Homemade Picadillo with Flour Tortillas a hearty and flavorful homemade picadillo paired with fresh, soft flour tortillas makes for a comforting, delicious meal. This dish brings together the rich, spiced ground beef mixture with tender potatoes and fresh tortillas for a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For Picadillo:
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (evoo)
1 to 2 lbs ground beef
3 potatoes, cubed
1 can green beans or fresh (optional)
1 small onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tomatoes, diced
2 Serrano chiles, chopped
1 tsp kosher salt (add more if needed)
1 tsp garlic salt
1/4 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano, rubbed between palms
1 tsp chili powder
3 tsp paprika
Pepper to taste
For Flour Tortillas:
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup vegetable shortening
1 cup warm water
Directions
For Picadillo:
Heat the olive oil in a skillet. Add the cubed potatoes and cook until browned and tender. Remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the ground beef, garlic, and onions. Cook until browned.
Stir in the spices (kosher salt, garlic salt, cumin, oregano, chili powder, paprika, and pepper) and cook for a minute to combine.
Add the diced tomatoes and chopped Serrano chiles, cooking until the mixture thickens.
Return the cooked potatoes to the pan and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot.
For Flour Tortillas:
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder.
Add the vegetable shortening and mix well until the mixture is crumbly.
Gradually add warm water, stirring until a dough consistency forms.
Let the dough rest inside a Ziploc bag for at least 1 hour.
After resting, divide the dough into small balls. Roll each ball into a flat circle and cook on a hot griddle.
Flip when bubbles appear on the surface. Cook until lightly browned on both sides.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings
Calories: Approx. 350 kcal per serving (Picadillo only)
Variations
Vegetarian Version: Swap out the ground beef for lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.
Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for more texture and nutrition.
Spicier Option: Use more Serrano chiles or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
Cheesy Twist: Melt shredded cheese on top of the picadillo for a richer flavor.
Corn Tortillas Alternative: If I prefer corn tortillas, I can swap them for a more traditional take.
Storage and Reheating
Picadillo: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Tortillas: Keep in a sealed bag or container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Reheating: Reheat picadillo in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave in 30-second increments. Warm tortillas on a skillet or microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel.
FAQs
How do I keep my tortillas soft?
I always store freshly made tortillas in a clean kitchen towel or a tortilla warmer to keep them soft and pliable.
Can I make the picadillo ahead of time?
Yes! Picadillo actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop.
What can I serve with picadillo?
I love serving it with rice, beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Can I make flour tortillas with butter instead of shortening?
Yes, butter can be used, but it will slightly change the texture. Lard is another good alternative for an authentic taste.
How do I prevent tortillas from becoming dry?
I make sure not to overcook them and store them properly in a sealed container or wrapped in a towel.
Conclusion
Homemade picadillo with flour tortillas is a satisfying and delicious meal that brings together bold flavors and fresh ingredients. The combination of savory beef, tender potatoes, and soft, warm tortillas makes this a comforting dish perfect for any occasion. With a few variations and simple storage tips, this meal can be enjoyed fresh or saved for later.
Recipe:
Print
Homemade Picadillo with Flour Tortillas
A hearty and flavorful homemade picadillo paired with fresh, soft flour tortillas makes for a comforting, delicious meal. This dish brings together the rich, spiced ground beef mixture with tender potatoes and fresh tortillas for a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
For the Picadillo
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
1 to 2 lbs ground beef
3 potatoes, cubed
1 can green beans or fresh (optional)
1 small onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tomatoes, diced
2 Serrano chiles, chopped
1 tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)
1 tsp garlic salt
¼ tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano, rubbed between palms
1 tsp chili powder
3 tsp paprika
Pepper to taste
For the Flour Tortillas
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup vegetable shortening
1 cup warm water
Instructions
For the Picadillo:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add cubed potatoes and cook until browned and tender. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook ground beef with garlic and onions until browned.
- Stir in spices (kosher salt, garlic salt, cumin, oregano, chili powder, paprika, and pepper). Cook for a minute.
- Add diced tomatoes and chopped Serrano chiles, cooking until the mixture thickens.
- Return potatoes to the pan and simmer for 5 more minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.
For the Flour Tortillas:
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Add vegetable shortening and mix until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Gradually add warm water, stirring until a dough forms.
- Let the dough rest inside a Ziploc bag for at least 1 hour.
- Divide dough into small balls. Roll each into a flat circle and cook on a hot griddle.
- Flip when bubbles appear. Cook until lightly browned on both sides.
Notes
Adjusting Spice Levels – Reduce or omit the Serrano chiles for a milder taste, or add more for extra heat.
Tortilla Dough Resting – Letting the dough rest for at least an hour helps create softer, more pliable tortillas.
Picadillo Consistency – If the mixture is too dry, add a splash of broth or water while simmering.
Serving Tip – Warm tortillas on a skillet before serving to enhance their flavor and softness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop & Griddle
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-6 servings
- Calories: Approx. 350 kcal per serving (Picadillo only)
