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Homemade Picadillo with Flour Tortillas Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 70 reviews

Homemade Picadillo with Flour Tortillas is a traditional comforting dish featuring seasoned ground beef cooked with potatoes, tomatoes, green beans, and a blend of Mexican spices. Served alongside freshly made, warm flour tortillas, this recipe offers a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or weekend gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

For Picadillo:

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
  • 1 to 2 pounds ground beef
  • 3 potatoes, cubed
  • 1 can green beans or fresh (optional)
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tomatoes, diced
  • 2 Serrano chiles, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano, rubbed between palms
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 3 teaspoons paprika
  • Pepper to taste

For Flour Tortillas:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup vegetable shortening
  • 1 cup warm water

Instructions

  1. Cook Potatoes: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed potatoes and cook until they are browned and cooked through, about 10-15 minutes. Remove the potatoes from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Brown Beef and Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Add Spices: Stir in the kosher salt, garlic salt, cumin, oregano, chili powder, paprika, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat the meat evenly with the spices.
  4. Incorporate Tomatoes and Chiles: Add the diced tomatoes and chopped Serrano chiles to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the tomatoes break down, about 7-10 minutes.
  5. Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked potatoes to the skillet and add green beans if using. Simmer the combined mixture for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Prepare Tortilla Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Add the vegetable shortening and mix with hands or a pastry cutter until fully incorporated and crumbly.
  7. Add Water and Form Dough: Gradually add warm water to the dry mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Knead lightly until smooth. Cover the dough and let it rest for at least 1 hour in a sealed plastic bag or covered bowl.
  8. Shape Tortillas: After resting, divide the dough into small balls (about golf ball size). Flatten each ball on a lightly floured surface using a rolling pin until thin and round.
  9. Cook Tortillas: Heat a dry hot griddle or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each tortilla until bubbles begin to form, then flip and cook the other side until lightly browned and cooked through, about 30-60 seconds per side. Keep tortillas warm wrapped in a clean towel.
  10. Serve: Serve the warm Picadillo alongside or inside the freshly made flour tortillas. Optionally garnish with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.

Notes

  • You can use fresh green beans instead of canned for better texture.
  • Adjust the number of Serrano chiles according to preferred spice level.
  • For softer tortillas, warm them in a tortilla warmer or a low oven before serving.
  • Resting the dough is crucial to make rolling easier and ensure soft tortillas.
  • The Picadillo can be made a day ahead; flavors deepen after resting.

Keywords: Picadillo, Homemade, Flour Tortillas, Ground Beef, Mexican Recipe, Traditional, Comfort Food

Find it online: https://kitchenbyrita.com/homemade-picadillo-with-flour-tortillas-recipe/