1-Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables Start by heating a generous splash of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your diced yellow potatoes, chopped yellow onion, and the jalapeno pepper (and serrano if you are using it). Sauté these vegetables for about 5 minutes. You want them to soften up slightly and start smelling fragrant. This step helps build a flavorful foundation for the meat.

2-Step 2: Brown the Beef and Garlic Add the 2 cloves of chopped garlic to the skillet and stir for about 30 seconds until it becomes aromatic. Then, add the 1 pound of ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. Brown the beef for about 5 minutes. You do not need to cook it all the way through at this stage, just get it nicely browned on the outside.

3-Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Stock, and Spices Now it is time to build the sauce. Toss in the 2 large chopped tomatoes (or tomato sauce), the 3/4 cup of beef stock, and all your seasonings: 1 tablespoon of paprika, 1 tablespoon of Mexican oregano, and 1 teaspoon of cumin. Do not forget to season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure the meat and vegetables are evenly coated with the spices.

4-Step 4: Simmer to Perfection Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. This allows the potatoes to become tender and the beef to cook through completely. It also gives the flavors time to meld together into a rich, cohesive dish. You want the liquid to reduce slightly so the Picadillo is nice and thick but not dry.

5-Step 5: Serve and Enjoy Once the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded, remove the skillet from the heat. This dish is traditionally served with cooked white rice or warmed tortillas. I love to top mine with fresh garnishes like sliced peppers, a pinch of chili flakes, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, or a dash of hot sauce to wake up the palate. It adds a fresh brightness that complements the savory richness perfectly.