Cuban Beef Picadillo

Cuban Beef Picadillo is one of those comforting, nostalgic dishes that seems to weave a little magic into your dinner table. Growing up, I remember the tantalizing aroma wafting through my house as my mom simmered this savory combination of ground beef, olives, and sweet raisins. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this dish captures the essence of Cuban cuisine, offering a delightful balance of flavors that truly makes it stand out.

What Makes This Recipe Special

Cuban Beef Picadillo deserves a spot on your dinner table for many reasons. Not only is it a budget-friendly option that stretches a pound of ground beef into a hearty meal, but it’s also incredibly quick to whip up—perfect for those busy weeknights. With a playful mix of savory and sweet, this dish appeals to both adults and children, making it a family favorite. Moreover, it’s a fantastic way to introduce vibrant Cuban flavors into your cooking repertoire.

“I made this Cuban Beef Picadillo for my family, and it was an instant hit! The blend of olives with raisins was surprisingly delicious. I’ll definitely be adding it to our regular meal rotations!” — A Happy Home Cook

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Making Cuban Beef Picadillo is straightforward and can be broken down into a few simple steps. First, you’ll start by sautéing the vegetables, then brown the beef, and finally toss in those special ingredients that make this dish truly shine. In roughly thirty minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve!

Gather Your Ingredients

To create this authentic Cuban dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup green olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Cooked white rice for serving

Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, and use any bell pepper on hand, though green works best for that classic flavor.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and bell pepper; sauté until they are softened, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef, cooking it until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
5. Mix in the diced tomatoes, olives, raisins, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
6. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
7. Serve hot over cooked white rice.

Perfect Pairings for Cuban Beef Picadillo

Cuban Beef Picadillo is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Serve it over fluffy white rice for a classic presentation. To elevate your meal, consider a side of black beans, fried ripe plantains, or a refreshing avocado salad. For a burst of freshness, a sprinkle of cilantro or a squeeze of lime can add the perfect finishing touch.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), storing them properly is key. Cool the dish to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. For longer storage, consider freezing portions for up to 3 months, though the texture of the olives may change slightly upon thawing.

Pro Chef Tips

To enhance the flavors, consider letting your picadillo sit for a day before serving—it often tastes even better the next day! Additionally, if you prefer a bit of heat, toss in some diced jalapeños during the sautéing process. For a richer flavor, you can replace the diced tomatoes with crushed tomatoes or even add a splash of red wine while it’s simmering.

Creative Twists

Feel free to get creative with your picadillo! You could add chopped bell pepper varieties like red or yellow for sweetness. If you want a bit of crunch, toss in some chopped walnuts or even a hint of smoked paprika for a smoky undertone. Vegetarians can swap out the ground beef for lentils or a meat substitute that mimics the texture of ground meat.

Your Questions Answered

1. How long does it take to prepare Cuban Beef Picadillo?
With prep and cooking, you can expect to spend about 30-40 minutes in total.

2. Can I use other meats or meat substitutes?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well, and for a vegetarian option, lentils or plant-based ground meat can be used.

3. Is it safe to freeze it?
Yes, Cuban Beef Picadillo freezes beautifully! Just remember to cool it first and store in an airtight container.

4. What can I serve it with besides rice?
Black beans, plantains, or a fresh salad make for excellent side dishes.

Embrace the vibrant and comforting flavors of Cuban cuisine with this delightful beef picadillo recipe. It’s sure to become a beloved staple in your household!

Cuban Beef Picadillo

---

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Dairy-Free

Pin Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A comforting and nostalgic Cuban dish made with ground beef, olives, and sweet raisins, perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup green olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Cooked white rice for serving

---

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and bell pepper; sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef, cooking until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
5. Mix in the diced tomatoes, olives, raisins, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
6. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
7. Serve hot over cooked white rice.

Notes

For added flavor, let the picadillo sit for a day before serving. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cuban

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Cuban beef picadillo, ground beef recipe, easy dinner, Cuban cuisine