Description
This Authentic Cuban Beef Picadillo recipe is a classic comfort food made with ground beef, tomato sauce, raisins, olives, and spices. Perfect for weeknight dinners or as a filling for empanadas, this Cuban picadillo is savory, sweet, and deeply flavorful.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 medium bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
1 cup tomato sauce
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 bay leaf
1⁄3 cup raisins
1⁄3 cup green olives, sliced
1 tablespoon capers
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
2. Add ground beef to the pan. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned. Drain excess fat, leaving a small amount for flavor.
3. Stir in tomato sauce, cumin, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Mix well and bring to a simmer.
4. Add raisins, olives, and capers. Simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and flavors to blend.
5. Remove the bay leaf, taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot over rice, in tacos, or as empanada filling.
Notes
Use 85% lean beef for the perfect balance of flavor and fat.
Make ahead and store refrigerated for up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
For a lighter twist, try ground turkey or chicken with a splash of olive oil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cuban
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg