Quick & Easy Cuban Picadillo

introduction

This is a quick and easy Cuban picadillo. It uses simple ingredients and cooks fast. It is a good weeknight meal. If you like quick meals, see our 7 quick chicken meals for more ideas.

why make this recipe

This picadillo is tasty and ready fast. It mixes sweet and salty flavors with beef, olives, and raisins. You can make it with common pantry items. It feeds a family and makes good leftovers.

how to make Quick & Easy Cuban Picadillo

Cook onion, pepper, and garlic first. Brown the beef next. Add tomatoes, olives, raisins, and spices. Let it simmer so the flavors mix. For a quick side, you can try a simple air fryer idea from our air fryer chicken guide.

Ingredients :

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 1/4 cup green olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Directions :

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
5. Stir in the diced tomatoes, green olives, raisins, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
6. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!

how to serve Quick & Easy Cuban Picadillo

Serve over white rice or with warm tortillas. You can also use it as a filling for empanadas. Add a simple side salad to balance the meal.

how to store Quick & Easy Cuban Picadillo

Cool the picadillo to room temperature. Then put it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make Quick & Easy Cuban Picadillo

• Use lean ground beef to reduce grease.
• Taste and add salt at the end.
• If you like it sweeter, add a little extra raisins.
• For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  Find more quick ideas in our quick & easy recipes category.

variation (if any)

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or pork.
• Add diced potatoes for a heartier dish.
• Use chopped bell peppers of different colors for more flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes. Use plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils. Keep the same spices.

Q: Can I skip the raisins or olives?
A: Yes. The dish will taste different but still be good. Raisins add sweetness and olives add salt.

Q: How long does it take to cook?
A: About 20 to 25 minutes total. Most time is simmering.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes. Use a larger pan and cook in batches if needed.

Q: Is this safe to freeze?
A: Yes. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This Quick & Easy Cuban Picadillo is simple, flavorful, and fast. It works well for weeknights and makes good leftovers. For another authentic take and more tips, see Easy & Authentic Cuban Picadillo – A Sassy Spoon®.

Quick & Easy Cuban Picadillo

---

• Author: kaoucheegmail-com
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A quick and easy Cuban picadillo made with ground beef, olives, and raisins, perfect for a weeknight meal.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 1/4 cup green olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

---

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
5. Stir in the diced tomatoes, green olives, raisins, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
6. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Use lean ground beef to reduce grease. You can also make it vegetarian with plant-based ground meat or lentils.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Cuban recipe, quick meals, beef picadillo, easy dinner