If you’re on the hunt for a quick and delicious dinner idea, carne picada should be at the top of your list! Think of it as your secret weapon in the kitchen—a versatile ingredient that can transform a simple meal into something extraordinary. I vividly recall the first time I made carne picada recipe for a last-minute taco night. With a busy schedule and hungry friends, I grabbed some seasoned beef, and within minutes, I had a feast ready to serve!
From juicy tacos to savory burrito bowls, recetas con carne picada are all about bringing flavor to the table. For a mouthwatering twist on classic tacos, don’t miss out on my scrumptious Shredded Crispy Chicken Tacos.
Ingredients Used to Make Carne Picada
- 1 ½ – 2 lbs ground beef (carne picada)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes (with chilies, optional)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for garnish)
- Warm tortillas (for serving)
How to Make Carne Picada
- Sauté the Beef: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (carne picada) and cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Add Vegetables: To the browned beef, add the chopped onions, garlic, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
- Season and Thicken: Stir in the cumin, paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well to incorporate. Add the diced tomatoes and beef broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Cook for another 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the pan from heat. Garnish the carne picada with freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve the mixture warm in tortillas, with additional lime wedges on the side.
Cooking beef carne picada doesn’t have to be intimidating. With these tips, you'll transform simple beef into a delightful dish that everyone will love. Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to savor the results. Happy cooking!
Side Dishes for Carne Picada
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy and seasoned with tomatoes and spices, Mexican rice complements the hearty flavors of carne picada. Its vibrant color and flavor enhance the meal while soaking up any juices from the beef.
- Refried Beans: Creamy and savory, refried beans add a rich, comforting element to the plate. They provide a delicious contrast to the tender meat and are a great source of protein.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet and smoky, grilled corn on the cob adds a fun and flavorful crunch. Served with a sprinkle of chili powder and lime, it enhances the overall freshness of the meal.
Quick Cooking Recipe
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Inactive Time: None
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Author: Jen Sharpin | So Damn Delish
Yield: 4 servings
Discover the best carne picada recipes with SoDamnDelish! Elevate your cooking with our flavorful carne picada ideas and tips for every meal.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ – 2 lbs ground beef (carne picada)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes (with chilies, optional)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for garnish)
- Warm tortillas (for serving)
Instructions
- Sauté beef in oil until browned.
- Add onions, garlic, and bell peppers, cooking until softened.
- Season with cumin, paprika, chili powder, and cayenne. Stir in flour, then add diced tomatoes and broth. Simmer until thickened.
- Garnish with cilantro and lime, and serve in warm tortillas.
Notes
- Adjust spices to your taste preference.
- Can substitute beef with chicken for a lighter version.
If you loved this Carne Picada recipe, you'll definitely want to explore more at So Damn Delish. With a wide variety of bold and flavorful recipes, we make home cooking easy and exciting for everyone. From hearty meats like this to fresh, vibrant meals, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to spice up your weekly menu.
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Master Carne Picada: Tips and Recipes for Flavorful Meals
Discover flavorful carne picada recipes with So Damn Delish! Elevate your meals with our cooking tips and ideas to make every dish delicious and unforgettable.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 ½ – 2 lbs ground beef (carne picada)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes (with chilies, optional)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for garnish)
- Warm tortillas (for serving)
Instructions
- Sauté beef in oil until browned.
- Add onions, garlic, and bell peppers, cooking until softened.
- Season with cumin, paprika, chili powder, and cayenne. Stir in flour, then add diced tomatoes and broth. Simmer until thickened.
- Garnish with cilantro and lime, and serve in warm tortillas.
Notes
- Adjust spices to your taste preference.
- Can substitute beef with chicken for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Ethnic
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
