Go Back

Carne Picada

Carne Picada is a flavorful Latin American dish featuring finely chopped or ground beef that is browned and caramelized with aromatic spices such as cumin and garlic. The meat develops a tender yet slightly crispy texture, often served with rice or tortillas, with the spices creating a rich, fragrant coating that enhances its visual appeal and depth of flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Latin American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef or finely chopped beef
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin ground
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper

Equipment

  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and begins to gently crackle.
  2. Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant and slightly golden.
  3. Increase the heat slightly and add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon as it sizzles and starts to brown.
  4. Sprinkle the cumin evenly over the beef, stirring well to coat all the meat, and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the beef develops a rich, caramelized color and some crispy edges form.
  5. Season with salt and black pepper to your taste, stirring to combine all the flavors evenly.
  6. Reduce the heat to low and let the meat rest for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the juices to settle.
  7. Serve the Carne Picada with your favorite sides, such as rice, tortillas, or warmed beans, enjoying the tender, caramelized texture and aromatic spices.