Mexican Cactus with Ground Beef

This traditional Mexican dish harmoniously combines succulent ground beef with the unique and refreshing presence of tender cooked nopales cactus. The ensemble is enveloped in a rich, aromatic tomato sauce infused with garlic, Mexican oregano, and fresh cilantro, offering an unforgettable depth of flavor. It is an exquisite choice for a nourishing family meal that brings the authentic aromas of Mexico directly to your table.

Prep: 15 min
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Medium

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Instructions

Servings:4

1In a pot, place the peeled tomatoes and garlic cloves, and cover with water.
2Cook over medium-high heat until the tomatoes soften, about 8 minutes.
3While the tomatoes are cooking, roast the pico pepper in a pan or on a grill over medium heat for about 30 seconds, making sure it doesn't burn. let cool.
4In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil. When it is hot, add the minced meat and cook, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
5After 5 minutes, add the chopped onion and continue cooking.
6In a blender, place the cooked tomatoes, garlic cloves, roasted pico pepper and 240 ml of the cooking water. Blend until the sauce is smooth.
7Pour the sauce over the meat and cook for another 5 minutes.
8Add the fallows, break the dry oregano with your fingers, and mix together with the cilantro. Season with salt and pepper.
9Cook for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend and reduce the sauce slightly.

Ingredients

1 lb fresh tomatoes, 2 peeled garlic cloves, 2 tbsp piquin pepper, 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 cup chopped white onion, 2 cups cooked chopped cactus, 1 tsp dried Mexican oregano, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

Calories: 166
Protein: 6.6g
Carbs: 26.5g

Chef tips

For extra heat, add a hot pepper of your choice. If piquin pepper is unavailable, substitute with another spicy pepper.

Recommended Equipment & Products

Nutrition

Calories: 166
Protein: 6.6g
Carbs: 26.5g

Recommended Equipment & Products

High-speed blender Ninja Vitamix
Amazon

Disclosure: these are currently regular search links, not affiliate links, and we do not earn a commission. Check current prices, availability and product labels before buying.

Chef tips

For extra heat, add a hot pepper of your choice. If piquin pepper is unavailable, substitute with another spicy pepper.

Culinary reasoning

This traditional Mexican dish harmoniously combines succulent ground beef with the unique and refreshing presence of tender cooked nopales cactus. The ensemble is enveloped in a rich, aromatic tomato sauce infused with garlic, Mexican oregano, and fresh cilantro, offering an unforgettable depth of flavor. It is an exquisite choice for a nourishing family meal that brings the authentic aromas of Mexico directly to your table.

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High-speed blender Ninja Vitamix

Amazon

Disclosure: these are currently regular search links, not affiliate links, and we do not earn a commission. Check current prices, availability and product labels before buying.