Mexican Ground Beef & Potato Skillet – Picadillo Con Papas
This simplified Picadillo cooks the ground beef and potatoes together in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. It’s a easy, hearty meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes and is sure to please everyone in the family.
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Mexican Ground Beef & Potato Skillet
This Mexican Ground Beef & Potato Skillet, also known as picadillo con papas, is one of those comforting, no-fuss meals that feels like home from the very first bite.
It’s a humble dish made with simple pantry staples—ground beef, tender potatoes, onions, and warm spices—all cooked together in one skillet until everything is perfectly seasoned and cozy. It’s the kind of recipe that generations have relied on for busy weeknights, stretching ingredients while still delivering big, satisfying flavor.
Whether you serve it tucked into warm tortillas, spooned over rice, or enjoyed straight from the pan, this picadillo is hearty, affordable, and endlessly comforting. It comes together quickly, makes the kitchen smell amazing, and is just as good the next day, making it a true family favorite.
If you’re looking for a from-scratch meal that’s simple, nourishing, and full of traditional flavor, this skillet dinner fits the bill beautifully. Also, if you want more quick and easy comforting dinner ideas, be sure to check out the links below.
Want More Comforting Dinner Dishes? Here are a few of our favorites:
Ingredients for Mexican Ground Beef & Potato Skillet
- ground beef
- potatoes
- onion
- garlic
- canned diced tomatoes
- tomato sauce
- beef or chicken broth
- ground cumin
- dried oregano
- paprika
- salt
- black pepper
- avocado oil
- cilantro
How to Make Mexican Ground Beef & Potatoes:
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
Add the onion and garlic and cook until translucent.
Stir in the diced potatoes, tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with cilantro.
Mexican Ground Beef & Potato Skillet
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 medium potatoes peeled and diced small
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes
- 3/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt adjust to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp avocado oil or oil of choice
- Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
- Add the onion and garlic and cook until translucent.
- Stir in the diced potatoes, tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with cilantro.
