There are certain dishes that instantly bring comfort to the table. They aren warm, simple, and made with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Picadillo is one of those classic Mexican recipes. It is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for sharing with family, here at the Rancho it is served on tostadas, but it can also be served with rice, or tucked into warm tortillas.

This traditional dish combines seasoned ground beef with tender potatoes and carrots, all simmered in a fresh tomato sauce. It is humble food at its best at filling, nourishing, and full of home-cooked flavor.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons oil
• ½ small onion, finely diced
• 1 kg ground beef
• 4 potatoes, chopped into small cubes
• 4 carrots, chopped
• 4 large tomatoes
• Small piece of onion (for blending)
• 1 clove garlic
• Salt, to taste
• Chicken bouillon powder, to taste

Preparation

Begin by placing a large pot on the stove over medium heat and adding the oil. While it warms, finely dice half of a small onion into very small cubes. Once the oil is hot, add the onion and sauté until soft and fragrant.

Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks so it stays tender and evenly textured.

Next, stir in the chopped potatoes and carrots. Allow everything to cook together for several minutes so the vegetables begin to soften and absorb the flavor of the meat.

In a blender, combine the tomatoes, the small piece of onion, the garlic clove, and one cup of water. Blend until smooth. Pour this fresh tomato mixture into the pot with the meat and vegetables.

Season with a small spoonful of salt and a small spoonful of chicken bouillon powder. Reduce the heat to low and let the picadillo simmer gently for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have fully come together.

To Serve

For a traditional presentation, place two tostadas on a plate and spoon the picadillo generously over the top. Add a drizzle of fresh cream if you like, and serve warm.

Simple, comforting, and deeply satisfying. This is a dish that feels like home and will remind you of the Rancho with every bite.

Provecho!