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    Home » Mexican Recipes » Mexican Picadillo Instant Pot Gluten Free

    Mexican Picadillo Instant Pot Gluten Free

    Date: September 22, 2020 by Christian Guzman • This post may contain affiliate links. See Privacy Policy below.

    This authentic Mexican picadillo recipe made especially for the Instant Pot is that kind of nostalgia producing recipe that gets you right in the feels. It warms hearts and bellies all over North and Central America.

    Mexican Picadillo is a typical meat and potatoes comfort food recipe, made more easily by using the Instant Pot. You’ll find a flavor-packed combination of ingredients in this ground beef hash style meal.

    Recipe | What is Mexican Picadillo? | Ingredients

    24Bite: Mexican Picadillo Instant Pot Recipe by Christian Guzman
    Mexican Picadillo can be served with cilantro lime rice as shown here. Be sure to have some fresh tortillas on the side to scoop up all the juices.
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

    What is Mexican Picadillo?

    As it turns out, the answer is not as easy as you may think. It’s a meat and potatoes comfort food, but there are lots of variations.

    I researched about a dozen Picadillo recipes before deciding on what I wanted to include in my own recipe here.

    closeup of Mexican picadillo inside the instant pot liner
    It looks so tasty even before you put the lid on the Instant Pot to finish cooking!

    Each country has its own ideas about the ingredients for Picadillo and, even within the same country, you’ll find several different variations.

    Have a browse at all
    24Bite recipes
    to customize your own search.

    At Wikipedia, I found variations of Picadillo recipes for countries all over Latin America, including Mexico and even as far away as the Philipines.

    You can pretty much call this Picadillo a free-range kind of recipe.

    Mexican Picadillo vs. Cuban Picadillo

    For the most part, Mexican Picadillo and Cuban Picadillo are about the same with the same comfort food nostalgia. You have ground beef and potatoes. This is the first time I’ve seen green olives in a Mexican recipe.

    I’ve added both jalapeño peppers and serrano. Only one serrano will give you that touch of spicy heat. It’s enough to know it’s there without overpowering the dish.

    Green jalapenos on a white background © 123rf.com by phloenphoto
    When you see a jalapeño with striations like on the left, it means that it’s been on the vine longer and you can expect it to have more spicy heat.

    Have a look at our Scoville Heat Scale to make your decision about which chile pepper to use.

    I decided against adding raisins as I found in many of the Picadillo recipes. I was just too skeptical about raisins in a stew. I’m sure it must be good, but I wasn’t prepared for that right now.

    I think I may be a diehard fan of raisins for sweet things, not savory things. But, that’s just me. Your mileage may vary as do your tastebuds.

    Olives and raisins are pretty much expected in the Cuban version whereas many Mexican families don’t use either. I also saw the addition of white wine in several Cuban recipes.

    ingredients on counter for Mexican picadillo
    This recipe calls for ground beef but we love to use the ground beef that is cube ground rather than “strings”. It has a different texture but doesn’t change the taste of the dish.

    Ingredients

    The decision about what ingredients to include in my own Mexican Picadillo was based largely, of course, on what we had in the refrigerator and pantry.

    • Ground Beef
    • Baby Yellow Dutch Potatoes
    • Carrots
    • Jalapenos
    • Onion
    • Garlic
    • Diced Tomatoes

    Using my All Purpose Seasoning Blend makes things easier. If you already have some made up or you have your own favorite seasoning blend, use that. If not, I’ve included the individual seasonings in the recipe.

    Knorr Tomato and Chicken Bouillon Granulated Powder
    Knorr Tomato Bouillon will add a lot of sodium so use care if you’re sensitive or cutting back on sodium.

    At the last minute, I decided to also add Knorr Tomato and Chicken Bouillon to add a bit more flavor. You don’t need to add it. It’s in our pantry, so why not?

    It gives more tomato and chicken intense-ness without adding more liquid because I wanted a hash type meal, not a soup.

    plate of birria tacos with link to recipe

    Another tasty alternative is the jarred Better Than Bouillon seasoning bases. I’ve tried both chicken and beef. They are both wonderful additions.

    6-Quart Instant Pot

    Here is our trusty Instant Pot. Mom is right. This thing makes cooking so easy! Instant Pot comfort food recipes are my favorite!

    Close up of Instant Pot with Christian Guzman

    Using an Instant Pot has all the ease of making a one skillet meal without all the babysitting. It’s great!

    If you don’t have an Instant Pot, have a look at this 6-Quart Instant Pot (aff link) which we use. We’ve had it for several years and it still works great.

