Steak Ranchero Recipe (Carne Picada Burritos)

I’ve been cooking for over a decade, and there’s nothing quite like the comforting, flavorful bite of a Carne Picada Burrito Steak Ranchero. The combination of tender steak, bold spices, and fresh ingredients makes it a dish everyone enjoys.

This recipe is packed with rich flavors, and the mix of ranchero sauce and seasonings makes each bite as satisfying as the last. Let me walk you through how to create this incredible burrito that’s perfect for any meal.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb carne picada (thinly sliced beef)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1-2 fresh tomatoes, diced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 cup steak sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 4 large tortillas
• 1/2 cup ranchero sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Optional: sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Steak Mixture

Preheat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the carne picada to the pan. Season with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and paprika and cover to cook. Stir frequently and cook the steak for about 5-7 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. Set the beef aside in a bowl to keep it warm.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Stir occasionally and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become tender and aromatic. Then, add the diced tomatoes and continue to cook for another 2 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.

Step 3: Combine the Beef and Vegetables

Once the vegetables are cooked, add the carne picada back into the skillet. Pour in the steak sauce and water, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices.

Step 4: Add the Ranchero Sauce

Now, pour in the ranchero sauce and stir until everything is well-coated. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the lime juice and fresh cilantro.

Step 5: Assemble the Burritos

Take your tortillas and warm them in the skillet for about 30 seconds per side to make them pliable. Spoon the carne picada mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Add optional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa if you like. Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it up tightly to form a burrito.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your carne picada burritos immediately while they’re warm. You can eat these burritos with a side of rice, chips, or a fresh salad.

Recipe Notes

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cilantro, tomatoes, and lime juice really elevate the flavor of the ranchero sauce. Fresh ingredients make all the difference.
• Adjust Spice Levels: If you like a bit of heat, feel free to add more chili powder or a few diced jalapeños to the mix.
• Warm Tortillas: Warming your tortillas before assembling the burritos ensures they’re soft and easy to fold without breaking.
• Let the Flavors Blend: Simmering the carne picada with the spices and ranchero sauce helps all the flavors meld together, creating a rich and flavorful filling.
• Perfect for Leftovers: If you have any leftover carne picada mixture, it’s great as a garnish topping for tacos, served over rice, or even as a filling for quesadillas.

“Good food starts with good ingredients, and in this recipe, the combination of fresh cilantro, chili powder, and quality steak brings everything together perfectly.”

- Jamie Oliver, Celebrity Chef & Restaurateur

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 25g
• Carbs: 32g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg

How to Pick the Right Steak for Carne Picada

Choosing the right cut of beef is essential for the best carne picada. Here’s how to pick the perfect steak:

1. Go for Flank or Skirt Steak: These cuts are ideal for carne picada because they’re flavorful, tender when cooked quickly, and easy to slice thinly.
2. Check the Marbling: A good amount of marbling (fat streaks) ensures that the meat will stay juicy and flavorful.
3. Opt for Thin Cuts: Carne picada is all about thin slices, so look for steaks that can be easily sliced into thin pieces or ask your butcher to slice them for you.
4. Fresh, Not Frozen: Fresh meat holds better texture and flavor than frozen cuts, so try to use fresh beef when making carne picada.
5. Tender Cuts: For a melt-in-your-mouth experience, look for steaks with good tenderness, like flank steak or sirloin, which work wonderfully in this recipe.

Best Side Dishes to Serve With

Here are some sides that pair perfectly with carne picada burritos:

1. Mexican Rice

This classic side dish is fluffy and full of flavor, perfect for balancing out the richness of the carne picada. The slight tang from the lime and the fresh kick from the cilantro elevate the simple rice, making it a wonderful companion to the burritos. You can also add a bit of tomato paste or broth to give it more depth of flavor, or even throw in some peas and carrots for a colorful, textured side.

2. Guacamole

Guacamole adds a creamy, cool contrast to the spicy beef. Mash up some ripe avocados with lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt for an easy, delicious dip. The rich, smooth guacamole complements the bold, spiced carne picada and gives the burrito a refreshing creaminess that balances out the flavors perfectly.

3. Spicy Black Beans

A simple yet flavorful side that’s packed with protein. Season with garlic, onion, cumin, and chili powder to match the flavors in the burritos. These beans are hearty and satisfying, making them a great addition for anyone looking for extra texture and flavor. You can also top them with a sprinkle of cheese or fresh cilantro for added taste and color.

4. Corn on the Cob

Grilled corn on the cob is a sweet and smoky side that complements the savory beef perfectly. Top it with butter, chili powder, and lime for a delicious twist. You can also try sprinkling some cotija cheese or a bit of chili-lime seasoning to elevate the corn’s flavor. The slight char from grilling brings out the natural sweetness of the corn, which contrasts beautifully with the spiciness of the carne picada.

5. Pico de Gallo

Fresh tomato, onion, cilantro, and lime make for a refreshing and zesty topping or side dish that balances out the rich flavors of the burritos. The crunchiness of the fresh vegetables, along with the citrusy zing, offers a light contrast to the heavier steak filling. You can add diced jalapeños to the pico de gallo if you want a little heat, or throw in some diced cucumber for a cool twist.

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• Catfish Steak Recipe

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