Picadillo for the Whole Family + an absolutely chaotic 24 hours

Being a parent is just simply wild...

It’s been a wild 24 hours. The kind that makes you realize, in real time, just how far you’re willing to go for your child. When it’s go time, there’s no hesitation, just instinct, adrenaline, and a fierce sense of purpose. It’s a reminder that parenthood turns you into someone who will move mountains at a moment’s notice, no questions asked. More on that later, but for now… let’s talk about dinner. (and apologies for being late to our Wednesday recipe!)

This week’s recipe started as taco night and quickly turned into something else entirely, and honestly, I might love it even more this way. It’s warm, cozy, and packed with vegetables, but still has that taco-ish flavor profile that keeps everyone (including toddlers) coming back for more. Picadillo here we come!

Picadillo is a traditional Latin American dish made with ground meat, vegetables, and spices, and it’s one of those quietly perfect meals that checks all the boxes. It’s hearty, full of flavor, and endlessly adaptable. This version is packed with protein from the beef and pork, fiber and natural sweetness from the carrots and sweet potatoes, and a simple tomato-based sauce that pulls it all together.

Why I Love It

This is one of those make-it-once, eat-it-all-week kind of meals. It’s cozy enough to serve as a stew in a bowl, spooned over rice or quinoa, or folded into a soft tortilla if your toddler’s working on self-feeding. For younger babies, you can blitz it into a smoother texture or mash it with a fork and serve with a spoon. And for us? We top it with cheddar, avocado, salsa, whatever we’re craving. It’s also a great freezer stash meal.