Crockpot Picadillo with Ground Beef & Potatoes

Making dinner should be a joy, not a chore! Enter Crockpot Picadillo with Ground Beef & Potatoes—a flavorful and hearty dish that your family will absolutely love. This delightful recipe features tender ground beef, savory spices, and hearty potatoes—all slow-cooked to perfection in your trusty crockpot. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, as it takes just moments to prepare and allows you to savor the rich aroma of a home-cooked meal filling your kitchen all day long.

Did you know that picadillo—a traditional dish which originated in Spain—has made its way into kitchens all over Latin America, each country adding its unique twist? Our version is a family favorite, combining simplicity and taste. If you’re a fan of comforting recipes like Chili or Beef Stew, you’ll definitely want to explore the layered flavors of this picadillo. So grab your crockpot and let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!

What is Crockpot Picadillo?

You might be wondering, “What in the world is picadillo?” Well, much like it sounds, picadillo refers to a dish that literally means “mince” in Spanish. It typically consists of ground meat mixed with vegetables and spices that bring the dish to life. But don’t let its simplicity fool you—it’s packed with flavor! Some say, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and I can vouch for that, especially with this easy and delicious dish. So, why not give it a try and see if you can capture a few hearts with this deliciousness?

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Picadillo

Crockpot Picadillo is all about those big, bold flavors wrapped up in an uncomplicated recipe that your family will adore. Firstly, the main highlight is the tenderness of the ground beef combined with the bite-sized potatoes that soak up all the spices’ goodness during the slow cooking process. Secondly, it’s easy on the wallet—using affordable ingredients that yield a hearty meal for the whole family. Lastly, you can customize this dish with delicious toppings like fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or diced onions, turning it into your own culinary masterpiece. If you enjoy comforting dishes like Taco Soup, this picadillo will surely find a place in your menu rotation. Ready to give it a go?

How to Make Crockpot Picadillo

Quick Overview

Crockpot Picadillo with Ground Beef & Potatoes is a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish. With prep time taking only about 15 minutes, you can easily set it and forget it! Just picture the aroma wafting through your home as you go about your day—sounds inviting, right? This dish is not only flavorful but comforting, with the sweetness of the bell peppers and the savoriness of the beef combining in harmony.

Key Ingredients for Crockpot Picadillo

• 1 lb ground beef: Choose lean ground beef to keep it healthy yet flavorful.
• 2 medium potatoes: Diced into bite-size pieces for even cooking.
• 1 onion: Chopped, to add depth and sweetness.
• 1 green bell pepper: Diced for a burst of color and flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic: Minced, to enhance the overall taste.
• 1 can diced tomatoes: Adds juiciness and a mild acidity.
• 1 cup beef broth: For moisture and rich flavor.
• 1 tsp cumin: A spice classic in picadillo recipes.
• 1 tsp paprika: Adds warmth and color.
• Salt and pepper: To taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Ingredients: Start by chopping the onion, bell pepper, and potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic as well.
2. Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked. This step adds more flavor but is optional.
3. Combine in the Crockpot: In your crockpot, combine the browned beef, diced potatoes, chopped onion, bell pepper, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, beef broth, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook: Set your crockpot to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Cooking it low and slow will yield the best flavor and texture.
5. Serve: Once the cooking time is up, give everything a gentle stir, and it’s ready to dish up! Garnish with your favorite toppings like cilantro or sour cream.

What to Serve Crockpot Picadillo With

To complement your Crockpot Picadillo, consider serving it with fluffy white rice, which will soak up those rich juices perfectly. Alternatively, some warm tortillas or crusty bread make excellent sides for scooping up tasty morsels. If you’d like to add a refreshing element, a simple side salad with zesty vinaigrette could balance the meal nicely. Pair your dish with something like a fruity sangria or a refreshing iced tea for the perfect dining experience!

Top Tips for Perfecting Crockpot Picadillo

• Ingredient Variations: Feel free to incorporate additional veggies like carrots or peas for extra nutrition.
• Meat Choices: You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Timing Adjustments: If you’re in a hurry, the high setting on your crockpot will significantly reduce cooking time without compromising flavor.
• Don’t Skimp on Seasoning: Always taste the mixture before you finish cooking. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed—each ingredient adds its own character!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Crockpot Picadillo can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze leftovers for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of beef broth while reheating helps restore some moisture and flavor.

In conclusion, this Crockpot Picadillo with Ground Beef & Potatoes is not just another recipe; it’s a flavorful journey filled with warmth and comfort that’s easy enough for anyone to make. Its deliciousness spans generations, and I promise your family will be grateful you decided to try it—so roll up those sleeves and get cookin’!

Crockpot Picadillo with Ground Beef & Potatoes

A flavorful and hearty dish featuring tender ground beef, savory spices, and hearty potatoes, all slow-cooked to perfection in your crockpot.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Latin American, Spanish

Servings 6 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 1 lb Ground beef Choose lean ground beef to keep it healthy yet flavorful.
• 2 medium Potatoes Diced into bite-size pieces for even cooking.
• 1 Onion Chopped, to add depth and sweetness.
• 1 medium Green bell pepper Diced for a burst of color and flavor.
• 2 cloves Garlic Minced, to enhance the overall taste.
• 1 can Diced tomatoes Adds juiciness and a mild acidity.
• 1 cup Beef broth For moisture and rich flavor.
• 1 tsp Cumin A spice classic in picadillo recipes.
• 1 tsp Paprika Adds warmth and color.
• to taste Salt and pepper

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Start by chopping the onion, bell pepper, and potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic as well.
• In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it's fully cooked. This step adds more flavor but is optional.
• In your crockpot, combine the browned beef, diced potatoes, chopped onion, bell pepper, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, beef broth, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Cooking

• Set your crockpot to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Cooking it low and slow will yield the best flavor and texture.
• Once the cooking time is up, give everything a gentle stir, and it’s ready to dish up! Garnish with your favorite toppings like cilantro or sour cream.

Notes

Feel free to incorporate additional veggies like carrots or peas for extra nutrition. You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Always taste the mixture before you finish cooking and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Crockpot Picadillo can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, or frozen for up to three months.

Keyword Comfort Food, Crockpot, Ground Beef, Picadillo, Slow-cooked