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Green Chile Picadillo

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Green Chile Picadillo

Description

Warm, hearty, and bursting with bold Southwestern flavor, Green Chile Picadillo is a comforting one-pan meal featuring seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, roasted green chiles, onions, and garlic simmered together until every bite is packed with rich, savory goodness. Unlike traditional picadillo recipes that use tomatoes, this version highlights the smoky, mildly spicy flavor of roasted green chiles, giving the dish a unique and delicious twist.

The potatoes absorb the flavorful broth while the beef stays juicy and perfectly seasoned with cumin, oregano, paprika, and garlic. Roasted Hatch or Anaheim green chiles add just enough heat without overpowering the dish, making it a family-friendly meal that’s comforting yet full of character. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights because it comes together in one skillet with simple ingredients.

Serve Green Chile Picadillo over fluffy rice, inside warm tortillas, spooned over baked potatoes, or with fresh flour tortillas for an authentic Southwestern-inspired dinner. It also makes an excellent filling for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or stuffed peppers. Even better, leftovers taste even more flavorful the next day, making this recipe ideal for meal prep.

Ingredients For the Picadillo

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 cups roasted green chiles, chopped (Hatch, Anaheim, or mild green chiles)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup beef broth

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh cilantro
  • Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Lime wedges
  • Sour cream

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles.
  5. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
  6. Stir in the diced potatoes.
  7. Add the cumin, paprika, oregano, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  8. Mix well until the potatoes are evenly coated with the seasonings.
  9. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
  10. Cover the skillet and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  11. Add the chopped roasted green chiles.
  12. Continue cooking uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and most of the liquid has reduced.
  13. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
  14. Garnish with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime juice.
  15. Serve hot with rice or warm tortillas.

Tips

  • Roasted Hatch green chiles provide the most authentic flavor.
  • Dice the potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate.
  • Lean ground beef keeps the dish hearty without becoming greasy.
  • Add diced carrots or corn for extra color and sweetness.
  • A splash of fresh lime juice brightens the flavors just before serving.
  • Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese melts beautifully on top.
  • For extra heat, stir in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze cooled portions for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth if needed.
  • Leftovers are excellent for tacos, burritos, breakfast burritos, or stuffed baked potatoes.

Q&A

Can I use canned green chiles?
Yes. Canned diced green chiles work well, though freshly roasted Hatch or Anaheim chiles provide the best flavor.

Can I substitute ground turkey?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or ground chicken makes a lighter version while still being delicious.

Is Green Chile Picadillo spicy?
Most roasted green chiles are mild to medium in heat. You can increase the spice by adding jalapeños or hot Hatch chiles.

What can I serve with Green Chile Picadillo?
It pairs perfectly with warm flour tortillas, Mexican rice, cilantro-lime rice, refried beans, cornbread, avocado slices, or a fresh green salad.

Servings

Serves 6

Nutrition (Approx. Per Serving)

  • Calories: 340
  • Protein: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 470mg
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
  • Potassium: 760mg
  • Calcium: 4% DV
  • Iron: 18% DV
  • Vitamin C: 45% DV

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