Carne Picada Recipe – Food Faith Fitness

This Carne Picada Recipe is an authentic Tex-Mex dish that’s loaded with delicious herbs and spices.

Most people who enjoy Tex-Mex food are probably partial to nachos, fajitas, or burritos. For a Tex-Mex dish that feels a little more authentic, however, I tend to favor carne picada. This is a dish that’s loaded with the types of herbs and spices often associated with Tex-Mex food. It’s especially popular among Hispanic communities in Texas, which adds to its authenticity. In fact, carne picada is often cooked up and then used in fajitas, quesadillas, and other common Tex-Mex meals, which is why anyone who loves Tex-Mex dishes or spicy meats should add this recipe to their cooking repertoire.

I should mention that carne picada isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a rich and spicy recipe that features beef that’s been marinated in a host of herbs and spices like chili powder, paprika, and oregano. The vegetables in the dish, especially the crushed tomatoes, also provide plenty of taste and texture. Of course, my favorite part of carne picada is how easy it is to customize the dish. It can be made with several cuts of meat, with the level of spiciness easy to adjust as well. That means the possibilities with this dish are practically endless.

Is Carne Picada Healthy?

There are both positive and negative aspects of carne picada from a health standpoint. On the bright side, the onion, bell pepper, and tomatoes provide vitamins and other nutrients, helping this dish to be high in vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. The beef in the dish also provides a good source of protein. But, there are high levels of saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol in this dish. That means it’s best to enjoy carne picada in moderation every now and then, while those on strict diets may want to seek alternatives when craving Tex-Mex food.

Add Spice And Tang

As mentioned, it’s easy to customize the recipe for carne picada so it has the flavor and level of spiciness that you prefer. If you want a richer and spicier flavor, feel free to add red pepper flakes, dried ancho powder, or Mexican chilis. You can also add some chopped jalapeños along with the other vegetables to add even more spice. Meanwhile, if you want to balance out the spiciness of carne picada with a little tang, consider adding a little lemon, lime, or orange juice. Adding fresh garlic can also add to the flavor without making carne picada extra spicy.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cubed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 large red bell pepper, diced
• 28 ounces canned whole tomatoes, crushed

INSTRUCTIONS

Marinate

Season and marinate beef.

Cook

Sauté vegetables, brown beef, add tomatoes and simmer.

Serve

Serve hot with rice or tortillas.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

Serving Suggestions

Carne picada can easily be turned into taco bowls or burritos, which can make it easier to consume. If you go that route, consider making Keto Tortillas or perhaps Gluten-Free Tortillas with Sun Dried Tomatoes. You can also serve it alongside Mexican Rice or Mexican Brown Rice. Also, if you have leftover carne picada, I recommend eating the leftovers for breakfast along with Soft Scrambled Eggs. It makes for a surprisingly tasty and spicy breakfast.