Picadillo

The aroma of Picadillo wafts through the air, a delightful blend of spices and savory goodness that can make anyone’s stomach growl with anticipation. savory beef enchilada casserole Imagine the rich, meaty flavor, punctuated by sweet raisins and briny olives, coming together in a warm embrace of comfort. easy Instant Pot casserole For more inspiration, check out this beef and cheese chimichangas recipe.

This dish brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter filled the room and plates were piled high. The perfect meal for a cozy weeknight or a festive celebration, Picadillo is a culinary hug that promises to make your taste buds dance with joy. crispy breakfast potatoes.

My family always raves about this recipe; they’ve even asked for seconds—and sometimes thirds—during our gatherings.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option while still keeping that juicy flavor.
• Onion: A medium yellow onion adds sweetness and depth; sauté until translucent to unlock its full potential.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic enhances flavor; use about 3-4 cloves for a robust profile.
• Bell Peppers: Any color works here; they add crunch and sweetness when sautéed.
• Canned Tomatoes: Opt for diced tomatoes with juice for added moisture and flavor.
• Raisins: These little gems introduce unexpected sweetness; they beautifully contrast the savory elements.
• Green Olives: Sliced green olives lend briny goodness; choose pimento-stuffed for extra flavor.
• Spices (Cumin & Oregano): A teaspoon of cumin and oregano will give your Picadillo that classic taste you crave.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust to your preference to enhance all flavors.
• Olive Oil: Use for sautéing vegetables; it adds richness without overpowering the other flavors.

For the Sauce:

• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth as a base to keep the dish from becoming overly salty.
• Cider Vinegar: A splash adds brightness; it balances the sweetness from the raisins beautifully.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Sautéing Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and bell peppers; sauté until softened, releasing their sweet fragrance.

Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic after the onions are translucent. Cook until fragrant but be careful not to burn it—no one likes bitter garlic!

Browning the Beef: Increase heat slightly and add ground beef. Break it up with a spoon while cooking until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Tomatoes and Spices: Mix in canned tomatoes along with cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let simmer so flavors can meld together wonderfully.

Add Sweetness: Stir in raisins and green olives. Allow them to mingle with the meat mixture for another 5 minutes—this is where magic happens!

Add Broth & Vinegar: Pour in chicken broth along with cider vinegar. Let simmer uncovered for about 10-15 minutes until thickened slightly. For more inspiration, check out this chicken sausages with zucchini recipe.

Now you’re ready to serve! Picture it plated over fluffy white rice or wrapped in warm tortillas. Enjoy every flavorful bite of this comforting Picadillo!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground beef first, then sauté the onions, garlic, and bell peppers to build layers of flavor.

Add Your Touch

Consider swapping ground beef for turkey or adding olives for a briny kick. hearty ground turkey recipe You can also adjust spices to suit your taste.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until hot.

Cooking Picadillo reminds me of my grandmother, who would whip it up every Sunday, filling our home with warmth and laughter.

FAQ

What is Picadillo?

Picadillo is a traditional Latin American dish made with ground meat and various spices.

Can I make Picadillo ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

What can I serve with Picadillo?

Serve it over rice or with warm tortillas for a comforting meal.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Savory Picadillo Recipe

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• Author: Gordon Calloway
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Picadillo, a traditional Latin American dish that combines ground beef with sweet raisins, briny olives, and aromatic spices. Perfect for any occasion, this easy-to-make meal promises to bring warmth and joy to your dining table. Serve it over rice or in warm tortillas, and experience a delightful dance of sweet and savory in every bite!

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice
• 1/3 cup raisins
• 1/3 cup sliced green olives (preferably pimento-stuffed)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tbsp cider vinegar

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and bell peppers; sauté until softened.
2. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
3. Increase heat slightly and add ground beef; break it up while cooking until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
4. Mix in canned tomatoes, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let simmer to meld flavors.
5. Stir in raisins and green olives; cook for another 5 minutes.
6. Pour in chicken broth and cider vinegar; let simmer uncovered for about 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. Now serve over fluffy rice or wrapped in tortillas!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg