cuban style picadillo recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best cuban style picadillo recipe

I’ve always been fascinated by the rich culinary heritage of Cuba, and one dish that never fails to impress me is the classic Cuban-style picadillo recipe. This hearty stew is a staple of Cuban cuisine, and for good reason – it’s a masterclass in layering flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. The first time I made picadillo, I was struck by how easily it came together, with its simple yet bold combination of ground beef, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and spices.

It’s a dish that’s both comforting and exotic at the same time, with a depth of flavor that’s hard to find in many other recipes. As a busy mom, I love that picadillo is an incredibly versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit any occasion. Whether I’m serving it up as a quick weeknight dinner or as the centerpiece of a family gathering, this recipe never fails to impress.

And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make – just brown the beef and onions in a big skillet, add in your aromatics and spices, and let the stew simmer until the flavors have melded together. Serve it over rice or with some crusty bread on the side, and you’ve got a meal that’s both satisfying and elegant.

But what really sets picadillo apart is its incredible health benefits. By using lean ground beef and plenty of vegetables, this recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. And with its high fiber content from the tomatoes and onions, you’ll be fueling your body with some serious good stuff.

Plus, this recipe makes enough for a crowd – perfect for when you need to feed a hungry family or group of friends. For me, picadillo is more than just a recipe – it’s a taste of Cuba itself. With its rich history and cultural significance, this dish is an integral part of Cuban identity.

And when you take a bite of this tender stew, you can’t help but feel like you’re experiencing something truly special.

Cuban Style Picadillo

4.7 from 1224 votes

Cuban style picadillo is a flavorful ground beef dish with olives, raisins, and spices. It is a traditional dish that can be served with rice or as a filling for empanadas.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Picadillo

1 lb ground beef
1 large onion
1 green bell pepper
3 cloves garlic
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup pitted green olives
1/4 cup raisins
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp tomato sauce
1/4 cup beef broth

For Serving

Cooked white rice
Lime wedges

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through.
3Drain excess fat.
4Allow beef to cook until it is no longer pink.
5Add onion, green bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet.
6Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
7Allow onion to become translucent and soft.
8Stir in cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
9Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to bloom the spices.
10Add olives, raisins, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
11Stir well to combine.
12Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors are well combined and the mixture has thickened slightly.
13Allow the mixture to thicken and the raisins to plump.
14Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
15Serve picadillo hot over cooked white rice, with lime wedges on the side.
16Allow the mixture to rest for a few minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Wooden spoon
Cutting board
Kitchen knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 700mg🌾Total Carbs: 20g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 20g

📝Notes

Tips: For added heat, you can include diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Serve with a side of black beans and plantains for a complete Cuban meal.

Watch Video Of How Cuban Style Picadillo Works

One thing I love about picadillo is how versatile it is – whether you’re serving it up as a quick weeknight dinner or as the centerpiece of a family gathering, this recipe never fails to impress.

Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make – just brown the beef and onions in a big skillet, add in your aromatics and spices, and let the stew simmer until the flavors have melded together.

Serve it over rice or with some crusty bread on the side, and you’ve got a meal that’s both satisfying and elegant.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cuban Style Picadillo

What is picadillo?

Picadillo is a traditional Cuban stew made with ground beef or pork, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and spices. It’s often served over rice or with crusty bread on the side.

Can I make picadillo with leaner meat?

Absolutely! You can use leaner ground beef or even substitute in some turkey or chicken for added protein.

How do I store leftover picadillo?

Leftover picadillo can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Can I reheat picadillo safely?

Yes – simply reheat it until hot through and serve. Be sure to check the temperature regularly to avoid foodborne illness.

Is picadillo suitable for vegetarians?

Not exactly – while there are plenty of vegetarian options available if you swap out the meat for another protein source like beans or tofu.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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