Picadillo Tacos – Crispy Beef and Potato Tacos

The recipe prices will vary based on fluctuating grocery costs. Please use what is posted as a guide.

This Picadillo Tacos recipe (Tacos de Picadillo) makes crispy ground beef and potato tacos that are so easy to make. This recipe serves 10 and costs $11.14 to make. That’s just $1.11 per serving! 

For more fun recipes to switch up Taco Tuesday night check out these Carne Asada Street Tacos and these Sweet Potato & Turkey Tacos.

Picadillo Tacos – Tacos de Picadillo

I love making Picadillo Tacos when I need to serve a crowd. The filling and the shells can be made ahead of time, and they are simple to make.

The use of the potato, onion, and bell pepper in this recipe helps stretch the ground beef making it an economical choice for weeknight meals or large gatherings.

Now let’s take a minute to talk about the taco shells. As with most things, homemade is better, and these crispy taco shells are no exception.

Be forewarned; there is a learning curve to frying them. Once you find your rhythm with holding the tortillas with tongs while they fry, you’ll be making homemade taco shells all the time!

The first time I tried to make my own shells, I overcooked a couple and did not make the opening wide enough in a couple of others. After a few fails and adjustments, it was smooth sailing from then on.

So don’t freak out if a couple of taco shells don’t turn out the way you had hoped, stick with it, and you’ll be a taco shell-making pro in no time!

I recently used these taco shell tongs to make the tacos and these are a game-changer!!! You can see them in action in the recipe video! 

This recipe has gotten rave reviews from my readers. Here’s what one said about this recipe:

Cliona: “What’s not to love? These tacos are amazing!”

What is a picadillo taco?

Picadillo tacos are delicious! They are crispy taco shells full of ground beef, potatoes, onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes. You can also add your favorite toppings such as lettuce, cheese, avocado, and salsa. 

What do I serve with picadillo?

To round out your meal, I suggest making my slow cooker refried beans, corn salad, or cornbread.

What is picadillo, and from where does it originate?

Picadillo is a meat filling. The word actually comes from the Spanish word “picar,” which means “to mince.” It, therefore, makes sense then that the meat in picadillo tacos is ground beef. It is most often found in Spain and Latin American countries. 

How to make Picadillo Tacos:

1. First, make the picadillo by combining beef, potato, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few minutes, and then stir in the onion and bell pepper and cook for a few more minutes. Then add in garlic and cumin.
2. Next, stir in flour to cook for 1 minute. Then stir in the tomato and water and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for a minute.
3. Next, make the tacos after heating oil over medium-high heat. Fry the tortillas, one at a time. 
4. Finally, spoon picadillo taco shells and top with tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, avocado, salsa, and chopped cilantro. Serve and enjoy!

To round out your meal, I suggest making my slow cooker refried beans, corn salad, or cornbread.

Cook’s Tools:

• 14-inch nonstick skillet
• heavy-bottomed skillet
• tongs OR taco shell tongs*** I HIGHLY recommend these! 

How long is it good for:

SERVE: You can keep the taco filling out for two hours before they will need to be refrigerated. 

STORE: Keep the Picadillo filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the taco shells at room temperature for up to 3 days, but note that they will become stale after 24 hours. 

FREEZE: You can freeze the filling, but not the taco shells. Place the filling in a freezer-safe Ziploc bag or container and freeze for up to 4 months. 

How much will this recipe cost to make?

RECIPE COST: $11.14

PER SERVING COST: $1.11

NOTE: The recipe prices are used calculating name-brand products from Walmart’s website. The recipe’s actual cost will vary depending on what your pantry is already stocked with and current grocery prices. 

• 2 pounds ground beef $7.20
• 1 large russet potato $0.48
• salt and pepper $0.01
• 1 medium white onion $0.70
• 1 medium green bell pepper $0.58
• 3 large garlic cloves $0.15
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin $0.06
• 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour $0.02
• 1 large Roma tomato $0.26
• ¾ cup water $0.00
• Vegetable oil for frying $0.48
• 20 yellow corn tortillas 6 or 8-inches $1.20

Cook’s Note – Picadillo Tacos Recipe: 

• You can halve this recipe when serving 4-5 people.
• If you’re strapped for time, you can use store-bought crispy taco shells, but be forewarned they won’t taste as good!
• The taco shells will keep in an airtight container or Ziploc bag for up to 3 days.

CHECK OUT SOME OF MY PERSONAL FAVORITE MEXICAN RECIPES:

• Chicken Burrito Bowl
• Restaurant Style Refried Beans
• New Mexico Style Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas
• Mexican Spinach Dip 
• Sweet Corn Tamales Cake
• Green Chile Pinto Beans
• Guacamole
• Horchata
• Enchilada sauce
• Carne Asada Street Tacos
• Queso Blanco Dip
• Breakfast Taco Bar

This post first appeared on Food Folks and Fun on May 4, 2017. 

This Picadillo Tacos recipe (Tacos de Picadillo) makes crispy ground beef and potato tacos that are so easy to make. This recipe serves 10 and costs $11.14 to make. That’s just $1.11 per serving!