says

    May 5, 2011 at 12:58

    I LOVE picadillo (I make it with veggie meat!) :D

  18. Emily Malloy says

    May 5, 2011 at 14:22

    Beautiful dish and a great post!!!

  19. Tanvi@Sinfully Spicy says

    May 5, 2011 at 16:15

    Happy Cinco de Mayo.I have a mexican couple who is now a good friend too just next door.Just yest they told me about the history of the day.I love reading about cultures so much.The Picadillo looks awesome..I think I have eaten it at their house but never knew what it was called :)

  20. Cooking Rookie says

    May 5, 2011 at 18:42

    This sounds like all of by boyfriend's favorite ingredients. I'll have to make it for him, the only question is: before or after he brings me flowers :-)

  21. a. maren says

    May 5, 2011 at 18:54

    mm this looks delicious! happy cinco de mayo, even if you don't celebrate it :) it was always a big holiday when i lived in the southwest of the US, now i am in the northwest and i can't find much trace of it! very sad, glad to see this delicious and authentic recipe!

  22. Free Spirit Eater says

    May 5, 2011 at 22:21

    I just passed the Versatile Blogger Award on to you! Please stop by my site to see details and pass it on to others. =] http://www.freespiriteater.com/2011/05/food-blog-award-and-giveaway.html

  23. Foodiva says

    May 5, 2011 at 22:29

    I know you don't celebrate but I hope you had a happy Cinco de Mayo! I'm just the opposite to you, I love any dish with ground meat, and this picadillo is right up my alley ;-).

  24. Lizzy says

    May 5, 2011 at 22:38

    Happy Cinco de Mayo, Nancy! Since I have no trouble with minced meat, I know I'd love this!!! It sounds delightful~

  25. Conor @ Hold the Beef says

    May 6, 2011 at 13:11

    I'm not big on minced meat either Nancy, but I think this might be an exception to my aversion. It really looks delicious, like the flavours are there plain to see :)

  26. Torviewtoronto says

    May 6, 2011 at 16:29

    this looks flavourful with all these delicious vegetables
    have a good weekend

  27. Magic of Spice says

    May 6, 2011 at 16:46

    That is funny about the minced meat :) This has such a wonderful array of spices, love it and a veggie version would still taste great I am sure…will have to try it. Happy Cinco de Mayo!
    Great post!

  28. Carolyn says

    May 6, 2011 at 17:36

    I had never heard of picadillo until just recently. But I'd also never heard of Cinco de Mayo until I moved to the US, it's not a Canadian holiday. I used to hate my mother's burgers, not because it was ground meat, but because they weren't like fast food burgers and I thought they were weird. Now I hate fast food burgers and love homemade!
    Hey, thanks for referring me as someone for an interview on Foodlovers! Appreciate that you thought of me.

  29. Hester Casey - Alchemy says

    May 6, 2011 at 18:18

    Thanks for the history lesson – Cinco de Mayo is a new event for me. Great food. I think next week will have to be Mexican week in my house. I don't know which lovely dish to try first – though the taquitos are edging ahead. Have a great weekend!

  30. Tanantha P. says

    May 6, 2011 at 21:25

    Oh I didn't you know gross out by minced pork! ho ho. I think I celebrate pretty all occasions :D I made Mexican lasagna cupcakes last night with my friend and drink! I like the veggie you put in. I need to eat more veggie as I feel bloated!

  31. Correen says

    May 6, 2011 at 22:25

    Mmm! Your Picadillo looks and sounds absolutely fabulous! I happen to like potatoes any which way too. I smiled when you said you hated this dish as a youngster because I always had the same feeling with my mom's Spanish Rice recipe…oh geez it just grossed me out, although today I could eat it by the bowl fulls. Finicky us ;)

  32. kankana says

    May 6, 2011 at 23:16

    Happy Cinco de Mayo :) Gorgeous dish for the occasion..

  33. Christine's Pantry says

    May 7, 2011 at 03:35

    Congrats on winning the award.

  34. Cakewhiz says

    May 7, 2011 at 06:10

    Happy cinco de mayo!
    Sadly, I wasn't even aware of this event since i don't think it's celebrated on a large scale back in Canada but after moving to the States, I am glad to have learnt about it.
    You made a beautiful dish for this occasion :)

  35. Frank says

    May 7, 2011 at 14:20

    Made this on Thursday–as a filler for tacos–and it was a big hit! Some guac on the side, some salsa mexicana and sour cream for those who wanted them and, of course, cold beer to wash it all down… yum!

  36. sweetlife says

    May 7, 2011 at 18:55

    beautiful picadillo..sorry I missed the april round up, so behind lately. happy belated cinco de mayo, we love to have our picadillo with warm corn tortillas and a splash of salsa!
    sweetlife

  37. vimala says

    May 8, 2011 at 11:42

    Stumbled upon your blog today and I thoroughly enjoyed browsing through the recipes. Your photography tutorial was immensely beneficial. Just loved it.

Trackbacks

  1. My First Fish Tacos says:
    September 16, 2011 at 09:46

    […]  Picadillo […]

Let’s Connect

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Cooking Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXes5qwtAuk

Learn Food Photography From Me

Yummy Pics: A Food Blogger's Guide to Better Photos, Photography eBook by Spicie Foodie

My Foodie Prose

Search Spicie Foodie

Categories

Recommended Books

   

Official Blogger

Official Meatless Monday Blogger

Free Photography Tutorials

Food Photography, Tutorials,Spicie Foodie, spicy food,how to photograph food, food blogger photography, shooting food, artificial light, natural light

Super Deals!

Help support Spicie Foodie by placing your Amazon purchases through the banner link. Thank you for your support!  

As Seen On

Cooking Videos for Your Website

Recipe Video Services

Deprecated: genesis_footer_creds_text is deprecated since version 3.1.0! Use genesis_pre_get_option_footer_text instead. This filter is no longer supported. You can now modify your footer text using the Theme Settings. in /home/spiciefo/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 5094

Copyright © 2009 - 2025 · Nancy Lopez-McHugh and Spicie Foodie | Theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2025 · Tasteful Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in