Authentic Mexican Picadillo

Make tomato sauce: Place tomatoes (whole) in a medium pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then use a slotted spoon to transfer tomatoes to a blender. Add 3/4 cup water, onion, and garlic. Blend until smooth and set aside.

Make picadillo: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir onion and serrano pepper in hot oil until onion is transparent. Add garlic; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add tomato and cook for 1 minute. Add ground beef; cook and stir until beef is browned and crumbly, about 8 minutes.

Pour in Mexican-style hot tomato sauce; cook for 2 minutes. Mix in potatoes and carrots; cook for 2 minutes. Add blended tomato sauce, jalapeño, bouillon, cumin, and bay leaf; mix well. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.