How to Make the Perfect Cuban Picadillo
Cuban · Easy · 40 min · 4 servings
Cuban Picadillo is a savory ground beef hash simmered with tomatoes, olives, capers, and raisins creating a uniquely sweet and briny flavor combination. It is one of the most beloved weeknight dishes in Cuban cooking and is typically served over white rice with black beans on the side.
Why this recipe works
This Cuban Picadillo recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 40 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 410 calories with 28g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 can diced tomatoes with juice
- 0.5 cup green olives sliced
- 0.25 cup raisins
- 2 tbsp capers drained
- 1 whole yellow onion diced
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, for 8 to 10 minutes until fully browned. Drain excess fat but leave about a tablespoon in the pan for flavor.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Add the diced onion to the beef and cook for 4 minutes until softened. Season with salt, pepper, cumin, and a bay leaf. Stir well to coat the meat evenly with the spices.
Step 3: Simmer with Tomatoes and Mix-ins
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and stir to combine. Add the sliced green olives, raisins, and capers. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
Step 4: Taste and Serve
Remove the bay leaf and taste for seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper as needed. The balance of sweet from the raisins and briny from the olives should be noticeable. Serve over white rice with hot sauce on the side.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- ground beef → ground turkey for a lighter version
- green olives → Kalamata olives for a deeper more robust flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Omitting the raisins thinking they do not belong which causes you to miss the essential sweet and savory balance
- Not draining enough fat after browning the beef which makes the final dish greasy and heavy
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 410 calories, 28g protein, 18g carbs, 22g fat, 3g fiber.
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