The Diet Chef

Everyday meals, without everyday calories

  • All Recipes
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • About Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • All Recipes
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • About Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    The Best Carne Picada Recipe | Prepped In 10 Minutes

    Published: Mar 29, 2023 · Modified: Sep 2, 2023 · By: Joe Duff

    Jump to Recipe

    This carne picada is fall-apart tender and incredibly rich in flavor. The recipe comes together with simple, easy-to-find ingredients and can be made on the stovetop, slow cooker, or in the Instant Pot. Not to mention, it's an amazing addition to standout tacos, quesadillas, and burrito bowls!

    Carne picada in a white bowl.

    Table of Contents

    • The Best Carne Picada
      • Ingredients
      • How To Make Carne Picada
        • Step 1: Sear the Beef
        • Step 2: Make the Stewing Liquid
        • Step 3: Simmer and Serve
        • Step 3A: Slow Cooker carne picada
      • How to Store Leftover Carne Picada
        • How To Reheat Carne Picada
      • Carne Picada Recipes FAQs
        • What is carne picada made of?
        • What is the difference between carne asada and carne picada?
        • Is carne picada the same as stew meat?
      • Wrapping It Up
    • More Dinner Recipes
    • The Best Carne Picada Recipe | Prepped In 10 Minutes
      • Ingredients
      • Instructions
      • Nutrition
      • Did you make this recipe?

    The Best Carne Picada

    If you've ever had really good Tex-Mex - or Mexican food - then you already know the backbone to any delicious taco, burrito, or rice bowl is ultra-tender and flavorful meat. And that's where this easy carne picada recipe comes in.

    Carne picada literally translates to minced meat, so whenever I'm craving something super meaty, hearty, and flavorful to mix with a variety of things, I make this recipe. I mean, it's crazy versatile, just so flavorful, and filled with the perfect balance of spices, so everyone at the table can enjoy it.

    But, of course, you can always add cayenne pepper, chili powder, adobo sauce, or hot sauce for more heat! Then you can eat it with this cauliflower rice and some sour cream to balance out the spice.

    Anyway, what I really love about this carne picada recipe is how easy it is to put together. It only takes about 15-20 minutes of active cooking time, then the rest is just leaving the meat to slow cook until tender and juicy.

    It kind of reminds me of this carne asada. So, if you like tender meat, you'll definitely want to give that a try next.

    A few tomatoes and carrots on top of carne picada that is in a sauce in a white bowl.

    Ingredients

    Again, all the ingredients for this easy carne picada are simple grocery store finds.

    Also, if you have a local farmers market, you should be able to pick all of them up from there too.

    Anyway, here's everything you'll need to make this carne picada beef:

    • 2 pounds Bottom Round Roast, cubed (or chuck roast)
    • Salt and Pepper
    • 2 tbsp. Olive Oil
    • ½ cup Celery, chopped
    • ½ cup Carrots, chopped
    • ½ cup Red Onion, chopped
    • 1 ½ cup Canned Crushed Tomatoes 
    • 2 Thyme Sprigs
    • 2 Bay Leaves
    • 2 cups Beef Stock

    But, if you want to go the extra mile and prepare carne picada tacos, you can grab some crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese, diced tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, and fresh cilantro, plus your other favorite taco toppings. Oh, and don't forget the corn tortillas, or you can make these low carb tortillas for to put the meat in for one of the best carne picada recipes ever!

    By the way, if you're grabbing a round roast from the store, pick up another pound so you can make this bottom round roast recipe next.

    Carrots, celery, and onion in a dutch oven,

    How To Make Carne Picada

    So, you can make this carne picada beef in about 1 - 2 hours on the stovetop, depending on how tender you want the meat to be.

    And you can also finish it in the slow cooker if you want to prepare it hours in advance.

    By the way, just so you know,  this recipe makes enough for 4 generous servings, but you can always double or triple the recipe for more people.

    Now, let's get into the recipe and make some carne picada!

    Carne picada on top of chopped celery, carrots, and onion in a Dutch oven.

    Step 1: Sear the Beef

    First, heat a dutch oven or heavy bottom pot to medium high heat.

    Then, while waiting for the pot to heat up, you'll want to turn the bottom round roast or chuck roast into chopped beef and season it with salt and pepper.

    Next, you can add the olive oil to the dutch oven, followed by the minced beef.

    Now sear the carne picada meat for a few minutes on each side, turning the pieces until they're golden brown on all sides, then remove them from the pot.

    Crushed tomatoes, Carne picada, chopped celery, carrots, and onion and a Dutch oven.

    Step 2: Make the Stewing Liquid

    Next, you can add the celery, carrots, and red onion to the same pot. Cook the vegetables for about 10 minutes, occasionally stirring, until they soften.

    Now, you'll want to add the minced meat back to the pot and stir, mixing it with all the vegetables.

    Then you can add the crushed tomatoes, followed by the thyme, bay leaves, and beef stock. Stir to combine, making sure to scrape up any of the browned bits at the bottom of the pan.

    Carne picada in a tomato sauce in a Dutch oven.

    Step 3: Simmer and Serve

    Once everything's in the pot, lower the temperature to medium heat.

    Now, cover the Dutch oven and cook for about 1 hour, or until the meat is fork-tender. By the way, if you start to notice it getting too dry or if the liquid decreases, you can add a bit more stock or water as needed.

    Once the beef is nice and soft, it's ready to serve! If you're serving carne picada tacos, simply put the meat in the tortilla of your choice, and enjoy this delicious Mexican food.

    A wooden ladle with Carne picada meat in it and a Dutch oven filled with Carne picada.

    Step 3A: Slow Cooker carne picada

    If you want to adapt this recipe to make slow cooker carne picada, follow the stovetop instructions listed above.

    Then, after combining the beef, vegetables, herbs, and liquid, transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours.

    Keto carne picada in a white bowl.

    How to Store Leftover Carne Picada

    So, as you know, this recipe for carne picada meat will make about 4 large servings - perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.

    If you end up having leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge to store about 3-5 days.

    How To Reheat Carne Picada

    To reheat the carne picada, the best way is to put it back in a large pot on the stovetop over low heat.

    Then, warm it up for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently until it reaches your desired temperature. Also, just so you know, you can add some water - or stock - to the pot to keep the meat from drying out.

    Carne picada in a sauce in a white ball.

    Carne Picada Recipes FAQs

    What is carne picada made of?

    Carne picada is usually made from a tougher cut of beef, such as chuck or bottom round roast. This allows the meat to cook in a seasoned tomato-based sauce over a long period of time so it turns out ultra tender.

    What is the difference between carne asada and carne picada?

    Carne asada means "grilled meat" while carne picada means "minced meat". While both are Mexican dishes made of beef, carne asada refers to beef steaks cooked on a grill while carne picada usually refers to chopped beef braised in a tomato-based sauce. Oh, and if you like carne asada, you can order it to make one of these Chipotle keto bowls.

    Is carne picada the same as stew meat?

    Carne picada is typically made of stew meat, usually chuck steak or bottom round roast. This might explain why in some grocery stores you'll find pre-chopped stew meat labeled as carne picada. It's the same thing as stew meat and you can use it for other recipes, but make sure it's cut to the same size you need.

    A white bowl filled with keto carne picada.

    Wrapping It Up

    Well, that's how to make carne picada!

    This simple and versatile recipe is a must-have for taco nights, or anytime you just want a warm and comforting tender beef recipe for dinner. It's become one of my favorite weeknight meals.

    Seriously, it's easy to make, doesn't take a lot of effort, and tastes absolutely amazing.

    Anyway, I hope you like this easy carne picada recipe as much as I do.

    If you make it, be sure to let me know in the comments what you think. I'd love to hear your thoughts!

    Also, check out my Youtube channel and Instagram page for more recipes. I post new recipes on them weekly.

    More Dinner Recipes

    If you liked this recipe - and want to try some more dinner recipes like this one - I have a ton on the blog that I think you'll like.

    Here are some more of my favorite weeknight meals: 

    • Cast iron steak
    • Blackened chicken
    • Pan seared halibut
    • Air fryer turkey tenderloin
    • Mexican chorizo
    • Healthy ground turkey
    Print

    The Best Carne Picada Recipe | Prepped In 10 Minutes

    Carne picada in a sauce in a white ball.
    Print Recipe

    5 from 4 reviews

    This carne picada is fall-apart tender and incredibly rich in flavor. The recipe comes together with simple, easy-to-find ingredients and can be made on the stovetop, slow cooker, or instant pot. It's an amazing addition for standout tacos, quesadillas, and burrito bowls!

    • Author: The Diet Chef
    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 1 hour
    • Total Time: 1 ½ hours
    • Yield: 4 servings
    • Category: Dinner
    • Method: Stovetop
    • Cuisine: Mexican

    Ingredients

    2 pounds Bottom Round Roast, cubed

    Salt and Pepper

    2 tbsp. Olive Oil

    ½ cup Celery, chopped

    ½ cup Carrots, chopped

    ½ cup Red Onion, chopped

    1 ½ cup Canned Crushed Tomatoes

    2 Thyme Sprigs

    2 Bay Leaves

    2 cups Beef Stock

    Instructions

    1. Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat on the stovetop.
    2. Season the meat with salt and pepper and sear it in the Dutch oven with olive oil for  a few minutes until golden on every side.
    3. Remove from the pot.
    4. Add the celery, carrots and red onion to the Dutch oven and cook for 10 minutes.
    5. Add the meat back to the pot and add the crushed tomatoes.
    6. Add the thyme, bay and beef stock.
    7. Lower the temperature to medium, cover and cook for 1 hour, or until the meat is soft (if it gets too dry you can add a bit more stock).

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 serving
    • Calories: 549
    • Fat: 26
    • Carbohydrates: 9
    • Fiber: 3
    • Protein: 62

    Keywords: Carne picada recipe, Carne picada, how do I make carne picada, how to make carne picada, carne picada recipe ideas, carne picada ideas, keto carne picada, keto carne picada recipe, carne picada keto, low carb carne picada, low carb carne picada recipe, how to make keto carne picada,

    Did you make this recipe?

    Share a photo and tag me on Instagram @thejoeduff — I can't wait to see what you've made!

    More High Protein

    • A bunch of chick fil a high protein orders.
      15 High Protein Chick-fil-A Options with Over 26g of Protein
    • Several different photos of high protein Tim Hortons items on a white background. There is text on a black background that reads "15+ Best High Protein Time Hortons Orders"
      16 Best High Protein Tim Hortons Orders (All Over 20g Protein)
    • A compilation of different kinds of burgers, sandwiches, salads, and wraps. There is text on the image that reads, "13+ Best high protein Jack In The Box orders".
      15+ Best High Protein Jack In The Box Orders (Over 20g Protein Each)
    • A compilation of seven different healthy breakfast fast food options.
      20+ BEST Healthy Fast Food Breakfast Options (Under 420 Calories)

    About Joe Duff

    Comments

    1. Cam says

      July 31, 2022 at 3:32 pm

      Absolutely delish.






      Reply
    2. Ron says

      July 31, 2022 at 10:26 pm

      😋






      Reply
    3. Frannie says

      August 01, 2022 at 12:07 pm

      Tender beef that has a ton of flav






      Reply
    4. Dominic says

      March 31, 2023 at 5:18 pm

      New favorite meat recipe right here.






      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating ★ 5 Stars ☆ ★ 4 Stars ☆ ★ 3 Stars ☆ ★ 2 Stars ☆ ★ 1 Star ☆

    Hey there! I'm Joe Duff - The Diet Chef, and I've been creating low carb keto recipes for over 15 years. Initally, I started making these recipes to help myself lose weight - I lost over 75 pounds doing so - but now I make recipes for the entire low carb keto community!
    About The Diet Chef →

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    YouTube

    • Subscribe

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

    Privacy Policy Copyright © 2021 Terms & Conditions