Ground Beef with Potatoes Picadillo is a comfort dish that captures the heartiness of home cooking with just a few basic ingredients. It’s one of those magical meals that feel like a warm hug after a long day. With its mix of savory ground beef, soft golden potatoes, and a simmering tomato base infused with spices, every spoonful is deeply satisfying.

This dish is incredibly versatile and plays well with everything from tortillas to rice or even a fried egg on top. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that comes together quickly or a meal-prep option to last you through the week, Picadillo won’t let you down.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef with Potatoes Picadillo

You’ll love this recipe because it’s simple yet packed with flavor. The combination of pantry staples and affordable ingredients means you can whip this up any time without a grocery run. It’s also incredibly customizable—mild or spicy, chunky or saucy, you decide. The leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a smart choice for batch cooking.

What Kind of Potatoes Should I Use?

Waxy potatoes like Yukon Golds or red potatoes are ideal for Picadillo because they hold their shape well after simmering. Russets can also work if that’s what you have, but they tend to break down a bit more, making the dish thicker. Peel or not—that’s up to you, but leaving the skin on adds a bit more texture and nutrients to the dish.

Ingredients for the Ground Beef with Potatoes Picadillo

This dish proves that humble ingredients can create something truly delicious. Each item in the list has a specific role—whether it’s to build flavor, add texture, or enhance richness. Don’t skip the basics; they make all the difference.

Ground beef
Yukon Gold potatoes
Yellow onion
Garlic cloves
Tomato sauce
Beef broth
Olive oil
Ground cumin
Smoked paprika
Bay leaf
Salt and pepper
Green olives (optional)

How To Make the Ground Beef with Potatoes Picadillo

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic and cook until softened and fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until fully browned and no pink remains.

Step 3: Add Seasonings and Sauce

Stir in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Let it come to a simmer.

Step 4: Simmer with Potatoes

Add in the diced Yukon Gold potatoes. Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Step 5: Optional Olives and Final Simmer

If using, stir in green olives and simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

How to Serve and Store Ground Beef with Potatoes Picadillo

This recipe yields a generous amount and can easily feed 4 to 6 people, making it perfect for families or leftovers. You can serve it hot straight from the skillet or let it rest and reheat the next day when the flavors have deepened even more. To store, simply transfer the cooled Picadillo to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to keep it saucy. It holds up beautifully, making it one of those dishes you’ll look forward to eating again.

What to Serve With Ground Beef with Potatoes Picadillo?

Warm Tortillas

Soft corn or flour tortillas are perfect for scooping up the rich meat and potato mixture.

White Rice

Simple steamed rice balances the savory notes and soaks up all that saucy goodness.

Fried Plantains

Sweet and crispy, they offer a lovely contrast to the hearty beef.

Avocado Slices

A few slices of ripe avocado bring creamy freshness to each bite.

Black Beans

Earthy black beans served on the side or mixed in make this a fuller meal.

Fried Egg

A sunny-side-up egg placed right on top turns this dish into a brunch favorite.

Pickled Red Onions

Add tang and crunch to balance the richness.

Shredded Cheese

A sprinkle of sharp cheddar or crumbled queso fresco never hurts for extra indulgence.

Want More Ground Beef Ideas?

If this Ground Beef with Potatoes Picadillo made your dinner extra cozy, here are more hearty recipes you might love from Janet Dishes:

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole when you’re craving creamy, beefy comfort.
Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole for a cabbage twist that adds mellow richness.
Ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef Melt to satisfy your melty cheese cravings.
Hearty Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet for another one-pan wonder.
Crockpot Steak Bites Recipe for those slow-cooked beefy bites that melt in your mouth.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use green olives or skip them? Add a kick of spice with chili flakes?

I love hearing how you customize these dishes to make them your own. Questions are welcome too—let’s keep the kitchen conversation going.

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Conclusion

Ground Beef with Potatoes Picadillo is one of those recipes that makes you feel like a kitchen hero without needing fancy skills or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s cozy, filling, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you serve it on rice, roll it into a tortilla, or pair it with a fried egg, it’s bound to become a regular in your rotation.