Green Chile Picadillo
Reasons to Try Green Chile Picadillo
Green Chile Picadillo is a delicious, hearty dish that combines the flavors of ground meat, potatoes, and green chiles. It’s a family-friendly meal that showcases the vibrant tastes of Southwestern cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe won’t disappoint.
How to Make Green Chile Picadillo
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or pork
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced green chiles (canned or fresh)
- 1 medium potato, diced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
- Add the ground meat and cook until browned.
- Stir in the diced potatoes, green chiles, and diced tomatoes.
- Season with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve hot.
How to Serve Green Chile Picadillo
Serve Green Chile Picadillo hot with warm tortillas or over rice. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or avocado on top for extra creaminess. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables.
How to Store Green Chile Picadillo
To store leftovers, let the picadillo cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave it or heat it on the stovetop until warmed through.
Tips to Make Green Chile Picadillo
- For extra flavor, add a bay leaf while simmering.
- If you like it spicy, use hotter green chiles or add some diced jalapeños.
- Feel free to substitute the ground beef or pork with turkey or a meat alternative for a lighter version.
Variation
You can make a vegetarian version of this picadillo by replacing the meat with black beans or lentils. Just add them when you include the tomatoes and green chiles, and simmer until everything is heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh green chiles instead of canned?
Yes, fresh green chiles work great! Just roast and peel them before adding to the recipe.
2. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add more green chiles or include spices like cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
3. Is Green Chile Picadillo gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your ingredient labels to be sure.

Green Chile Picadillo
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or pork
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced green chiles (canned or fresh)
- 1 medium potato, diced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- to taste Salt and pepper
- as needed Olive oil for cooking
- to taste Fresh cilantro for garnish Optional
Instructions
Cooking
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
- Add the ground meat and cook until browned.
- Stir in the diced potatoes, green chiles, and diced tomatoes.
- Season with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve hot.
