Description
Puerto Rican Picadillo is a comforting and flavorful ground beef dish made with tomatoes, onions, peppers, olives, and traditional seasonings. This easy one-pan meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and is delicious served over white rice, plantains, or tucked into tacos.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs (680 g) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water or beef broth
- 1/3 cup green olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté onion and pepper: Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, careful not to burn it.
- Cook the beef: Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it browns. Continue cooking for 6–8 minutes until no longer pink.
- Drain grease: If there is excess grease in the pan, carefully drain it to prevent the picadillo from being greasy.
- Add remaining ingredients: Stir in tomato sauce, water or beef broth, sliced olives, raisins (if using), oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and bay leaves.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors and thicken the sauce.
- Finish: Remove and discard the bay leaves, then stir in fresh chopped cilantro for brightness.
- Serve: Serve the picadillo over white rice or with favorite sides such as fried plantains, avocado, or beans.
Notes
- Raisins add traditional sweetness but can be omitted if you prefer a less sweet dish.
- Diced potatoes can be added for a heartier picadillo.
- Ground turkey is a good substitute for ground beef for a leaner option.
- Picadillo tastes even better the next day, making it an excellent meal prep recipe.
- Serve with white rice, fried plantains, avocado slices, or black beans for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Puerto Rican
