Picadillo is a traditional dish in many Latin American cuisines, known for its savory, slightly sweet, and aromatic flavor profile. When paired with roasted green chiles, this dish reaches new heights of complexity and depth. The Green Chile Picadillo recipe combines ground beef (or pork) with a variety of vegetables, roasted green chiles, and spices, creating a rich stew that is perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 large carrot, diced
1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
1-2 cups roasted green chiles, peeled and diced
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 cup tomatoes, diced (or 1 can diced tomatoes with juice)
2 cups beef broth or water
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions:
Cook the Meat: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or pork) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the diced carrot and bell pepper, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
Add the Potatoes and Green Chiles: Stir in the diced potatoes and roasted green chiles. Then add the diced tomatoes, with their juice if using canned tomatoes.
Season and Simmer: Sprinkle in the ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, then pour in the beef broth or water, and bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmer Until Tender: Lower the heat and cover the pot. Simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender, and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally.
Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with warm tortillas or a bowl of rice.
Green Chile Picadillo is the perfect dish for a chilly evening. Its depth of flavor, from the smoky roasted chiles and the combination of cumin, oregano, and paprika, offers a warm, comforting meal that can easily feed a crowd.