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Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Meat
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. This should take about 5–7 minutes.
- Drain excess fat: Once the beef is browned, remove any excess fat if needed. Set the beef aside on a plate.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Sauté the onions and bell pepper: In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if necessary. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and sauté for about 3–4 minutes, or until softened.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Potatoes and Spices
- Add the diced potatoes: Stir in the diced potatoes and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing them to brown slightly.
- Season with spices: Sprinkle in the cumin, paprika, and cinnamon (if using). Stir to coat the vegetables and meat with the spices, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Incorporate the Green Chile and Raisins
- Add the green chile: Stir in the chopped green chiles, raisins, and olives. The green chiles bring a smoky and slightly tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the raisins.
- Add tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for a minute to deepen the flavor.
Step 5: Simmer and Cook
- Add the broth: Pour in the beef broth, stirring to combine everything. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Let it cook: Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let the picadillo simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the picadillo and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or a splash of apple cider vinegar for added tang.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve and enjoy: Once everything is cooked through, remove from heat and serve your Green Chile Picadillo hot. It pairs beautifully with rice, tortillas, or even as a filling for tacos or burritos.
Tips for Perfect Green Chile Picadillo
- Use fresh or roasted green chiles: If you have access to fresh or roasted green chiles (like Hatch chiles), they’ll provide a deeper, smoky flavor than canned chiles. However, canned green chiles work perfectly well in this recipe, so use what’s most convenient for you.
- Customize the meat: While ground beef is the traditional choice, picadillo can be made with other meats like ground turkey, chicken, or pork. Each type of meat brings a slightly different flavor to the dish.
- Add a dash of sweetness: The raisins in this dish add a touch of sweetness that complements the savory flavors. If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce or omit the raisins, or swap them for chopped dried apricots or cranberries for a different twist.
- Spice level: Green chiles can vary in heat. If you prefer a milder picadillo, use mild green chiles, and if you like more heat, opt for medium or hot chiles. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for extra spice.
- Serve with accompaniments: Green Chile Picadillo is fantastic served with a side of fluffy rice, warm tortillas, or a dollop of sour cream. It also pairs well with a simple side of sautéed greens or a fresh avocado salad.
Why You’ll Love Green Chile Picadillo
Green Chile Picadillo offers a wonderful balance of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors. The combination of ground meat, tender potatoes, and green chiles is a satisfying and hearty base. The addition of raisins and olives adds complexity, with just a hint of sweetness and brininess that make every bite intriguing. It’s a dish that’s easy to customize and adjust to your family’s taste preferences.
Whether you’re looking for a filling dinner or a recipe to feed a crowd, this picadillo is a winner. The best part? It’s easy to make and full of vibrant flavors, making it perfect for both a busy weeknight and a weekend family gathering.
Give this Green Chile Picadillo a try, and experience the rich flavors of the Southwest in a comforting and delicious dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite!
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