Mom's Picadillo con Papa (Ground Beef with Potatoes) (Print version)

Ground beef and crispy-edged potatoes simmered in a smooth tomato-serrano sauce. A 40-minute Mexican comfort dish made with pantry staples.

# Ingredients:

For the potatoes

01 - 1 lb (450 g) Russet or white potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
02 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
03 - Pinch of salt

For the beef

04 - 1 lb (450 g) ground chuck (80/20)
05 - 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
06 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
08 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the sauce and aromatics

09 - 1 small white onion, finely diced
10 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
11 - 2 large Roma tomatoes, roughly chopped
12 - 1 to 2 serrano chiles, roughly chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
13 - 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
14 - 1/4 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
15 - Salt to taste

# Instructions:

01 - Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes in a single layer, cover, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate and set aside.
02 - Add the ground chuck to the same skillet over medium-high heat. Season with salt, garlic powder, cumin, and pepper. Break it up and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until deeply browned with no pink remaining.
03 - Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring, until the onion is soft and translucent.
04 - Combine the Roma tomatoes, serrano chiles, water, a pinch of salt, and Mexican oregano in a blender. Blend until completely smooth.
05 - Pour the blended sauce into the skillet with the beef. Raise heat to bring to a boil, taste for salt, then reduce to a low simmer.
06 - Add the fried potatoes back to the pan and stir gently to combine. Simmer uncovered for 7 to 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the beef and potatoes. Remove from heat and serve hot.

# Good to know:

01 - Best served hot with warm corn tortillas, white rice, or tostadas.
02 - The sauce thickens as it sits. Add a splash of water when reheating leftovers.

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