    Easy Step by Step Instructions

    The steps here are typical for most of my Instant Pot recipes.

    • Add olive oil.
    • Saute the meat.
    • Add the onions.
    • Stir in the rest of the vegetables and saute.
    • Add the remaining ingredients.
    • Place the lid and pressure cook.
    Mexican picadillo process shots in four easy steps

    It sounds easy because it really is easy. Mexican Picadillo is traditionally served with rice but you can serve it any way you like. Wrap it in a tortilla, serve with polenta and beans. Eat it by itself. Add some shredded cheese.

    24Bite: Mexican Picadillo Instant Pot Recipe by Christian Guzman

    Instant Pot Picadillo is a delicious, hearty meal that you can have ready to eat in no time.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do you say picadillo?

    It’s a Spanish word and is pronounced pee-kah-dee-yoh.

    What goes with picadillo?

    1. Serve as the main dish, ladled next to or on top of rice, polenta or mashed potatoes.
    2. Stuff empanadas or chiles rellenos with picadillo. Fill and wrap a tortilla for enchiladas or add as a filling for a tamale.
    3. Make a picadillo taco by placing in a tortilla with your favorite taco toppings.
    4. Make a torta or tostada with picadillo.

    Is picadillo good for you?

    This is one of the healthiest Mexican food recipes I’ve ever made. It’s low in calories and carbohydrates and it’s gluten free. By using turkey instead of beef, you can almost eliminate the fat content.

    More Comfort Food Recipes

    I have another similar Ground Beef Stew recipe that you may also enjoy.

    Here is a delicious Kielbasa and Lentils Soup made in the Instant Pot.

    If you’re looking for something without meat, try the Vegan Noodle Soup Instant Pot.

    Don’t miss this crowd pleaser, Creamy Baked Spaghetti Recipe.

    Here’s a quick, kid-friendly recipe to try: Easy Fideo Soup.

    24Bite: Mexican Picadillo Instant Pot Recipe by Christian Guzman
    I like to serve this with a refreshing fruit juice infused carbonated water. This one is blood orange fruit juice.

    Recipe

    24Bite Logo Full Size



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    Instant Pot Mexican Picadillo Recipe (+video)

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    4.90 from 19 votes
    Cook Time: 40 minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes
    Servings: 8 servings
    Calories: 201kcal
    Author: Christian Guzman
    Save or Print
    Mexican Picadillo is a typical meat and potatoes comfort food recipe, made more easily by using the Instant Pot. You'll find a delicious combination of ingredients in this ground beef hash style meal.

    For more information, be sure to check the recipe details in the attached 24Bite® post.

    Equipment

    • 6-quart Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
    • 1 pound Ground Beef
    • 1 large Onion, chopped
    • 4 Garlic Cloves, minced
    • 2 Jalapenos, seeds and membrane removed, diced
    • 1 Serrano Pepper, finely chopped (optional)
    • 1 large Carrot, peeled, chopped
    • 1 pound Baby Yellow Potatoes, chopped (peel or no peel is optional)
    • 1 teaspoon Salt
    • 1 teaspoon Cumin
    • ½ teaspoon Ground Pepper
    • 1 teaspoon Oregano
    • 1 tablespoon Knorr Tomato with Chicken Bouillon Powder, optional
    • 14.5 ounces Diced Tomatoes
    • 1 cup Water

    Instructions

    • Press the Saute button on the Instant Pot to begin cooking in saute mode. Add olive oil. Once the olive oil becomes heated, about 1 minute, add ground beef and cook for about 4-5 minutes. It does not need to fully cook and can still be a little pink.
    • Add onions, garlic and peppers. Continue in saute mode until onions are fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
    • Add carrot, potatoes and seasonings. Continue in saute mode for about 2-3 minutes more. Hit cancel on Instant Pot to turn off saute mode.
    • Add remaining ingredients. Stir. Check the Instant Pot lid to ensure the rubber gasket is in place and nothing is blocking the vent. Place lid on top and set lever to Sealing. Press the Manual button on the the Instant Pot and set to high pressure for 7 minutes, then natural release fully. The entire cook time will be about 30 minutes.
    • Remove lid and turn off Instant Pot.
    • Makes 8 servings.



    Note: If there is a video, it will not display while there is an adblocker.

