Homemade Picadillo with Flour Tortillas

Name: Homemade Picadillo with Flour Tortillas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4.0
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz); 1/2 cup green olives, sliced; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 cup vegetable shortening; 3/4 cup warm water

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Savor the rich and comforting flavors of this Homemade Picadillo recipe, a delightful blend of seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, onions, and olives that creates a savory filling perfect for wrapping in soft flour tortillas. This traditional dish is not only simple to prepare but also offers a wonderful way to gather family and friends around the table for a flavorful meal. Enjoy it alone or with a side of rice and beans for a complete feast.

Created by

Mario

Last updated on 2025-10-23T07:16:59.704Z

A delicious and hearty meal that warms the soul, homemade picadillo is a staple in many Latin American households. This recipe combines ground beef with a mix of spices and vegetables to create a filling that's bursting with flavor.

The Heart of Homemade Picadillo

Picadillo is more than just a dish; it's a celebration of flavors that brings warmth and comfort to your dining table. This classic Latin American recipe has roots in various cultures, each adding its unique touch. By using ground beef as the main ingredient, this recipe achieves a delightful savory profile complemented by the sweetness of bell peppers and the slight brininess of olives. Preparing Picadillo from scratch allows you to control the seasoning while creating a dish that meets your family's taste preferences.

One of the best features of Picadillo is its versatility. While this recipe provides a fantastic base, feel free to make it your own by incorporating additional ingredients like raisins for a touch of sweetness or capers for an extra tang. Overall, it's a dish that encourages creativity, allowing you to tailor it to your liking while maintaining the essence of its traditional roots.

Perfect Pairing: Flour Tortillas

No Picadillo is complete without a side of soft, warm flour tortillas. The combination of the savory Picadillo and freshly made tortillas creates a satisfying meal ideal for any occasion. Making tortillas from scratch might sound intimidating, but it's surprisingly simple and rewarding. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create tortillas that are far superior to store-bought varieties, enhancing the overall dining experience.

As you roll out the dough, the fragrant aroma of freshly cooked tortillas fills your kitchen, evoking a sense of home and comfort. The key to perfect tortillas is to ensure the dough is well-kneaded and allowed to rest briefly before cooking. This gives you soft, pliable tortillas that perfectly cradle the Picadillo filling, making for a deliciously harmonious bite every time.

Tips for Serving

Ingredients

For the Picadillo

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
1/2 cup green olives, sliced
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Flour Tortillas

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup vegetable shortening
3/4 cup warm water

Gather all the ingredients before starting for an efficient cooking process.

Cooking Steps

Prepare the Picadillo

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and sauté until softened.

Add the Tomatoes and Olives

Stir in the diced tomatoes, olives, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 15 minutes until flavors meld.

Make the Flour Tortillas

In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually stir in warm water until a dough forms. Divide into balls and roll out into thin circles.

Cook the Tortillas

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook each tortilla for about 1 minute on each side, until lightly browned.

Assemble the Dish

Fill each tortilla with the picadillo mixture and enjoy!

Serve with rice and beans for a complete meal.

Leftovers and Storage

If you find yourself with leftover Picadillo, you're in luck! This dish refrigerates well and can be saved for several days in an airtight container. Allow the ingredients to cool before storing to prevent condensation, which can make the filling soggy. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, just reheat them in a skillet or microwave until warmed through, and enjoy the flavors anew.

Consider repurposing leftover Picadillo in creative ways. It can be used as a topping for baked potatoes, a filling for empanadas, or even mixed into a hearty soup. The possibilities are endless, ensuring that you get the most out of your cooking efforts without feeling like you’re eating the same meal repeatedly.

Nutritional Highlights

Homemade Picadillo with Flour Tortillas is not only delicious but also offers some nutritional benefits. Ground beef is a good source of protein and essential nutrients, including iron and B vitamins, which are crucial for energy and overall health. By including vegetables like onions and bell peppers, you're adding fiber, vitamins, and minerals, enhancing the overall nutritional profile of the dish.

To lighten up the recipe without losing flavor, you can opt for lean ground beef or even substitute half of the beef with ground turkey or lentils. This small change can significantly decrease the fat content while still delivering a satisfying meal. Enjoy this traditional dish knowing that it can be both indulgent and nourishing!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a lighter alternative.

→ How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Substitute the ground beef with lentils or crumbled tofu.