Carne Molida: A Healthy and Unique Culinary

Today, I was planning to share a light and fresh salad recipe to kick off the week with something simple and nutritious. But then again, it’s Monday—and Mondays have a way of throwing a curveball at you.

Isn’t it just typical that a 5-minute drive turns into 40, and only on a Monday? So, today, instead of sticking to light and fresh, we deserve something a bit more comforting. Maybe (actually, definitely) we’re worth something hearty and flavorful.

Cue our latest kitchen creation: carne molida. As with most of our kitchen tales, this dish is incredibly easy to pull together—perfect for a busy weeknight. In just about 40 minutes, you’ll have a savory, rich meal that’s packed with flavor. Whether you serve it with rice, in tacos, or even on top of a salad, beef picadillo is all about bringing that comforting, satisfying goodness we all need on a Monday.

What is Carne Molida?

Carne Molida recetas refer to ground beef, a key ingredient in many Latin American and Mexican cuisines. It’s highly versatile and can be used in a wide range of dishes, such as tacos, burritos, empanadas, soups, and stews. Typically, como preparer carne molida is seasoned with a blend of spices like cumin, garlic, chili powder, and sometimes oregano, which give it a rich, savory, and slightly spicy flavor. The texture allows it to absorb seasonings well, making it an ideal choice for dishes that require bold and robust flavors.

Carne molida dishes are incredibly versatile, and with a few ingredient swaps, you can create a range of meals that are both delicious and budget-friendly. For example, try making picadillo con papas by adding olives, capers, and raisins to this recipe. These simple additions bring a balance of savory and sweet, creating a bold flavor that pairs well with rice.

For a different twist on recetas con carne molida, use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef. These lighter options keep the same traditional flavors while making the dish a bit leaner. Add chopped veggies, like carrots or zucchini, to increase the nutrients and add texture without altering the essence of carne molida.

Carne Molida Picadillo Recipe

Ingredients

For 4-6 Servings

Author: Chris
Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb carne molida (ground beef)
  • 2 medium potatoes, diced
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup water or beef broth
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Steps

  1. Cook the beef: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the carne molida (ground beef) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
  2. Sauté the vegetables: Push the beef to one side of the pan, then add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Add the seasonings: Stir in the cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, cinnamon (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to let the spices bloom.
  4. Mix in tomatoes and extras: Pour in the diced tomatoes, raisins, and olives. Stir everything together and let the beef picadillo simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  5. Serve and enjoy: Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve over rice, in tacos, or however you like!

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, add a diced jalapeño when cooking the onion and bell pepper.
  • Feel free to swap out the beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • This beef picadillo also makes a great filling for empanadas or stuffed peppers.

Steps

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

Creative Ways to Use Carne Molida: Beyond Tacos and Enchiladas

Carne molida con papas​ is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes beyond the classic tacos and enchiladas. Let’s explore some creative ways to incorporate this flavorful meat into your cooking:

  • Stuffed Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and fill them with a mixture of seasoned carne molida, rice, veggies, and cheese. Bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Mexican Lasagna: Layer tortillas, carne molida, beans, cheese, and your favorite enchilada sauce to create a delicious Mexican twist on traditional lasagna.
  • Carne Molida Stuffed Zucchini Boats: Scoop out the centers of zucchini halves and fill them with a flavorful mixture of carne molida, onions, tomatoes, and spices. Bake until the zucchini is tender and the filling is cooked through.
  • Mexican Meatball Soup: Combine seasoned carne molida with breadcrumbs, eggs, and spices to form meatballs. Simmer the meatballs in a flavorful broth with vegetables like corn, carrots, and potatoes for a hearty and comforting soup.
  • Carne Molida Lettuce Wraps: Skip the tortillas and serve seasoned carne molida in lettuce wraps for a lighter, low-carb option. Top with your favorite taco fixings like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
  • Mexican-Style Shepherd’s Pie: Top a layer of seasoned carne molida and vegetables with a creamy mashed potato topping. Bake until golden brown and bubbly for a comforting and satisfying meal.

#CarneMolida #BeefPicadillo #TalesOfAKitchen

Dreaming of bringing the restaurant experience home? Tales Of A Kitchen is your one-stop shop for simple, delicious recipes like Carne Molida that taste just like they’re from your favorite eatery.

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Ingredients

Carne Molida: A Healthy and Unique Culinary

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  • Author: TalesOfaKitchen
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 Servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dishes

Description

Enjoy this quick and flavorful carne molida recipe, perfect for weeknight dinners with your fam! Get the full recipe on Tales Of A Kitchen and make it your own!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound carne molida (ground beef)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup raisins (optional for a touch of sweetness)
  • 1/4 cup sliced green olives with pimentos
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the beef: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the carne molida (ground beef) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
  2. Sauté the vegetables: Push the beef to one side of the pan, then add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Add the seasonings: Stir in the cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, cinnamon (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to let the spices bloom.
  4. Mix in tomatoes and extras: Pour in the diced tomatoes, raisins, and olives. Stir everything together and let the beef picadillo simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  5. Serve and enjoy: Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve over rice, in tacos, or however you like!

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, add a diced jalapeño when cooking the onion and bell pepper.
  • Feel free to swap out the beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • This beef picadillo also makes a great filling for empanadas or stuffed peppers.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

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