Description
Cuban Beef Picadillo is a traditional and comforting one-pan dish made with ground beef simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce. Highlighted by sweet raisins, briny green olives, and warm spices, it’s a flavorful staple in Cuban cuisine that’s perfect over rice or as a filling for tacos and empanadas.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ pounds ground beef
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ cup dry white wine (optional)
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
¼ cup tomato paste
½ cup beef broth or water
⅓ cup green olives, sliced
¼ cup raisins
1 tablespoon capers (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked.
- Stir in cumin, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper; mix well.
- Pour in the wine (if using) and simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and broth; combine well.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in olives, raisins, and capers (if using); cook for another 5 minutes.
- Remove bay leaf, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve.
Notes
Can be served with white rice, black beans, or sweet plantains.
Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Raisins can be substituted with dried apricots or omitted.
Add cayenne or jalapeños for heat.
Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days or freezer for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cuban
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
