Skillet American Picadillo - The Stay At Home Chef

We’ve infused our take on Latin-American comfort food with a generous helping of gooey, melted cheddar cheese, plus additional indulgent touches. This robust, comfort-food-style dinner may initially evoke thoughts of simple, satisfying fare, yet it’s far from unremarkable in its execution. A dash of salsa and a pinch of spice add a burst of flavour and a delightful zing.

Contents

Ingredient Notes Ground Beef Options Adjust the Heat Sneak in a Veggie Storage and Reheating Instructions

Why Our Recipe

A quick and easy one-skillet meal, ready to delight your taste buds in approximately 35 minutes.
Savoring tender ground beef and fluffy potatoes smothered in a rich, melted blanket of cheese – the epitome of cozy indulgence.
A budget-friendly option that can effortlessly be scaled up to satisfy a large gathering.

This straightforward recipe stands out for its remarkable balance of simplicity and bold flavour, offering a satisfying meat and potatoes combination. By simmering the potatoes in rich beef broth instead of plain water, we successfully imbue them with a deep, savory flavor profile that perfectly complements the dish. The ground beef is expertly seasoned with a rich blend of chili powder, pungent garlic powder, and warm cumin, before being elevated by the bold addition of vibrant salsa. You’ll experience incredible Tex-Mex flavour without excessive spiciness. Crown this dish with a rich, velvety layer of melted cheddar cheese that oozes with every bite. So good!

Ingredient Notes

Ingredients for One Pot American Picadillo.

Baby red potatoes can serve as a suitable substitute, boasting a comparable texture to regular red potatoes.
Select lean ground beef with a fat content of 85% lean to 15% fat or 90% lean to 10% fat to minimize unnecessary oiliness. For a bold twist, consider substituting ground turkey or chicken for the traditional beef – a fantastic alternative that yields equally scrumptious results.
You’re welcome to use either a yellow or white onion.
Any neutral-tasting oil, such as canola, vegetable, avocado, or olive oil, will suffice.
Regardless of whether you choose canned beef broth, bouillon, or beef stock, they all serve as a suitable substitute in this recipe.
We utilize a store-bought mild salsa from a jar for our recipes. Whether you prefer a medium or hot salsa, this versatile condiment can elevate your meal to the next level.
While pre-shredded cheese may contain additives to prevent clumping, freshly shredded cheese tends to melt more smoothly due to its natural texture and composition. Consider exploring the possibilities of Monterey Jack or a vibrant Mexican blend for added depth and complexity.

Ground Beef Options

Utilizing an 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio ground beef in this culinary endeavor. The judicious addition of fat elevates the flavour profile of this dish without yielding an overwhelming abundance of grease.

Such as a 90/10 ratio, that works too. Consider experimenting with leaner options like ground turkey or chicken for a healthier spin, acknowledging that the flavour profile may diverge slightly.

Using high-fat ground beef can result in excess oiliness; consider skimming off some of the drippings to maintain a balanced flavor and texture.

Adjust the Heat

Add a dash of excitement to your dish by introducing a bold and spicy kick: grab a medium or hot salsa, intensify the heat with an extra sprinkle of chili powder, or take it up a notch with a pinch of fiery cayenne pepper. Adding diced jalapeños to your dish is an excellent choice for those who crave a bit of heat. As you cook the ground beef and onion, feel free to add those mushrooms right in. Enjoy a subtle flavor with mild salsa, omitting the heat of chili powder for a more tempered taste experience.

Sneak in a Veggie

Seeking ways to discreetly incorporate vegetables into your diet? Bell peppers complement the flavours in this recipe particularly harmoniously. Throwing it in with the onion and potatoes may lead to an overabundance of flavors; consider adding it towards the end of cooking to preserve its unique taste. When preparing meals for kids, concerns arise about hiding veggies to ensure they’re not detected. A simple solution is to finely chop the vegetables and incorporate them into the ground beef, allowing them to seamlessly integrate and maintain a delicious flavor profile.