Flavorful Carne Picada Recipe: A Hearty Skillet Meal (Print Version)

Hearty Carne Picada Recipe brings tender beef in a rich sauce. Quick to make, perfect for weeknights, tacos, or a comforting family meal. So versatile!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 2 Hours minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Mexican
Dietary: Gluten-Free (if broth is GF)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 2 lbs boneless beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 large yellow onion, chopped
04 - 1 green bell pepper, chopped
05 - 1 red bell pepper, chopped
06 - 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)

→ Flavor Boosters

07 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 jalapeño, minced (seeds removed for less heat)
09 - 1 cup beef broth (low sodium)
10 - 2 tbsp tomato paste

→ Seasonings & Spices

11 - 1 tsp ground cumin
12 - 1 tsp chili powder
13 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano (Mexican oregano if available)
14 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Finishing Touches

15 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
16 - Lime wedges, for serving

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get that chuck roast ready for your Flavorful Carne Picada Recipe. Trim off any really big pieces of excess fat, but don't go crazy; some fat equals flavor and tenderness! Cut the beef into small, bite-sized pieces, about half an inch to an inch. Honestly, I don't get out a ruler, just eyeball it. Then, chop your onion, bell peppers, garlic, and jalapeño. This "mise en place" thing? It makes the cooking process so much smoother, less frantic, and I don't forget anything this way.
02 - Grab a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven and heat a little oil over medium-high heat. Once it's shimmering, toss in your chopped onions and bell peppers. Sauté them until they start to soften and get a little color, about 5-7 minutes. You want them fragrant and slightly translucent, not burnt! This is where the base of your Flavorful Carne Picada Recipe starts to build its incredible flavor. I love how my kitchen starts to smell amazing right about now.
03 - Push the veggies to one side of the pot, or scoop them out if your pot isn't huge. Add the beef in a single layer, working in batches if you need to, to get a good sear on all sides. This browning step is crucial for developing deep flavor; don't overcrowd the pot, or the beef will steam instead of sear. I've definitely tried to rush this and ended up with sad, grey beef. Learn from my oopsie! Once browned, stir the beef and veggies together.
04 - Now, add the minced garlic and jalapeño to the pot. Sauté for just about a minute until they're fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it can turn bitter so fast! Then, stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute, letting it toast a bit. This deepens its flavor. Finally, sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, and dried oregano. Stir well, letting the spices bloom for about 30 seconds until you can really smell them. Oh, the aroma is just incredible!
05 - Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth. Give everything a good stir, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot—that's pure flavor! Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook. This is the patience part, usually 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender. Check it occasionally, stir, and if it looks too dry, add a splash more broth. The longer it simmers, the more amazing your Flavorful Carne Picada Recipe will be.
06 - Once the beef is wonderfully tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking, taste and adjust the seasonings. You might need a little more salt or pepper. Stir in the fresh cilantro, if you're using it. Serve your hearty Flavorful Carne Picada Recipe hot with a squeeze of fresh lime juice. It's so satisfying to see all that simmering pay off in such a delicious, comforting meal. Seriously, the texture of the beef should be falling apart, just how I like it!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd the pot when browning the beef; it's tempting, but you'll lose that crucial sear.
02 - Low and slow is the secret to truly tender carne picada; don't rush the simmering time!
03 - Always taste and adjust seasonings at the end, especially salt and pepper, it makes a huge difference.
04 - This dish tastes even better the next day, so it’s a fantastic make-ahead option!

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
02 - Cutting board
03 - Sharp knife

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 350-450
Total Fat: 15-25g
Total Carbohydrate: 10-15g
Protein: 30-40g

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