How to Make the Perfect Classic Cuban Picadillo
Cuban · Easy · 45 min · 4 servings
A savory Cuban ground beef dish simmered with olives, raisins, and warm spices. It is traditionally served over white rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Why this recipe works
This Classic Cuban Picadillo recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 45 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 420 calories with 28g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 10 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1 whole yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 whole green bell pepper, diced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (14 oz)
- 0.5 cup green olives, sliced
- 0.33 cup raisins
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Saute the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until no pink remains, about 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
Step 3: Add Spices and Tomatoes
Stir in the cumin and oregano and cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir everything together well.
Step 4: Simmer with Mix-ins
Add the sliced green olives and raisins to the skillet. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot over white rice and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- ground beef → ground turkey or ground pork
- raisins → dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots
- green olives → capers for a brinier flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Do not skip draining the fat after browning the beef or the dish will be greasy
- Do not rush the simmering step as reducing the sauce is key to building deep flavor
- Do not omit the raisins as the sweet contrast is essential to authentic picadillo
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 420 calories, 28g protein, 18g carbs, 26g fat, 3g fiber.
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