Meal on a Budget and Under 30 Minutes: TRADITIONAL PICADILLO, Super Easy Ground Beef Recipe

green olives

🥗Healthier: kalamata olives

💰Cheaper: canned black olives

Kalamata olives offer a similar briny flavor while canned black olives are more budget-friendly.

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner while ground pork is often less expensive.

capers

🥗Healthier: pickles

💰Cheaper: diced green beans

Pickles can provide a similar tangy taste, while green beans are a budget-friendly alternative.

raisins

🥗Healthier: dried cranberries

💰Cheaper: dried apricots

Dried cranberries are lower in sugar, and dried apricots can be found at lower prices.

Boil 4 Roma tomatoes until soft.

Add boiled tomatoes, 2 jalapenos, 3 Chile sanos, 1/4 onion, 2 garlic cloves, and 1/2 cup water to a blender; blend until smooth to make the sauce.

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Add 1/2 onion to the skillet and sauté for a couple of minutes.

Add 2 lbs of lean ground beef to the skillet; season with 1 tablespoon chili powder, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, granulated cumin, onion powder, black pepper, and salt; break down the meat and allow it to brown for about 3 minutes.

Add 3 potatoes and 8 oz of baby carrots to the skillet; mix and cook for 5 minutes.

Pour in the blended sauce and add 1/4 cup of tomato sauce; mix and allow to come to a simmer.

Taste for salt and adjust if necessary.

Add 1 cup of corn and 1 cup of peas; mix and allow to cook for 7 to 10 minutes or until the potatoes and carrots are fully cooked.

Check the potatoes and carrots for doneness; they should be soft.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: