Carne Picada | Beef Carne Picada Recipe

Carne picada is a delicious and flavorful Mexican dish that is made with thinly sliced or chopped beef. The name "carne picada" translates to "chopped meat" in Spanish, and it is often used as a filling for tacos, burritos, and other Mexican dishes.

Why This Will Be Your Favorite Beef Recipe

• Fast. Ready in under 30 minutes, not including marinating time.
• Easy. Marinate the beef, saute until cooked to your liking, and serve in a taco shell or keep it low carb by eating it in a salad!
• Low Carb. Only 4 net carbs per serving!
• High Protein. Hit your daily protein goals with 25 grams of protein per serving in these Carne Picada tacos!

Ingredients You'll Need

• Beef sirloin or flank steak
• Onion
• Garlic
• Vegetable oil
• Ground cumin
• Chili powder
• Paprika
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Beef broth
• Lime
• Cilantro

How To Make Carne Picada

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
3. Add the thinly sliced or chopped beef to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until browned on all sides.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
5. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the beef and stir to combine.
6. Pour the beef broth and lime juice into the skillet and bring it to a boil.
7. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the beef is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
8. Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top, if desired.
9. Serve the carne picada as a filling for tacos, burritos, or with rice and beans.

Tips And Tricks

• Use a hot skillet. A hot skillet will help you brown the beef quickly and develop a rich flavor. Be sure to preheat the skillet over medium-high heat before adding the beef.
• Don't overcrowd the skillet. If you add too much beef to the skillet at once, it will release too much liquid and steam instead of browning. Cook the beef in batches if necessary, and don't overcrowd the skillet.
• Season the beef generously. Don't be afraid to season the beef with plenty of spices and salt. This will help bring out the natural flavors of the beef and create a delicious broth.

Variations

• Use chicken. Instead of using beef, use thinly sliced or chopped chicken breast or thighs. You can follow the same recipe, but adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Pick pork. Use thinly sliced or chopped pork tenderloin or pork shoulder instead of beef. You can also add diced pineapple for a sweet and savory flavor.
• Make it vegetarian. Replace the beef with sliced or chopped portobello mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Serve up Picadillo. A variations that includes ground beef, onions, tomatoes, and potatoes. It is usually served with rice and beans.
• Turn it into tacos. Use the beef as a filling for tacos, and top with your favorite toppings like guacamole, salsa, and shredded cheese.
• Serve it in a bowl. Serve it over rice and beans, and top with lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and cheese.

What To Serve With It

There are many delicious sides and accompaniments that you can serve with carne picada.

Here are a few of my favorite things to serve alongside it:

• Rice and beans- It is often served with rice and beans, which are the perfect side dishes to soak up the delicious broth.
• Tortillas- You can serve it with warm tortillas, which can be used to make tacos or simply used to scoop up the beef and broth.
• Guacamole and salsa- Fresh guacamole and salsa are perfect toppings for this seasoned beef, adding a burst of flavor and freshness.
• Salad- A fresh salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, onions, and avocado is a great way to balance out the richness.
• Grilled vegetables- Grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and onions make a great side dish, adding some color and texture to the plate.
• Queso fundido- Adding some crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese on top of the beef can add some creaminess and flavor to the dish.

How Long Does It Last?

Carne picada can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To extend its shelf life, you can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Check out my tips and tricks for freezing below!

Can You Freeze It?

When freezing, it is best to freeze it in portion sizes to make it easier to thaw and reheat.

To thaw, simply move the cooked beef from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. You can reheat it on the stovetop, in the microwave, or in the oven, depending on your preference.

More Simple Beef Recipes

• Stuffed Poblanos
• Big Mac Salad
• Thai Basil Beef
• Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff
• Korean Beef Bowl

Pin It!

If you love this Carne Picada recipe as much as I do, make sure you share it with your friends on Facebook and Instagram so they can try it too! Don't forget to Pin it so you can make it again soon.

Don't forget to check out my other Keto cookbooks.

Keto Instant Pot, Keto Fat Bombs, Sweets, & Treats, and Easy keto in 30 minutes.