Green Chile Picadillo
Green Chile Picadillo is a classic Latin dish made with savory ground beef, New Mexico green chiles, tomatoes, raisins, and green olives for the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and salty flavors. This easy 30-minute one-pan meal is budget-friendly, high-protein, and incredibly versatile perfect for tacos, burritos, rice bowls, stuffed peppers, and more.
Why You’ll Love This Green Chile Picadillo:
High-Protein Meal: Using ground beef, turkey, or pork makes this dish filling and nutritious.
One-Pan Recipe: Minimal cleanup and perfect for busy weeknights.
Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples like canned tomatoes, broth, and raisins.
Customizable Heat Level: Choose mild or hot green chiles to suit your family.
Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers taste even better and work for many meals tacos, rice bowls, stuffed peppers, and more.
Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vegetables, antioxidants, healthy fats, and lean protein.
Prep & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients:
2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
1 bell pepper, finely chopped
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles (mild or hot)
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
1/3 cup raisins or chopped dried apricots
1/3 cup sliced green olives (with or without pimientos)
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried Mexican oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Meat
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add Aromatics
Stir in the onion and bell pepper. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
3. Build the Picadillo Sauce
Add green chiles, tomatoes with juice, broth, raisins, olives, cumin, and oregano. Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Simmer for Flavor
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15–20 minutes until flavors develop and raisins plump. If too thin, simmer uncovered to thicken.
5. Season
Taste and add salt and pepper as needed the olives add natural saltiness.
6. Garnish
Stir in fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.
How to Serve Green Chile Picadillo:
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Try it:
• Over Rice
Serve with white rice, Spanish rice, or cilantro-lime rice.
• As Taco or Burrito Filling
Perfect for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and tostadas. Add cotija cheese, lettuce, and sour cream.
• Stuffed Peppers
Fill bell peppers with picadillo, top with cheese, and bake for a delicious meal.
• Breakfast Style
Serve with scrambled eggs or over huevos rancheros.
• Loaded Baked Potatoes or Tater Tots
A fun “Fiesta Fries” topping for parties or game day.
Pro Tips & Variations:
Sweet + Savory Balance: The raisins and olives create a signature picadillo flavor don’t skip them!
Adjust the Heat: Use hot green chiles or add jalapeño for extra spice.
Add Potatoes: Stir in 1 cup diced potatoes for a heartier version.
Healthier Option: Use lean ground turkey + low-sodium broth.
Authentic Texture: Pulse the cooked meat and veggies lightly in a food processor for a traditional minced consistency.
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A delicious Green Chile Picadillo made with ground beef, New Mexico green chiles, tomatoes, raisins, and olives. This easy one-pan Mexican recipe is high-protein, budget-friendly, and perfect for tacos, burritos, rice bowls, or meal prep. Ready in just 30 minutes!
