Green Chile Picadillo

Classic Mexican ground beef dish with roasted green chiles, potatoes, and bold spices, Green Chile Picadillo is a delightful recipe that brings warmth and flavor to your table. With its rich blend of spices and the unique taste of green chiles, this dish is perfect for tacos, rice bowls, or served on its own. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a family meal, this versatile recipe will surely impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this delicious dish in no time.
• Packed with Flavor: The combination of roasted green chiles and spices creates a savory explosion that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it in tacos, over rice, or as a hearty standalone meal.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Featuring lean ground beef (or turkey), vegetables, and wholesome spices, it’s both satisfying and healthy.
• Family-Friendly: Kids will love the flavors, making it an ideal choice for family dinners.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making Green Chile Picadillo, gather your tools to streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: Essential for browning the meat and sautéing vegetables evenly.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping onions, garlic, and other ingredients quick and safe.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting ingredients while keeping your workspace organized.

Ingredients

For the Base

• 1 lb ground beef (or substitute ground beef or turkey)
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

For the Vegetables

• 2 –3 green chiles (like Hatch or poblano, roasted, peeled, and chopped)
• 2 medium tomatoes (diced)
• 1 large potato (peeled and diced)
• ½ cup peas (optional)

For Flavoring

• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For Cooking

• ¼ cup beef broth or water
• 2 tbsp olive oil

How to Make Green Chile Picadillo

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot:
1. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
2. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet:
1. Break it apart with a wooden spoon.
2. Cook until browned throughout.

Step 3: Incorporate Vegetables

Once the meat is browned:
1. Add diced potatoes and cook for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
2. Stir in diced tomatoes, roasted green chiles, peas (if using), cumin, coriander, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth

Pour in the beef broth or water:
1. Bring to a gentle simmer.
2. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 20 minutes until potatoes are tender.

Step 5: Serve Hot

Once cooked:
1. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
2. Serve hot in tacos or over rice for a delightful meal!

How to Serve Green Chile Picadillo

Green Chile Picadillo is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking for a quick meal, there are plenty of serving options to suit your taste.

In Tacos

• Use soft corn tortillas filled with Green Chile Picadillo and top with fresh cilantro and diced onions for a traditional touch.

Over Rice

• Spoon the picadillo over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice. This combination enhances the flavors and adds heartiness to the meal.

With Tortilla Chips

• Serve the picadillo as a dip with crispy tortilla chips. The crunchy texture pairs perfectly with the savory filling.

In Burritos

• Wrap the Green Chile Picadillo in large flour tortillas along with cheese, lettuce, and avocado for a satisfying burrito.

On Its Own

• Enjoy it straight from the skillet! This dish is flavorful enough to stand alone, making it a great option for a quick lunch or dinner.

How to Perfect Green Chile Picadillo

To ensure your Green Chile Picadillo turns out delicious every time, consider these useful tips.

• Choose Quality Meat: Selecting fresh ground beef or turkey can significantly enhance the flavor of your dish.

• Roast Your Chiles: Roasting green chiles brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth to your picadillo.

• Season Generously: Don’t hesitate to adjust spices like cumin, coriander, and oregano according to your preference for extra flavor.

• Add Extra Vegetables: Incorporating bell peppers or carrots can add color and nutrition to your dish without overpowering it.

• Allow It to Simmer: Letting the picadillo simmer longer allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a richer taste experience.

Best Side Dishes for Green Chile Picadillo

Pairing side dishes with Green Chile Picadillo can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with tomatoes and spices complements the richness of picadillo perfectly.

2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add protein and fiber while balancing the flavors of the meat dish.

3. Guacamole: Fresh guacamole offers a cool contrast that enhances each bite of spicy picadillo.

4. Corn Salad: A zesty corn salad made with lime juice and fresh herbs provides sweetness that pairs nicely with savory flavors.

5. Grilled Vegetables: Lightly grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and onions bring a smoky flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the picadillo’s richness.

6. Salsa Fresca: Fresh tomato salsa adds brightness and acidity, cutting through the hearty meat dish beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Green Chile Picadillo, it’s easy to overlook some key details that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

• Bold Flavoring: Failing to properly season your meat can lead to bland picadillo. Always taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process.
• Bold Cooking Time: Overcooking the potatoes can make them mushy. Aim for a tender texture by checking them periodically while they cook.
• Bold Chiles Selection: Using unroasted green chiles can result in a less flavorful dish. Always roast your chiles until charred for the best taste.
• Bold Ingredient Prep: Not chopping ingredients evenly can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure all vegetables are cut into similar sizes for uniformity.
• Bold Liquid Proportion: Adding too much broth or water can dilute the flavors. Start with less liquid and add more only if necessary.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Green Chile Picadillo in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow it to cool completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.

Freezing Green Chile Picadillo

• Freeze in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Green Chile Picadillo

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place picadillo in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer picadillo to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Green Chile Picadillo?

Green Chile Picadillo is a traditional Mexican dish made with ground beef, roasted green chiles, and spices, often served in tacos or rice bowls.

Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative and will still provide delicious results in your Green Chile Picadillo.

How spicy is this recipe?

The spice level depends on the type of green chiles used. For milder flavor, choose poblano chiles; for more heat, opt for Hatch chiles.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute ground beef with plant-based alternatives like lentils or textured vegetable protein for a tasty vegetarian version.

Final Thoughts

Green Chile Picadillo is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that makes it perfect for various meals. Whether you serve it in tacos or over rice, there’s room for customization based on your preferences—add more vegetables or spices as you see fit! Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to impress family and friends alike!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Green Chile Picadillo

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Green Chile Picadillo is a vibrant, hearty dish that combines the rich flavors of ground beef and roasted green chiles with a medley of spices. Perfect for tacos, rice bowls, or enjoyed on its own, this recipe is both satisfying and nutritious. Made with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, it’s an ideal meal for families or gatherings. With its savory taste and versatility, Green Chile Picadillo brings warmth to every table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2–3 roasted green chiles (such as Hatch or poblano), peeled and chopped
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1 large potato, peeled and diced
• ½ cup peas (optional)
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup beef broth or water
• 2 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in garlic until fragrant.
2. Add ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet; cook until browned.
3. Incorporate diced potatoes; cook for about 5 minutes. Mix in tomatoes, roasted green chiles, peas (if using), spices, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour in beef broth; bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
5. Adjust seasoning as necessary and serve hot in tacos or over rice.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 540mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg