Ground beef, which is beef that has been minced or finely chopped, goes by a few different names at Mexican restaurants. The most common terms used are:
Picadillo
Picadillo is a staple ingredient in many Mexican dishes. It refers to ground beef that has been sautéed with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices. Some key facts about picadillo:
- It often contains raisins, olives, potatoes, or other vegetables for texture and flavor.
- Regional variations exist – some areas in Mexico add carrots, bell peppers, apples, prunes, almonds or peanuts to the mix.
- Common spices used include cumin, oregano, cinnamon, cloves, allspice and chili powder.
- Picadillo is used as a filling for chiles rellenos, tacos, empanadas, tostadas and more.
- The name comes from the Spanish word “picar” meaning to mince or chop.
Carne Molida
Carne molida simply translates to “ground meat” in Spanish. It refers to generic ground beef before any seasonings or flavors have been added. Key facts:
- This is raw ground beef, freshly minced.
- It can be used as the starting point for many Mexican beef dishes like picadillo, albondigas (meatballs) and stuffed peppers.
- Sometimes the specific cut of beef used is named, for example:
- Carne molida de res – ground beef
- Carne molida de puerco – ground pork
- It may also be clarified whether the meat is fatty (con grasa) or lean (magra).
Carne Deshebrada
Carne deshebrada, or “shredded beef”, is cooked ground beef that has been shredded into thin strands. Details include:
- It is well-seasoned, often with dried chilis, cumin, garlic, oregano.
- Brisket or chuck roast is slowly cooked until tender, then shredded.
- The shredded texture makes it perfect for tacos and burritos.
- Common in northern Mexican states like Chihuahua, Baja California, Sonora.
- Also called carne desmenuzada, carne deshebrada, or carne machaca.
Relleno
Relleno refers to a Mexican meat filling, usually made with ground or shredded beef. Facts:
- The name means “stuffing” in Spanish, as it is used to stuff chiles, empanadas, quesadillas, and more.
- Picadillo or carne deshebrada are typical bases for relleno.
- In addition to beef, can also be made with pork, chicken, turkey, or soy.
- Often includes chopped onions, garlic, tomatoes, chiles, and spices.
- Some versions add potatoes, rice, or raisins.
- Used in dishes like chile relleno, enchiladas, and burritos.
Conclusion
So in summary, the most common names used for ground beef in Mexican cuisine are picadillo, carne molida, carne deshebrada, and relleno. The terms refer to raw or cooked ground beef with different seasonings, textures, and uses in various dishes. Asking for any of these ingredients will get you the finely chopped, minced beef you are looking for at a Mexican eatery.