Craving a delicious, authentic Mexican dish that's both quick and easy to make? Look no further! Carne Picada, meaning "chopped meat" in Spanish, is a flavorful and versatile ground beef recipe perfect for busy weeknights or a fun weekend meal. This simple yet satisfying dish is a celebration of fresh flavors and textures, guaranteed to become a staple in your healthy meals repertoire. It's one of those easy recipes that even beginner cooks can master, resulting in a delicious dinner that everyone will love.
Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors
This recipe is designed to be adaptable to your preferences and what you have on hand. Feel free to experiment with spices and add-ins to create your perfect Carne Picada.
- 1 lb ground beef (or a leaner alternative like ground turkey or chicken)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (like jalapeños, serranos or even poblanos for a milder dish)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions: A Culinary Journey
Let's embark on this flavorful journey together! These simple instructions will guide you to creating a delicious Carne Picada.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
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Simmer the Flavors: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), green chilies, cumin, chili powder, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the flavors have melded beautifully and the sauce has slightly thickened.
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Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot. This delicious dish is fantastic on its own, alongside rice, tortillas, or as a filling for tacos, burritos, or even stuffed peppers.
Cooking Tips and Tricks for Carne Picada Perfection
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level to your preference. For a smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Fresh is Best: Using fresh herbs like cilantro and oregano significantly enhances the overall flavor.
- Make it a Meal Prep Marvel: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Make a large batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week for quick and healthy meals.
- Add Some Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, zucchini, or mushrooms to make this dish even more nutritious and flavorful.
Delicious Variations: Explore the Possibilities
- Vegetarian Carne Picada: Replace the ground beef with lentils or crumbled vegetarian chorizo for a hearty and delicious vegetarian option.
- Spicy Carne Picada: Increase the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper for a fiery kick.
- Carne Picada with Beans: Add a can of drained and rinsed kidney beans or black beans for added protein and texture.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approximate):
This information is based on using 1 lb of ground beef and will vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This simple yet satisfying recipe offers a delicious and healthy way to enjoy the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, or a fun weekend feast. Enjoy the culinary journey and share your Carne Picada creations with us!