Picadillo Dip
A savory, hearty dip with seasoned ground meat, melted cheese, and a blend of spices and vegetables, perfect for entertaining and pairing with tortilla chips.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground extra lean meat ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) jar chopped pimientos
- 2 1/2 oz. pkg. slivered almonds ⓘ
- 4 oz. can mushroom pieces ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can chopped ripe olives ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) can Ro-Tel diced tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. green pepper
- 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 c. water ⓘ
- 1 lb. Velveeta cheese ⓘ
- 1 c. golden raisins
Instructions
- Brown the ground meat; drain any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion, chopped pimientos, slivered almonds, mushroom pieces, chopped ripe olives, diced Ro-Tel tomatoes, salt, green pepper, minced garlic, oregano, and water to the meat.
- Simmer the mixture for 2 hours, stirring frequently.
- Stir in the Velveeta cheese until melted and well combined.
- Serve in a chafing dish with tortilla chips.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or cream while melting the Velveeta cheese. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, try using lentils or mushrooms instead of meat. Additionally, you can use your favorite nuts instead of slivered almonds for varying textures and flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Picadillo Dip warm in a chafing dish for gatherings, accompanied by tortilla chips for dipping. This dip pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or guacamole for a complete meal. You could also explore pairing it with other Mexican recipes to create a festive spread that includes dishes like Easy Tortilla Dip.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Picadillo Dip contains roughly 1009 calories, with 29g protein, 202g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (109% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (81% of the Daily Value), and iron (78% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2471mg per serving (107% of the Daily Value).
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?
Yes, you can prepare the dip a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe and let it cool before storing it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat gently until warm. This method can enhance the flavors as they meld together overnight.
What can I substitute for Velveeta cheese?
If you prefer a less processed cheese, you can substitute Velveeta with a blend of cream cheese and shredded cheddar. This will provide a similar creamy texture, though the flavor may differ slightly. Make sure to adjust the quantities to maintain the right consistency.
Is this dip spicy?
The spice level in this dip primarily comes from the Ro-Tel diced tomatoes. If you prefer milder flavors, opt for the original Ro-Tel or use fresh diced tomatoes instead. Conversely, for more heat, you can add jalapeños or hot sauce to taste.
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).