Imagine sitting down to a steaming bowl of Picadillo Mexican Soup, a dish that feels like a warm embrace after a long day. This traditional comfort food from Mexico is more than just a meal; it’s a hearty blend of history, flavor, and nutrition all rolled into one pot. The rich, savory taste comes from tender ground beef simmered with a medley of vegetables, tomatoes, and spices, making it the perfect dish to share with family and friends.
Picadillo is a dish with roots in many Latin American countries, but the Mexican version adds a few unique twists that make it stand out. It is commonly served as a main course during colder weather or at gatherings where everyone can dip into a big pot of warmth and deliciousness. What makes this soup even more special is its adaptability. You can adjust the ingredients, tweak the spices, and add in personal touches to create your own variation.
In this post, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about making Picadillo Mexican Soup-from the ingredients you’ll need, to expert tips for perfecting the recipe, and even creative variations to make it your own.
Picadillo Mexican Soup Recipe
This recipe is straightforward, yet it provides endless opportunities for customization. It’s perfect for beginners who are new to cooking and for seasoned chefs looking to perfect their craft. The combination of flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser, and it’s a meal that people of all ages can enjoy.
Ingredients Needed
For this Picadillo Mexican Soup, you’ll need the following:
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Ground beef (or turkey) – 1 lb
Ground beef is the classic choice, but you can opt for ground turkey or even chicken for a leaner version. The meat should be browned first to create a base for the flavor.
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Yellow onion – 1 large, diced
Onion brings a sweet, savory depth to the soup that will complement the spices and other ingredients.
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Garlic – 3-4 cloves, minced
Garlic adds aromatic flavor that’s key to the base of the soup. Fresh garlic is best for this recipe.
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Tomatoes – 2 medium, diced (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
Tomatoes provide acidity to balance the richness of the beef. Fresh tomatoes work great, but canned tomatoes are a convenient substitute.
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Carrots – 2 medium, peeled and diced
Carrots give a slight sweetness and texture, which pairs beautifully with the savory elements in the soup.
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Potatoes – 2 medium, peeled and diced
Potatoes add heartiness and bulk to the soup, making it filling and satisfying.
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Green bell pepper – 1, diced
The bell pepper gives the soup a fresh, slightly sweet crunch, and its green color makes the dish look vibrant.
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Frozen peas – ½ cup
Peas add color and a little pop of sweetness. They also provide a tender bite.
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Chicken broth – 4 cups
A flavorful base to help bring all the ingredients together. You can use vegetable broth for a lighter, vegetarian version.
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Cumin – 1 teaspoon
Cumin is a key spice in Mexican cooking, bringing earthy and warm flavors that complement the beef and vegetables.
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Oregano – 1 teaspoon
Mexican oregano adds a subtle herbal note to the soup that ties everything together.
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Bay leaves – 2 leaves
Bay leaves infuse a slightly floral, aromatic flavor to the broth. Remember to remove them before serving.
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Salt and pepper – to taste
Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors in the soup.
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Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
Used for sautéing the onions, garlic, and other vegetables to develop the flavor base.
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Lime wedges (optional)
A squeeze of fresh lime at the end will brighten up the flavors and give the soup a zesty kick.
Cooking Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients ready, it’s time to bring everything together and cook up this delicious soup!
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Sauté The Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
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Brown The Meat
Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the pot and break it up with a spoon. Cook for about 7-10 minutes until the meat is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if needed.
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Add The Spices
Stir in the cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the spices bloom in the hot oil and meat mixture for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
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Add The Tomatoes And Potatoes
Add the diced tomatoes (or canned crushed tomatoes) and diced potatoes to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the tomatoes to break down slightly.
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Pour In The Broth
Add the chicken broth and bay leaves. Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower the heat to a simmer. Let the soup cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
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Add The Peas And Carrots
Stir in the diced carrots and frozen peas, and cook for another 10 minutes until the vegetables are fully tender.
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Taste And Adjust
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice to suit your taste. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Ingredient Insights
- Ground beef or turkey: Ground beef is the go-to for Picadillo, but if you’re aiming for a leaner soup, ground turkey is an excellent substitute. If you opt for a plant-based version, you can substitute with lentils, beans, or even jackfruit for texture and heartiness.
- Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes provide a nice brightness, but canned tomatoes often yield a more concentrated flavor, especially if you’re using crushed or diced varieties. Either option works well in this recipe, depending on what you have available.
