filipino picadillo recipe
- The Best filipino picadillo recipe
- Classic Filipino Picadillo: A Hearty Rice Dish with Meat and Vegetables
- 🥘Ingredients
- 👨🍳Directions
- 🔧Equipment
- 📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- 📝Notes
- Watch Video Of How Classic Filipino Picadillo: A Hearty Rice Dish with Meat and Vegetables Works
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Filipino Picadillo: A Hearty Rice Dish with Meat and Vegetables
The Best filipino picadillo recipe
I also love how versatile it is. It’s a great way to use up leftover rice or even extra vegetables, and it’s one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day. The flavors meld together over time, making it a no-fuss way to stretch a meal without sacrificing taste. And if you’re watching your portions, picadillo is a smart choice because it’s packed with protein and fiber, which keeps you full longer. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a little love in every bite—simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Classic Filipino Picadillo: A Hearty Rice Dish with Meat and Vegetables
A flavorful Filipino picadillo recipe combines tender meat, sweet potatoes, and vegetables in a rich tomato-based sauce, all wrapped in a soft, slightly chewy rice dough. Perfect for a comforting meal, this dish highlights traditional Filipino flavors with a satisfying texture.
🥘Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 small sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 cup cooked rice (for binding)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp turmeric
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
👨🍳Directions
-
1
In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened. Add ground beef, breaking it up, and cook until browned. Stir in cumin, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and mix in cooked rice. -
2
In a separate bowl, mix tomato sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, oregano, and chili flakes. Pour over the meat mixture and stir well. Let it simmer for 10 minutes to meld flavors. -
3
In another bowl, combine flour, salt, warm water, and oil to form a dough. Knead lightly until smooth and elastic. Divide into 6 equal portions. -
4
Preheat oven to 375°F. Spoon sweet potato into the center of each dough portion, then roll tightly into a log. Place in a greased baking dish, cover with sauce, and top with remaining dough logs. -
5
Bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
🔧Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Large skillet
- Oven-safe baking dish
- Mixing spoon
- Knife and cutting board
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Classic Filipino Picadillo: A Hearty Rice Dish with Meat and Vegetables Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Filipino Picadillo: A Hearty Rice Dish with Meat and Vegetables
1. What is the traditional difference between Filipino picadillo and Mexican picadillo?
Filipino picadillo typically features a mix of ground meat (often pork or chicken) cooked with vegetables like carrots, peas, and sometimes sweet potatoes, along with a rich tomato-based sauce. It often includes a touch of sugar or brown sugar to balance the flavors. Mexican picadillo, in contrast, leans more on dried fruits like raisins, olives, and sometimes pineapple, with a slightly tangier, less sweet profile.
2. Can I substitute beef for pork in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute beef, but ground beef works best. Ground pork is traditional, but lean beef like chuck or sirloin can also work well. If using beef, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the meat is fully tender.
3. What’s the best way to keep picadillo from becoming too dry?
To prevent dryness, avoid overcooking the meat and vegetables. Cook the ingredients in batches if needed, and add a splash of water or broth when adding the tomato sauce. Stirring occasionally helps retain moisture. If the dish thickens too much, a little water or tomato juice can be added to loosen it.
4. How do I ensure the dish stays flavorful if I’m serving it cold?
For cold servings, let the picadillo cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot through. Adding a bit of water or broth during reheating helps maintain moisture and flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming instead of warming.