    Video

    Notes

    Serve with rice, polenta and/or avocado slices. Sprinkle shredded or crumbled cheese on top. Squeeze a lime over top. Garnish with cilantro, if desired.
    Try adjusting the amount of chiles (peppers) to suit your taste. If you have small children, you may want to remove the Serrano. If you really love it spicy, you may want to increase the amount of Serrano.
    Check our Scoville Heat Scale for information on the amount of spicy heat in peppers.
    Optional: 
    Add 1 cup sliced olives. This adds (per serving) 25kcal | 3g fat.
    Add ½ cup raisins. This adds (per serving) 27kcal | 7g carb.
    Use ground turkey instead of ground beef. This reduces (per serving) 81 kcal | 10g fat.
    The Knorr Tomato Powder introduces a lot of sodium to the total so, if you are sensitive to sodium, leave this out or omit the kosher salt. Or, if you like, omit all the added sodium and salt to taste.
    Video: In the video, I’ve added one can of El Pato Tomato/Jalapeno Sauce. This made the meal a little more liquidy. If you prefer to serve the picadillo in tacos or empanadas, no need to add the extra sauce.
    Nutrition Facts
    Instant Pot Mexican Picadillo Recipe (+video)
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 201 Calories from Fat 135
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 15g23%
    Saturated Fat 5g31%
    Sodium 753mg33%
    Carbohydrates 6g2%
    Fiber 1g4%
    Sugar 3g3%
    Protein 11g22%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Mexican
    Keyword beef and potato hash, gluten free recipes, instant pot recipes, mexican picadillo, puerto rican picadillo
    ______________________



    Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. All amounts are estimates and 24Bite® takes no responsibility for actual figures since calculations vary by packaging and supplier. Please calculate the amounts yourself based on package labeling if you have specific dietary requirements. 24Bite®, Kim Guzman or Christian Guzman shall not be liable for adverse reactions or any other outcome resulting from the use of recipes or recommendations on this website or actions you take as a result.

    © 2019-2023 Kim Guzman and Christian Guzman. All rights reserved. Subscribe to 24Bite email newsletters.



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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Mahy says

      September 27, 2020 at 4:45 pm

      5 stars
      It is one of the best picadillo recipes I’ve seen to date – definitely adding it to my weekly menu! 🙂

      Reply
    2. Alisha Rodrigues says

      September 27, 2020 at 5:28 pm

      5 stars
      I love how you’ve used simple yet nutritious ingredients to bring this dish together.. Looks so delish !!

      Reply
    3. Liz says

      September 27, 2020 at 7:43 pm

      5 stars
      Sounds like a great recipe to make in bulk for meal prep! I have some meatless meat, I wonder if that would work in this recipe as well?

      Reply
      • Christian Guzman says

        September 27, 2020 at 8:05 pm

        Yes, absolutely! If your plant-based crumbles are frozen, add the bag (still frozen) with one or two tablespoons of olive oil and cook as directed for the ground beef. Then continue as normal for the remainder of the recipe.

        Reply
      • Rosa says

        March 16, 2023 at 11:03 pm

        5 stars
        After all the recipes I’ve researched l landed on this one and so glad I did. Absolutely fantastic, I did only use 1 jalapeño because we have a little one, and used beef broth instead of water! Thank you so much, definitely putting this one in rotation!

        Reply
        • Christian Guzman says

          March 17, 2023 at 1:54 am

          That’s great! I’m so glad it worked out for you. Thank you for writing!

          Reply
    4. Brianna says

      September 27, 2020 at 8:57 pm

      5 stars
      Oh, this looks like a perfect comfort food dinner for a weeknight.

      Reply
    5. Jessie says

      September 27, 2020 at 9:26 pm

      5 stars
      I love the flavors in this and always love a new instant pot recipe!

      Reply
    6. veenaazmanov says

      September 27, 2020 at 9:32 pm

      5 stars
      Instant Pot Cooking makes life so easy. This recipe is nutritious as well as a total comfort food with all the healthy veggies too. Flavors perfect. Yum

      Reply
    7. Adrienne says

      November 15, 2020 at 8:58 pm

      5 stars
      This was delicious and flavorful!! I used turkey and added zucchini. Can’t wait to make again.

      Reply
      • Christian Guzman says

        November 15, 2020 at 9:00 pm

        Thanks so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Great substitutions too!

        Reply
    8. Teresa says

      January 16, 2021 at 10:04 pm

      5 stars
      Just made this tonight and it’s one of the best recipes I’ve tried! I really appreciate the step by step detailed instructions that made things go so much smoother! You’re the best!!

      Reply
      • Christian Guzman says

        January 16, 2021 at 10:50 pm

        I’m so glad you liked it. Thank you for visiting!

        Reply
    9. Lisa says

      February 16, 2023 at 8:10 pm

      5 stars
      My husband loved this recipe! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Christian Guzman says

        February 18, 2023 at 11:21 am

        You’re welcome! I’m glad it worked out so well for you.

        Reply

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