- Carrots and potatoes: These vegetables absorb the rich flavors of the broth, creating a comforting base. Carrots bring natural sweetness, while potatoes help make the soup more filling.
- Broth: Chicken broth is traditional, but you can swap it out with beef broth or vegetable broth, depending on your preference or dietary needs. Homemade broth gives the soup a rich depth, but store-bought options work just as well in a pinch.
Expert Tips
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot: A sturdy pot or Dutch oven helps distribute the heat evenly and prevents the ingredients from sticking or burning. This ensures that the soup cooks uniformly and all the flavors meld together perfectly.
- Don’t skip the bay leaves: Bay leaves may seem like a small ingredient, but they impart a subtle but distinct aroma and flavor that really elevates the soup. Just don’t forget to remove them before serving!
- Simmer slowly: For the best flavor, let the soup simmer slowly. The longer you let it cook, the more the flavors develop, making the dish even more comforting.
- Garnish creatively: While lime wedges are optional, a few fresh cilantro leaves, a dollop of sour cream, or even crumbled tortilla chips make wonderful garnishes for added texture and flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Picadillo: If you like a little heat, add a finely chopped jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce to the soup. This will infuse the broth with a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground meat for black beans or lentils. You can add more vegetables like zucchini, corn, or even butternut squash for a more filling dish.
- Picadillo with Rice: Some versions of Picadillo are served with a side of rice, or you can add cooked rice directly to the soup. This adds extra bulk and makes the soup more like a stew.
- Picadillo with Fruit: A unique twist involves adding diced raisins or chopped apples to the soup, offering a sweet contrast to the savory flavors. This version is popular in some regions of Mexico and adds a wonderful sweetness.
Final Words
Making Picadillo Mexican Soup is an incredibly rewarding experience. The balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors creates a dish that’s not only nourishing but also filled with layers of depth. Whether you make it on a chilly evening for your family or for a gathering with friends, this dish will surely be a hit.
FAQs
What Is Picadillo Mexican Soup?
Picadillo Mexican soup is a flavorful, hearty dish made with ground beef, vegetables, and a variety of seasonings. It combines ingredients like tomatoes, onions, garlic, potatoes, carrots, and sometimes even raisins or olives. The soup is simmered to create a savory, slightly sweet, and aromatic broth.
What Are The Main Ingredients In Picadillo Mexican Soup?
The main ingredients include ground beef, tomatoes, onions, garlic, potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and spices such as cumin, oregano, and bay leaves. Some recipes also call for raisins, olives, or capers for added depth of flavor.
Can I Make Picadillo Mexican Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Picadillo Mexican soup by substituting the ground beef with plant-based protein options such as lentils, textured vegetable protein (TVP), or meat substitutes like Beyond Meat or Impossible Meat. You can also add extra vegetables to enhance the texture.
What Spices Are Commonly Used In Picadillo Mexican Soup?
Common spices for Picadillo Mexican soup include cumin, oregano, garlic powder, and bay leaves. Some recipes may also incorporate ground cinnamon or cloves for a hint of warmth and sweetness, while chili powder or paprika can add a touch of heat.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Picadillo Mexican Soup?
The cooking time for Picadillo Mexican soup typically ranges from 45 minutes to an hour. The vegetables and meat need to simmer in the broth until tender, and the flavors have had time to meld together.
Can I Freeze Picadillo Mexican Soup?
Yes, Picadillo Mexican soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.
What Can I Serve With Picadillo Mexican Soup?
Picadillo Mexican soup can be served with a variety of sides such as warm tortillas, rice, or crusty bread. A squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro can add a fresh, zesty contrast to the rich soup.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Meat For Picadillo Mexican Soup?
Yes, while ground beef is traditional, you can use other meats such as ground turkey, chicken, or even pork. Some variations use ground lamb for a unique flavor profile, though ground beef remains the most popular choice.
Is Picadillo Mexican Soup Spicy?
The spiciness of Picadillo Mexican soup depends on the ingredients you use. Traditional recipes are not typically very spicy, but you can add chilies, jalapeños, or chili powder to adjust the heat level to your taste.
How Do I Make Picadillo Mexican Soup More Flavorful?
To enhance the flavor of Picadillo Mexican soup, consider adding ingredients like olives, capers, or raisins for a touch of sweetness and saltiness. Roasting the vegetables or browning the meat before adding them to the soup can also deepen the flavor.