Description
A savory Latin American ground beef dish with tomato, olives, and spices — perfect for rice, tacos, or empanadas.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/3 cup green olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional, adds subtle sweetness)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh chopped cilantro (optional garnish)
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Brown the Beef Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Simmer with Flavor Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Step 4: Add Olives and Raisins Stir in green olives and raisins (if using). Cover and simmer for 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy Serve hot over rice or stuff into taco shells, tortillas, or empanadas. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Cuban-style Picadillo often includes raisins and capers.
- Mexican Picadillo may include potatoes and carrots.
- Make it spicier with diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Latin, Cuban, Puerto Rican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: picadillo, beef picadillo, Cuban picadillo, easy Latin recipes, ground beef dinner