A hearty, comforting, and flavor-packed dish combining tender potatoes, savory ground meat, sweet vegetables, and roasted green chiles for a warm, mildly spicy stew. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and tastes even better the next day.
Description
Green Chile Picadillo is a Southwestern twist on the classic Latin American picadillo. It’s rich, aromatic, and full of vegetables, making it both nourishing and satisfying. Serve it with rice, tortillas, or stuffed into burritos or tacos.
Introduction
Picadillo is traditionally a mixture of ground meat, vegetables, and seasonings simmered in a flavorful broth. This version adds roasted green chiles, bringing gentle heat and a smoky depth. It’s a one-pot meal that’s simple, comforting, and perfect for family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy one-pot meal
- Flavorful without being too spicy
- Perfect for meal-prep
- Flexible—use beef, pork, or even turkey
- Kids and adults both enjoy it
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground pork)
- 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 diced tomatoes (or 1 can diced tomatoes)
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
1. Cook the Meat
Heat 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.
Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add diced carrot and bell pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add Potatoes & Green Chiles
Stir in diced potatoes and roasted green chiles.
Add diced tomatoes (with their juices if using canned).
4. Season & Simmer
Add cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
Pour in the broth or water and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes and carrots are tender.
5. Adjust & Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve hot, optionally topped with chopped cilantro.
Excellent with tortillas, rice, or stuffed in burritos.
Variations
1. Spicy Version
Add 1–2 chopped jalapeños or use hotter green chiles.
2. Tomato-Rich Picadillo
Add 2 extra cups of tomato sauce for a saucier dish.
3. Sweet-and-Savory
Add ¼ cup raisins for a Cuban-style twist.
4. Turkey or Chicken Version
Replace beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
5. Potato Swap
Use sweet potatoes for added sweetness and nutrition.
Tips for Best Results
- Dice vegetables evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- If using canned green chiles, drain excess liquid.
- Simmer longer for deeper, richer flavor.
- For thicker consistency, uncover and let some liquid evaporate.
- Want extra flavor? Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
Storage Tips
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezer
Freeze up to 2–3 months.
Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a pot over medium heat.
Reheating
Heat on stovetop or microwave with a splash of water or broth to refresh the texture.
Nutritious Information (Approx per serving)
- Calories: 280–350 (depending on meat)
- Protein: 20–25g
- Carbs: 18–25g
- Fat: 14–18g
- Rich in: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, fiber, protein, potassium
Green chiles are also a natural source of antioxidants and Vitamin C.
FAQs
1. Can I make this without potatoes?
Yes! Replace them with zucchini, cauliflower, or sweet potatoes.
2. Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely—use lentils, plant-based meat, or chickpeas.
3. What kind of green chiles work best?
Roasted Hatch green chiles are amazing, but canned mild or hot green chiles work too.
4. Can this be made spicy or mild?
Yes—use mild chiles for gentle heat or add jalapeños/serranos for extra spice.
5. Can I serve this as a filling?
Yes! It’s great in tacos, burritos, empanadas, or stuffed peppers.
Conclusion
Green Chile Picadillo is a warm, hearty, and versatile dish that fits any dinner table. With customizable heat levels and plenty of nutritious vegetables, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.