Are you craving a delicious, authentic Mexican meal that's also quick and easy to make? Look no further! Carne Picada, a flavorful ground beef dish, is your answer. This simple recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, satisfying those cravings for homemade cooking without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to experience a burst of Mexican flavors with this healthy and delicious meal!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular, your preference!)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Optional: 1 jalapeño pepper, finely minced (for extra heat)
Instructions:
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Brown the beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
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Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 3-5 minutes, until softened. If using jalapeño, add it now.
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Add the remaining ingredients: Stir in the chopped green bell pepper, diced tomatoes (undrained), green chilies, cumin, chili powder, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Simmer to perfection: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the flavors have melded and the sauce has thickened slightly. This allows the flavors to deepen and create a delicious, rich carne picada.
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Serve and enjoy: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot. This quick dinner idea is fantastic on its own, with rice, or as a filling for tacos or burritos.
Cooking Tips for the Best Carne Picada:
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Don't overcook the beef: Overcooked ground beef can become dry and tough. Be sure to drain off excess grease after browning but avoid overcooking.
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Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit the jalapeño pepper. For extra heat, add more chili powder or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
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Fresh ingredients make a difference: Using fresh cilantro and garlic will significantly elevate the flavor of your carne picada.
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Make it ahead: This recipe is great for meal prepping. You can make a large batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week for easy and quick lunches or dinners.
Variations:
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Add beans: For a heartier meal, add a can of drained and rinsed kidney beans or pinto beans during the simmering stage.
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Use different peppers: Experiment with different types of peppers, such as poblanos or anaheim peppers, for a unique flavor profile.
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Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese over the carne picada before serving.
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Make it a complete meal: Serve your carne picada with rice, tortillas, your favorite Mexican salad, or all three for an incredible meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This easy recipe for carne picada offers a fantastic blend of simple preparation and delicious, authentic Mexican flavors. It's a perfect addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. Enjoy!