Carne Picada: The Ultimate Guide to Cooking with Ground Beef

Carne picada is a flavorful, coarsely chopped beef that brings bold taste and texture to a variety of dishes. Whether you’re making Mexican tacos, hearty stews, or sizzling stir-fries, this versatile meat enhances any meal. Unlike traditional ground beef, its chunkier texture allows it to hold up well in sauces and seasonings, making it a popular choice in Latin American cuisine.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this seasoned beef—how to cook it, how long to marinate it, what cuts it comes from, and the best ways to use it in different recipes. By the end, you’ll have a deep understanding of how to prepare and cook this delicious protein at home.

What Is Carne Picada?

Carne picada translates to “minced meat” in Spanish. Unlike regular ground beef, it consists of coarsely chopped pieces instead of a fine, uniform texture. This gives it a slightly chunky consistency, making it perfect for dishes that need more bite.

It is commonly used in Mexican cuisine, especially in tacos, burritos, and steak picado, but it also works well in stir-fries, soups, and casseroles. This cut absorbs marinades and seasonings easily, making it a flavorful choice for both quick-cooked and slow-cooked meals.

For another way to prepare beef in a quick and flavorful dish, try this beef stir-fry recipe.

Carne Picada vs. Ground Beef: What’s the Difference?

Many people confuse chopped beef with traditional ground beef, but they have key differences:

Feature	Carne Picada	Ground Beef
Texture	Coarsely chopped	Finely ground
Cooking Time	Slightly longer	Cooks faster
Best Used In	Tacos, burritos, stews, stir-fries	Burgers, meatballs, pasta sauces
Cuts Used	Chuck, round, brisket, flank	Various cuts, often including trimmings

If you’re a fan of tender, juicy beef dishes, check out this slow-cooked steak bites recipe.

How to Cook Carne Picada: Best Recipes and Ideas

This type of beef can be prepared in various ways, depending on the flavors and textures you want in your dish. Below are some of the best recipes using this ingredient:

1. Tacos and Burritos

One of the most popular ways to use seasoned minced beef is in Mexican dishes like tacos and burritos. The bold flavors of the beef pair perfectly with fresh toppings and warm tortillas.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb carne picada
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup tomato sauce
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Chopped cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft.
3. Add the carne picada and cook until browned.
4. Stir in the spices, salt, and pepper.
5. Add the tomato sauce and let simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Serve in tortillas with avocado slices and cilantro.

2. Carne Picada Stir-Fry

For a quick and healthy meal, stir-frying this seasoned meat with vegetables is a great option.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb carne picada
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• ½ bell pepper, sliced
• ½ zucchini, sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a wok over high heat.
2. Add the carne picada and cook for 4-5 minutes.
3. Stir in the vegetables and cook until tender-crisp.
4. Add soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic powder. Stir well.
5. Garnish with green onions and serve over rice.

3. Slow-Cooked Carne Picada for Stews

Slow cooking allows the beef to absorb flavors and become tender, making it perfect for stews.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb carne picada
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 potato, diced
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 bay leaf

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to a slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until beef is tender.
3. Serve hot with rice or bread.

How Long to Marinate Carne Picada?

Marinating carne picada enhances its flavor and tenderness. The ideal marination time depends on the ingredients used:

Marinade Type	Minimum Time	Recommended Time
Citrus-based (lime, orange)	30 minutes	1-2 hours
Vinegar-based	1 hour	2-4 hours
Dry rub	15 minutes	1 hour

FAQs About Carne Picada

1. What do you do with carne picada?

This versatile beef is used for tacos, burritos, stir-fries, stews, and casseroles. It can also be grilled or slow-cooked for extra tenderness.

2. How long to marinate carne picada?

Marinate it for at least 1 hour for best results. Citrus marinades work in 30 minutes, while vinegar-based marinades need 1-4 hours.

3. What part of the cow does carne picada come from?

It is typically made from chuck roast, round steak, brisket, or flank steak, known for their rich flavor.

4. What to cook with beef chunks?

Aside from carne picada dishes, you can use beef chunks for stews, fajitas, curries, and soups.

5. What kind of meat is used for steak picado?

Steak picado is usually made from top round, sirloin, or skirt steak, diced into small pieces.

Conclusion

Whether marinated, grilled, stir-fried, or slow-cooked, carne picada brings rich flavor and texture to every meal. Experiment with different recipes and enjoy its bold taste and adaptability in your home cooking!