This Mexican Picadillo Soup comes together with ground beef or turkey, onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, green peas, and olives, simmered in a lightly spiced broth scented with cumin, chili powder, oregano, and a hint of cinnamon. You’ll brown the meat, sauté aromatics, then fold in vegetables and tomatoes before a gentle simmer to meld flavors. Serve hot with tortillas, lime, cilantro, avocado, and crispy tortilla strips for contrast—and there’s more to come if you keep exploring.
Ingredients and Quantity
The ingredients for Mexican picadillo soup are simple but flavorful: ground beef or turkey, onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, green peas, and olives, all seasoned with cumin, chili powder, oregano, and a touch of cinnamon.
You’ll find the essentials organized as an Ingredients list with clear Quantity measurements to keep your kitchen free and liberated. Visualize each item by weight or volume, so you can scale with confidence and remain in control of the cook’s pace.
| Item | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground meat | 1 lb | Optional: turkey or beef |
| Onion | 1 medium | Diced |
| Garlic | 2 cloves | Minced |
| Tomatoes | 14 oz can | Diced |
| Potatoes | 2 cups | Diced |
Preparations
With the ingredients measured, you’re ready to prep them efficiently. You’ll trim and dice meat, vegetables, and aromatics with deliberate, clean motions, maximizing texture and cohesion in every bite. Sauté the base until aromas bloom, then hydrate tomatoes and peppers just enough to release sweetness without sogginess. Keep mis en place tight: minced garlic, onions, herbs, and spices within easy reach to maintain momentum. Season gradually, tasting as you go to guide balance between meatiness and brightness. For soup variations, consider subtle additions like olives or capers to shift character without overpowering the picadillo. Flavor enhancements should amplify depth, not mask it, preserving a bright, honest palate. Stay focused, efficient, and steady.
Kitchen tools or Kitchenware Required
A reliable set of kitchen tools helps you move from prep to simmer with steady momentum. You’ll choose gear that respects rhythm, not clutter, so your focus stays on flavor and timing. A sharp knives sets makes mincing quick, safe, and precise, while sturdy cooking pots handle browned pork and simmering broth without warping. Prioritize heat distribution, comfortable grips, and easy cleanup to sustain momentum.
| Tool category | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Knives sets | Precision chopping, safer prep |
| Cooking pots | Even heat, durable simmering |
| Utensils & pans | Responsive control, versatile use |
With the right arsenal, you glide from diced aromatics to gentle simmer, maintaining freedom to adjust seasoning and pace as flavors unfold. Keep it lean, purposeful, and ready for the next step.
How to Cook
- Heat a sturdy pot over medium heat and brown the pork until lightly crisped.
- Stir in onions, garlic, and chiles to awaken their aromas.
- Layer cooking techniques: sauté ingredients to develop flavor, then simmer gently.
- Add ground meat, tomatoes, potatoes, and olives, creating a mix of textures and colors.
- Adjust the heat to maintain a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to meld.
- Balance acidity by adding citrus juice or a splash of vinegar.
- Fold in fresh herbs at the end to preserve their brightness.
- Taste frequently and make final seasoning adjustments as needed.
- Aim for a cohesive broth with hearty morsels, perfect to serve with tortillas or rice.
- Pay attention to bold, complementary flavor combinations and refine continuously.
How to Serve
Serve Mexican Picadillo Soup hot, with bright accompaniments that lift the flavors without overpowering them. When you plate, aim for balance between broth, meat, and vegetables so each spoonful feels cohesive rather than cluttered. Practical serving follows a simple rhythm: a steaming bowl, a side of warm tortillas, and a light squeeze of lime to awaken acidity. You’ll recognize that texture matters as much as taste, so offer a contrasting crunch from toasted seeds or crisp tortilla strips. Consider serving temperature and portion size to preserve aroma and center-of-mouth brightness. For Serving suggestions, keep the broth fragrant and not too salty, letting the picadillo shine. Garnish ideas include cilantro, avocado, and a dash of finely chopped onion.
Tips
Choosing the right balance of ingredients is key: let the picadillo shine by keeping the broth light and the meat tender, while the vegetables provide color and texture.
Tips are about cooking techniques and flavor balance. You’ll optimize texture, aroma, and depth without overwhelming the base broth. Think layering: sauté aromatics first, then brown meat to seal moisture. Use gentle simmering to meld flavors without breaking the meat apart. Adjust salt and acid gradually to preserve brightness. Fresh herbs finish with a bright note that lifts the dish.
- Use light, aromatic sauté for base flavor
- Brown meat evenly, then simmer gently
- Adjust seasoning in small increments
- Finish with herbs to sharpen flavor balance
Food Value and Benefit
Mexican picadillo soup is a nutritious and well-balanced dish that combines lean protein, vegetables, and moderate starch, making it an excellent choice for sustained energy and satiety without excess calories.
Mexican picadillo soup offers lean protein, vegetables, and balanced starch for steady energy and fullness.
Food Value:
- Lean ground meat provides high-quality protein with essential amino acids for muscle maintenance and repair.
- A variety of vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, and onions add dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- The broth offers hydration and essential minerals like potassium and sodium.
- Carbohydrates from rice or potatoes supply a slow, steady release of energy.
- Herbs contribute antioxidants and flavor without added fat or calories.
Vitamins and Minerals Contained:
- Vitamin A (from peppers and tomatoes) – supports vision and immune function.
- Vitamin C (from peppers and tomatoes) – boosts immunity and promotes skin health.
- B vitamins (from ground meat and vegetables) – aid in energy metabolism.
- Iron (from ground meat) – essential for oxygen transport in the blood.
- Potassium (from broth and vegetables) – helps maintain fluid balance and muscle function.
- Magnesium (from vegetables and potatoes) – supports nerve and muscle health.
Benefits of Eating This Recipe:
- Provides a balanced mix of macronutrients for sustained energy and fullness.
- Supports muscle health with lean protein and essential amino acids.
- Enhances digestion and immune function through fiber and micronutrients.
- Supplies antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and protect cells.
- Hydrates and replenishes minerals without added calories.
- Helps avoid blood sugar spikes due to moderate, complex carbohydrates.
- Fits well into a practical, everyday diet promoting overall wellness and balanced nourishment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey for Beef in Picadillo?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for beef. Ground turkey offers a lighter flavor; flavor comparison shows it’s milder, so you may need a bit more seasoning or a splash of broth to preserve richness in the dish.
How Do I Adjust the Recipe for a Large Crowd?
For a large crowd, you’ll scale ingredients evenly, then adjust cooking time: Scaling ingredients you’ll multiply herbs and liquids, while cooking time adjustments may require simmering longer in batches or using a larger pot to maintain texture and flavor.
Can I Freeze Leftovers Without Compromising Texture?
Sure, you can freeze leftovers, though texture may suffer. Ironically, your freedom includes imperfect texture, but you’ll master freezing techniques to optimize texture preservation, chilling quickly, and reheating gently so you regain some flavor without sacrificing your autonomy.
What Are Authentic Toppings for Mexican Picadillo Soup?
You want authentic toppings for Mexican picadillo soup, and regional variations matter; try avocado, cilantro, lime, tostadas, shredded cheese, radish, and onions, plus a dab of crema, balancing heat with fresh brightness across these authentic toppings.
Is There a Vegan Version of This Soup?
Like a sunlit bowl of possibility, yes—there is a vegan version. You can swap in vegan ingredients and plant based alternatives, crafting a satisfying, flavorful bowl that honors Mexican flavors while staying true to plant-based choices.
