Picadillo Tacos

Picadillo Tacos are a beloved Mexican and Tex-Mex dish featuring a savory, slightly sweet filling of ground meat (often beef) cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a mix of spices, frequently studded with raisins, olives, or potatoes. The mixture is then spooned into warm corn or flour tortillas and topped with fresh cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime. This versatile comfort food is a staple in many Latin American cuisines, with each family having its own cherished recipe.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

A typical serving of two picadillo tacos provides a good balance of protein from the meat and carbohydrates from the tortillas, with a moderate amount of fat. It offers key nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins from the beef, along with some fiber and vitamins from the tomato and vegetable base. A rough estimate is around 400-500 calories per serving, depending on the specific ingredients and portion size.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	450 kcal
Protein	28 g
Carbs	38 g
Fat	20 g
Fiber	6 g
Sugar	5 g
Sodium	780 mg
Potassium	450 mg
Iron	4.5 mg
Vitamin C	15 mg
Calcium	120 mg
Vitamin A	80 mcg
Zinc	3.8 mg
Niacin (B3)	5.2 mg
Phosphorus	280 mg

Per 2 tacos (approximately 250 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, picadillo is a fascinating dish with roots in Spanish cuisine that has evolved uniquely across Latin America, with variations in Cuba, the Philippines, and throughout Mexico. Nutritionally, the inclusion of ingredients like raisins or olives adds a sweet or briny contrast that not only enhances flavor but also introduces small amounts of antioxidants and healthy fats.