Carne Picada Spicy Beef

I must be out of my mind! Here I am cooking up a sizzling batch of carne picada in the middle of a heatwave. Phew, just thinking about it makes me break into a sweat. But what can I say when my culinary instincts choose to ignore the weather outside? When inspiration strikes, you just have to roll with it!

This is one of those dishes that surprises you—simple in appearance but packed with bold, vibrant flavors. The rich, spicy goodness of the beef carne picada is a wonderful contrast to its unassuming look. It’s juicy, savory, and has just the right amount of kick, making it the perfect filling for tacos, burritos, or even a rice bowl. I love serving it with a squeeze of fresh lime, which brightens up the flavors and balances out the heat.

Oh, and here is another delicious recipe for you: Carne Molida

The Rich Flavor of Carne Picada

 

beef carne picada

Carne picada is a versatile and flavorful base for many Mexican-inspired dishes. This finely chopped or minced beef, seasoned with spices and cooked to perfection, is ideal for everything from carne picada tacos to hearty rice bowls. 

Unlike ground beef, beef carne picada has a unique texture that holds onto seasonings beautifully, creating a satisfying bite each time. The addition of lime juice brings a zesty brightness, balancing the dish with just the right amount of acidity.

One of the best things about carne picada is its adaptability. Whether you’re making carne picada tacos with fresh toppings or incorporating it into burritos, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that can easily be customized. With each bite, you’ll discover the complex, rich flavors that make carne picada a beloved choice.

Beef Carne Picada Recipe

Ingredients

For 4-6 Servings

Author: Chris

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 pound carne picada (finely chopped or ground beef)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional for extra spice)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for more heat)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Steps

  1. Sauté the onion and garlic: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and cook for 2-3 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant.
  2. Cook the carne picada: Add the carne picada to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through.
  3. Season the beef: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, letting the spices coat the beef and deepen the flavor.
  4. Simmer with tomatoes: Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, and stir everything together. Let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes so the flavors can meld.
  5. Serve and enjoy: Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for extra brightness. Serve this spicy ground beef in tacos, over rice, or however you like!

Enjoy this quick and easy carne picada recipe as a flavorful base for tacos, burritos, or even as a topping for nachos!

Notes

  • You can adjust the spice level by adding or reducing the cayenne pepper and jalapeño.
  • For a milder version, omit the jalapeño and use diced tomatoes without green chilies.
  • This beef carne picada is also great as a topping for nachos or stuffed into burritos.

Steps

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

  • Calories: 310 kcal
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 27g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Tips for Perfect Carne Picada Tacos

For truly mouthwatering carne picada tacos​, consider using freshly made corn tortillas to complement the rich beef. To enhance the texture and taste of the meat, sear it on high heat at the beginning of cooking to lock in flavors. Toppings can make all the difference; traditional choices like chopped onions, fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese add an authentic flair.

If you’re aiming for a heartier meal, serve your beef carne picada with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans. With its quick cooking time and simple ingredients, this carne picada recipe is a go-to for weeknight meals and is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

#CarnePicada #SpicyGroundBeef #TalesOfAKitchen

Can’t resist the allure of restaurant food? Satisfy your cravings with Tales Of A Kitchen, where we demystify your favorite dishes and make them accessible for home cooks, like this Carne Picada recipe.

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Carne Picada Spicy Beef

Carne Picada Spicy Beef

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  • Author: TalesOfaKitchen
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 Servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dishes

Description

This quick and easy spicy carne picada recipe is bursting with flavor! Perfect for tacos, bowls, and more. Find the full recipe on Tales Of A Kitchen.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound carne picada (finely chopped or ground beef)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional for extra spice)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for more heat)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Sauté the onion and garlic: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and cook for 2-3 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant.
  2. Cook the carne picada: Add the carne picada to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through.
  3. Season the beef: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, letting the spices coat the beef and deepen the flavor.
  4. Simmer with tomatoes: Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, and stir everything together. Let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes so the flavors can meld.
  5. Serve and enjoy: Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for extra brightness. Serve this spicy ground beef in tacos, over rice, or however you like!

Notes

  • You can adjust the spice level by adding or reducing the cayenne pepper and jalapeño.
  • For a milder version, omit the jalapeño and use diced tomatoes without green chilies.
  • This beef carne picada is also great as a topping for nachos or stuffed into burritos.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 310 kcal
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 27g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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