Here are two full recipes: one for Picadillo (Latin-style ground beef with potatoes) and one for Hamburger Stew (American-style ground beef and vegetable stew). Both are hearty, budget-friendly, and great one-pot meals.
1. Classic Picadillo (Latin Style)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced small
- 1 large tomato, chopped (or 1/2 cup tomato sauce)
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/4 cup green olives, sliced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook 3 minutes.
- Stir in diced potatoes and cook another 3 minutes.
- Add tomato or tomato sauce, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add broth, cover, and simmer 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Optional: stir in raisins and olives during the last 5 minutes.
- Serve over rice, in tacos, or with warm tortillas.
2. Hamburger Stew (American Style)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a large pot. Drain grease.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté 2–3 minutes.
- Add potatoes, carrots, and celery. Stir well.
- Add diced tomatoes, broth, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 35–45 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Remove bay leaf and serve hot with bread or cornbread.
Differences at a Glance
- Picadillo: Latin flavors, includes olives and raisins, served with rice or tortillas.
- Hamburger Stew: More vegetable-heavy, soupier, served like a stew.
If you want, I can create a hybrid version that combines both: ground beef with potatoes, vegetables, and Latin spices.