Authentic Cuban Picadillo: A Flavorful Ground Beef Dish Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup green olives, chopped
  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned. Break up any large pieces of meat with a spoon.
  3. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside, leaving the oil in the pan.
  4. Add the diced onions and green bell peppers to the pan and sauté until they become soft and translucent.
  5. Add the minced garlic to the pan and stir for about a minute or until fragrant.
  6. Return the beef to the pan. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
  7. Add the beef broth, raisins, and chopped green olives to the pan. Stir again to combine.
  8. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  9. Check the seasoning and adjust with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  10. Remove the pan from the heat and let the Picadillo rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tools for making

  • Large pan - A pan large enough to accommodate all the ingredients.
  • Spoon - To break up the ground beef and stir the ingredients.
  • Knife - For dicing the onion and green bell pepper.
  • Cutting board - To provide a surface for chopping the onion and green bell pepper.
  • Measuring cups - To accurately measure the ingredients, such as the beef broth and tomato paste.
  • Can opener - If using canned diced tomatoes, you will need a can opener to open the can.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef to make a leaner version.
  • Add a diced jalapeno pepper for some spicy heat.
  • Include a can of drained black beans for extra protein and fiber.
  • Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for a richer flavor.
  • Replace the green olives with capers for a tangy twist.
  • Experiment with different spices like paprika, cinnamon, or chili powder to customize the flavor profile.
  • For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with textured vegetable protein (TVP) or crumbled tofu.
  • Add a handful of frozen corn kernels for a touch of sweetness and texture.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix in a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the Picadillo.
  • Include chopped fresh cilantro or parsley as a garnish for added freshness.

Recipe overview

Picadillo is a classic, flavorful dish originating from Spain and Latin America. This delicious ground beef stew is a true comfort food, packed full of savoury and sweet elements that create a unique, well-rounded flavor profile. Our recipe combines tender beef with vegetables, a variety of spices, sweet raisins and tangy olives, all simmered together until rich and aromatic. It's a versatile dish that can be served on its own, over rice, or used as a filling for empanadas or tacos. Whether you're new to picadillo or an old fan, this easy-to-follow and flavorful recipe is sure to delight. Expect to spend some time prepping your ingredients, and then enjoy the wonderful smells that fill your kitchen as everything simmers to perfection.

Common questions

  1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? Absolutely! Ground turkey can be used as a substitute for ground beef in this recipe.
  2. Can I omit the raisins? Yes, you can omit the raisins if you prefer. The Picadillo will still be delicious without them.
  3. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes? Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes. Simply dice the fresh tomatoes and use them in the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.
  4. Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the Picadillo for later use. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  5. Can I adjust the spices to my taste? Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the spices, such as cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper, according to your personal preference.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large Pan - A large pan is needed to cook the ingredients and simmer the Picadillo.
  • Spoon - A spoon is necessary for stirring the ingredients while cooking.
  • Knife - A knife is required for dicing the onion, green bell pepper, and chopping the green olives.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board is helpful for chopping and preparing the ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups - Measuring cups are useful for accurately measuring the ingredients.
  • Can Opener - A can opener is needed to open the can of diced tomatoes.
  • Garlic Press - A garlic press can be used to mince the garlic cloves.
  • Cover or Lid - A cover or lid is necessary to cover the pan while simmering the Picadillo.

Origin stories

Picadillo, a beloved dish across Latin America and the Philippines, takes its name from the Spanish word 'picar' which means 'to mince'. While there are many variations of the dish depending on the region, the Cuban version is particularly popular with its unique sweet and savory flavor profile, featuring raisins and green olives. It's often served with rice and used as a filling for empanadas and tacos. Interestingly, the ingredients used in Picadillo are indicative of the melding of cultures that occurred during the colonial period in Cuba. The raisins and olives are a nod to Spanish cuisine, while the ground beef represents the cattle ranching culture brought over by the Europeans. This dish is truly a culinary reflection of the island's rich and diverse history.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.