Name: The Perfect Authentic Picadillo Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Americans
Ingredients: • 1 lb (450g) ground beef• 1 onion, diced• 3 cloves garlic, minced• 1 green bell pepper, diced• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste• 1 cup beef broth• 2 tsp ground cumin• 1 tsp dried oregano• 1 tsp salt• 1/2 tsp black pepper• 1/2 cup raisins or green olives (optional)

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Get ready to embark on a flavorful culinary adventure with the ultimate Picadillo recipe! Picadillo, a beloved Latin American dish, is a versatile and aromatic ground beef stew that’s sure to become a new family favorite. This authentic recipe, perfected over generations, combines a harmonious blend of spices, vegetables, and savory ground beef to create a dish that’s both comforting and deeply satisfying.

Picture this: as you step into the kitchen, the enticing aroma of sizzling onions, garlic, and aromatic spices fills the air, transporting you to the vibrant streets of Latin America. With each bite, you’ll be greeted by a symphony of flavors – the richness of the beef, the tanginess of tomatoes, the warmth of cumin, and the subtle sweetness of raisins or olives. It’s a dish that celebrates the vibrant culture and traditions of the region, and once you’ve tasted it, you’ll understand why it’s a staple in so many households.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a newcomer to Latin American cuisine, this Picadillo recipe is sure to impress. With its easy-to-follow instructions and flexible customization options, you’ll be able to whip up an authentic and delicious Picadillo that will have your family and friends clamoring for more. So, let’s dive in and explore the wonders of this iconic dish!

🌟 Reasons This Recipe Will Become a Favorite

Picadillo is a dish that truly stands out from the crowd. Not only is it bursting with flavor, but it’s also incredibly versatile and easy to prepare. One of the key reasons this recipe will become a favorite is the depth of flavor it delivers. The careful selection and balance of spices, combined with the richness of the ground beef and the acidity of the tomatoes, create a mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist.

Another factor that makes this Picadillo recipe so special is its versatility. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish, using it as a filling for tacos or empanadas, or incorporating it into other dishes, this recipe adapts seamlessly. It’s the kind of dish that can be enjoyed year-round, from cozy winter meals to light and refreshing summer fare.

📝 Everything You Need for a Perfect Result

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup raisins or green olives (optional)

The key to a truly exceptional Picadillo is the careful selection of spices. Cumin and oregano are the cornerstones of this dish, providing a warm, earthy flavor that complements the richness of the ground beef. The addition of raisins or green olives adds a touch of sweetness or brininess, respectively, that balances the overall flavor profile.

🍳 From Prep to Plate: A Detailed Walkthrough

Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the Vegetables: Stir in the diced bell pepper and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, until the pepper starts to soften.
Incorporate the Tomatoes: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Season and Simmer: Add the cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded and the sauce has thickened.
Finish with Optional Additions: If desired, stir in the raisins or green olives during the last 5 minutes of simmering to allow them to heat through and infuse their flavors.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the Picadillo and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices to your preference.

⏱️ Timing Overview

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes

🍏 Healthy Bites: Nutrition Information

Nutritional information is an estimate per serving, based on 4 servings.

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 28 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fat: 16 g
• Fiber: 5 g

💡 How to Customize This Recipe ?

• For a Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend or skip the thickening step entirely, as the tomatoes and broth will create a naturally thick and flavorful sauce.
• To Make it Vegan: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based protein, such as crumbled tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. For a creamy texture, blend in some cooked white beans or cashews.
• To Add a Spicy Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeño or serrano peppers, or use a spicy chili powder or hot sauce to add a fiery touch. Start with a small amount and adjust to your desired level of heat.

✨ How to Serve This Dish Like a Pro ?

• Main Course Pairing: Serve the Picadillo over a bed of fluffy white rice or alongside roasted sweet potatoes for a hearty and balanced meal.
• Garnish Suggestions: Garnish the Picadillo with fresh cilantro, a dollop of cool sour cream or Greek yogurt, and a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds or crushed tortilla chips for added texture.
• Beverage Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp, citrusy white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, or a refreshing lime-infused sparkling water.

❗ Pro Tips for a Perfect Outcome Every Time

• Mistake 1 – Overcrowding the Pan: Resist the temptation to add all the ground beef at once, as this can lead to steaming instead of searing. Cook the beef in batches, if necessary, to ensure each piece gets a nice, golden-brown crust, which will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Mistake 2 – Using Cold Ingredients: Bring all the ingredients to room temperature before starting to cook. This will help the flavors blend more seamlessly and ensure even cooking throughout.
• Mistake 3 – Not Preheating the Oven: If you’re planning to serve the Picadillo over rice or with a side dish that requires baking, make sure to preheat your oven to the correct temperature. This will help the entire meal come together perfectly.

🧊 Storing, Freezing, and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store the cooked Picadillo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Picadillo freezes beautifully! Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, thaw the Picadillo in the refrigerator overnight (if frozen). Then, transfer it to a saucepan and heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until hot throughout. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring halfway through, until heated through.

❓ FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Picadillo is quite versatile, and you can easily substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. The flavor profile will be a bit different, but the dish will still be delicious. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted, as ground turkey and chicken cook a bit faster than beef.

Do I have to use raisins or olives?

No, the raisins or olives are completely optional in this Picadillo recipe. They add a nice touch of sweetness or brininess, but if you’re not a fan of either, you can simply omit them. The dish will still be flavorful and satisfying without them.

Can I make this Picadillo in the slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for the slow cooker or Instant Pot. For the slow cooker, simply brown the ground beef and sauté the onions and garlic before adding all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. For the Instant Pot, use the sauté function to brown the beef and sauté the aromatics, then add the remaining ingredients and pressure cook for 15-20 minutes.

How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

To make this Picadillo recipe more budget-friendly, you can opt for a less expensive cut of ground beef, such as ground chuck or ground sirloin. You can also use more bell peppers and onions, which are relatively inexpensive, to bulk up the dish. Additionally, consider using canned diced tomatoes instead of fresh, as they are often more cost-effective.

Can I add other vegetables to this Picadillo?

Absolutely! Picadillo is a very versatile dish, and you can easily customize it by adding other vegetables. Some delicious options include diced carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, or even frozen peas. Simply sauté them along with the onions and bell pepper, and they’ll blend seamlessly into the flavorful sauce.

🎉 Your Culinary Adventure Awaits!

With this authentic Picadillo recipe in your arsenal, you’re poised to embark on a culinary adventure that will delight your taste buds and impress your friends and family. Whether you serve it as a comforting main dish, incorporate it into tacos or empanadas, or use it as a versatile base for other Latin-inspired meals, this Picadillo is sure to become a beloved staple in your household. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to experience the vibrant flavors of this iconic Latin American dish!