Picadilla Dip

Prep: 60 min Cuisine: Mexican

A savory, spicy dip with ground beef, peppers, tomatoes, and rich flavors, perfect for entertaining or hearty gatherings, offering bold and smoky tastes.

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Ingredients

  • 6 lb. ground round
  • 2 c. dry sherry
  • 6 tsp. salt
  • 2 tsp. pepper
  • 6 chopped jalapenos
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 6 chopped green peppers
  • 2 cans tomatoes
  • 4 c. tomato sauce
  • 3/4 c. diced pimento
  • sliced water chestnuts
  • raisins
  • almond slivers
  • 6 onions

Instructions

  1. Marinate the ground round in the dry sherry in a roaster, adding the salt, pepper, and jalapeno peppers, for 1 hour.
  2. In a little oil, sauté garlic, onions, and green peppers.
  3. Add canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced pimentos.
  4. Simmer until the mixture reaches the right consistency.
  5. Add the marinated meat to the vegetable mixture.
  6. Simmer until all is cooked and reaches the desired consistency.

Tips & Substitutions

For added depth of flavor, consider using smoked paprika or chipotle powder in place of some salt. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, and if you prefer a vegetarian version, try using lentils or black beans instead of ground meat. Adjust the number of jalapenos based on your spice preference.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Picadilla Dip warm with tortilla chips or pita bread for a delicious appetizer. It pairs beautifully with Mexican Rice(From Mexico) for a complete meal or can be enjoyed with fresh veggies for dipping. Consider adding a side of guacamole or sour cream to enhance the flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals, ensuring it’s heated through evenly. You can also freeze the dip for up to 3 months; just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Picadilla Dip contains roughly 1746 calories, with 156g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 80g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (313% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (212% of the Daily Value), and iron (109% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2797mg per serving (122% of the Daily Value).

1746 kcal 87% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 156.3g 100% DV
Total Fat 80.4g 100% DV
Carbs 96.9g 35% DV
Fiber 12.2g 43% DV
Sugar 29g 58% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2797.5mg 100% DV
Potassium 2606.4mg 55% DV
Cholesterol 430mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 348.3mcg 39% DV
Vitamin C 190.5mg 100% DV
Calcium 167.2mg 13% DV
Iron 19.6mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dip a day in advance. Just marinate the meat and cook the mixture, then let it cool before refrigerating. When ready to serve, simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

What can I use instead of dry sherry?

If you don’t have dry sherry, white wine or a splash of apple cider vinegar can work as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the flavor will slightly change, but it will still add acidity and depth to the dish.

Is it possible to make this dish spicy?

Yes! To increase the heat level, you can add more jalapenos or include diced habaneros. Incorporating a spicy salsa or a dash of hot sauce when serving can also elevate the spice factor, catering to those who enjoy a kick.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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