Easy To Make Cuban Picadillo

why make this recipe

Cuban picadillo is warm and full of flavor. It cooks fast. You can make it with common pantry items. It is great for weeknight dinner. For a simple dessert to share after this meal, try an easy-to-make coffee cake that pairs well with home cooking.

introduction

This picadillo is a simple, tasty dish from Cuba. It mixes ground beef with tomatoes, olives, and a hint of raisins for a sweet touch. The spices are mild and familiar. You can serve it over rice or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb meal. If you like hearty, quick meals, you will like this recipe.

how to make Easy To Make Cuban Picadillo

Make the dish in one large skillet. First cook the vegetables until soft. Then brown the beef. Add the tomatoes, olives, raisins, and spices. Let it simmer so flavors blend. Stir a few times while it cooks. The result is a savory, slightly sweet beef sauce that is ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients :

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 small red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 3/4 cup green olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Directions :

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sauté until softened.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Increase heat to medium-high and add the ground beef, cook until browned.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes, olives, raisins, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Serve hot, optionally over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

how to serve Easy To Make Cuban Picadillo

Serve hot over white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro. You can also serve it with beans and fried plantains. For a different plate idea, try pairing it with a simple side like taco beef pie style sides to mix up the meal.

how to store Easy To Make Cuban Picadillo

Let the picadillo cool to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until hot.

tips to make Easy To Make Cuban Picadillo

• Use lean ground beef to reduce grease.
• Brown the beef well for more flavor.
• Taste and adjust salt after simmering.
• If you want a sweeter taste, add a bit more raisins.
• For a quick side snack, a simple dip can be ready while the picadillo simmers.

variation (if any)

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or pork.
• Add diced potatoes for a heartier stew.
• Use red wine or beef broth instead of water for a richer sauce.
• Make it spicy with a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeño.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes. Use crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground meat and follow the same steps.

Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: No. It is mild. You can add chili flakes or hot sauce if you want heat.

Q: Can I leave out the raisins?
A: Yes. The raisins add a sweet note, but the dish still works without them.

Q: How long does it take to cook?
A: About 25 to 30 minutes from start to finish.

Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A: Yes. Fresh diced tomatoes work fine. Cook a little longer if they are very watery.

Conclusion

For a classic take on Cuban picadillo with clear steps and easy ingredients, see this detailed recipe and tips at Easy & Authentic Cuban Picadillo – A Sassy Spoon®.

Easy To Make Cuban Picadillo

---

• Author: kaoucheegmail-com
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Paleo

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A simple Cuban dish that combines ground beef with tomatoes, olives, and a hint of sweetness from raisins, perfect for weeknight dinners.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 small red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 3/4 cup green olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

---

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sauté until softened.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Increase heat to medium-high and add the ground beef, cook until browned.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes, olives, raisins, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Serve hot, optionally over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Notes

Use lean ground beef to reduce grease. Brown the beef well for more flavor. Adjust salt after simmering and add more raisins for a sweeter taste if desired.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Cuban

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Cuban picadillo, easy recipe, ground beef, quick dinner, savory dish