Picadillo with Homemade Flour Tortillas.

Below is a complete, seamless recipe guide for Picadillo with Homemade Flour Tortillas.
(As requested, no wide divider lines are used.)

Description

Picadillo with homemade flour tortillas is a comforting, savory dish enjoyed throughout Latin America. It blends seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, vegetables, and spices into a hearty mixture often served with warm, fresh tortillas. The combination is aromatic, satisfying, and suitable for both everyday meals and special gatherings.

Introduction

Picadillo is a beloved traditional dish that varies by region, but its essence remains the same: a flavorful ground beef sauté rich with spices and vegetables. When paired with fresh, soft flour tortillas made from scratch, it becomes a wholesome meal that connects family, history, and culinary simplicity.

Origin and Cultural Significance

Picadillo is rooted in Spanish cuisine and spread throughout Latin America during colonial times. Each country added its own local flavors—raisins and olives in Cuba, potatoes in Mexico, capers in Puerto Rico.
In many homes, picadillo is known as a “heritage dish,” passed down through generations. Flour tortillas, especially in northern Mexico and the American Southwest, symbolize community, home cooking, and the beauty of humble ingredients transformed into comfort food.

Ingredients & Quantities

For the Picadillo

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium potato, small diced
• 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• 1 small bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup peas or mixed vegetables (optional)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder (optional)
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp oil
• Optional: 1/4 cup raisins or chopped olives (regional variations)

For Homemade Flour Tortillas

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil, butter, or lard
• 3/4 cup warm water

Optional Additions

• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• A squeeze of lime over the picadillo
• Queso fresco or shredded cheese
• Pickled jalapeños
• Avocado slices
• Salsa roja or salsa verde

Tips for Success

• Let the picadillo simmer long enough for flavors to deepen.
• Don’t overwork the tortilla dough—mix until just combined.
• Allow tortilla dough to rest 15–20 minutes for soft, pliable rounds.
• Use a hot skillet to ensure tortillas puff and get light brown spots.
• Taste and adjust seasoning as the picadillo cooks.

Instructions

Picadillo

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent.
2. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
4. Add diced potatoes and bell pepper; stir for 3–4 minutes.
5. Season with cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour in tomato sauce. Reduce heat and simmer 10–15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
7. Add peas, raisins, or olives if using. Continue simmering for an extra 5 minutes.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning, then keep warm.

Flour Tortillas

1. In a bowl, mix flour, salt, and baking powder.
2. Add oil (or lard/butter) and work it into the flour with your fingers.
3. Pour in warm water gradually until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead for 2–3 minutes until smooth.
5. Cover and rest 15–20 minutes.
6. Divide into 8–10 balls.
7. Roll each ball into a thin circle on a lightly floured surface.
8. Cook on a hot skillet 30–40 seconds per side until puffed with light brown spots.
9. Keep tortillas warm in a clean towel.

Nutritional Information

(Approximate per serving: 1/4 of picadillo + 2 tortillas)

• Calories: 520–620
• Protein: 28–32 g
• Carbohydrates: 48–55 g
• Fat: 22–30 g
• Fiber: 3–5 g
• Sodium: Varies based on seasoning and additions

Conclusion

Picadillo with homemade flour tortillas is more than a meal—it’s a celebration of heritage, comfort, and simple ingredients made extraordinary. Each bite carries warmth and history, offering nourishment for both body and soul.

Recommendation

Serve your picadillo with freshly made tortillas immediately for the best flavor and texture. Pair it with a bright salsa, a fresh salad, or Mexican rice for a balanced plate. For weeknight meals, make a double batch—picadillo reheats beautifully and tortillas freeze well.

Embracing Healthful Indulgence

This dish embraces the joy of flavorful eating while still offering balanced nutrition. You can lighten it by using lean beef or ground turkey, adding more vegetables, or choosing whole-wheat tortillas. The beauty of picadillo is its adaptability: it can be as hearty or as wholesome as you want, without losing its delicious, comforting essence.

If you’d like, I can also create a printable version, add photos, convert it into a step-by-step checklist, or include variations from different countries.