Top-Notch Cuban Picadillo Recipe That Brings Havana Home

Savory ground beef picadillo brings the vibrant flavors of cuba right to your kitchen.

Olives and raisins create an unexpected sweet-and-salty dance in this classic dish.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this hearty recipe passed down through families.

Tender meat simmers with aromatic spices that transport you to havana’s bustling streets.

Green peppers and onions provide a robust foundation for this comforting meal.

Warm rice makes the perfect companion to absorb every delicious drop of sauce.

Grab a fork and let this authentic cuban comfort food tell its delectable story.

Why You’ll Crave Cuban Picadillo Weekly

• Savor Cultural Richness: Dive into a classic Cuban dish that brings the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean right to your kitchen, offering an authentic culinary experience without leaving home.
• Master Quick Cooking: This one-pan wonder transforms simple ingredients into a delicious meal in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner cravings.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Enjoy incredible flexibility with this recipe by serving it over rice, stuffing tacos, or creating mouthwatering empanadas – guaranteeing something for everyone's taste preferences.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with kid-approved ingredients and mild seasonings, this dish introduces exciting flavors while keeping the meal approachable for all ages and palates.

Ingredients That Give Cuban Picadillo Its Kick

• Ground Beef: A classic protein that provides hearty flavor and texture for this traditional Cuban dish.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic: A flavor base that creates depth and authentic Cuban cooking foundation.

• Tomato Sauce: Provides rich, tangy base and moisture to the picadillo.
• Cumin, Sazon Seasoning: Delivers warm, complex spice profile typical in Cuban cuisine.
• Salt, Sugar: Balances and rounds out the overall flavor of the dish.
• Olives, Capers, Raisins: Adds unique sweet, briny, and slightly acidic notes that are signature to Cuban picadillo.
• Olive Oil: Used for initial sautéing and helping develop initial flavors.

How to Make a Bold and Savory Picadillo

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Pan

Place a large skillet on the stove and drizzle olive oil, heating it over medium flame until the oil starts to shimmer slightly.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Diced onion
• Chopped bell pepper
• Minced garlic

Stir and cook these vegetables until they become soft and translucent, which takes about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Introduce ground beef to the vegetable mixture. Break the meat into small crumbles using a wooden spoon and cook until it turns completely brown and develops a rich, caramelized texture, approximately 7-10 minutes.

Step 4: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Tomato sauce
• Sliced green olives
• Raisins
• Capers
• Ground cumin
• Sazon seasoning
• Granulated sugar
• Salt

Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer and meld together for 5-10 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the picadillo over fluffy white rice, or use as a delicious filling for tacos or empanadas.

Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Tips to Nail That Sweet-Savory Cuban Balance

• Customize the picadillo's spice level by adjusting the amount of sazon seasoning or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter, healthier version that still maintains rich flavors.
• Drain excess fat after browning the meat to reduce calories and create a cleaner, less greasy texture in the final dish.
• Enhance the dish's complexity by using fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley as a garnish, adding brightness and a fresh aromatic touch.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify when reheated gently.

Picadillo Flavors and Swaps You’ll Want to Try

• Vegetarian Picadillo: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms for a meat-free version that keeps the traditional Cuban flavors.
• Spicy Picadillo: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to amp up the heat and create a zestier profile for those who enjoy spicier dishes.
• Seafood Picadillo: Swap the ground beef for chopped shrimp or white fish to create a lighter, ocean-inspired take on the classic recipe.
• Caribbean Fusion Picadillo: Incorporate coconut milk and swap some spices to give the dish a tropical Caribbean-inspired flavor profile with a creamy texture.

What to Pair with Cuban Picadillo Every Time

• Savor Cuban Flavor Companions: Perfect Pairings for Picadillo
• Crisp Citrus Mojito: Refresh the rich, savory picadillo with a zesty Cuban mojito that cuts through the meat's hearty flavors, balancing the dish's spices and providing a cool, tangy contrast.
• Rice and Bean Harmony: Pair picadillo with traditional white rice and black beans to create a classic Cuban plate that enhances the meat's complexity, adding texture and complementary protein layers.
• Plantain Side Kick: Serve crispy fried plantains alongside the picadillo, offering a sweet and starchy accompaniment that beautifully absorbs the dish's robust sauce while providing a delightful textural experience.

Save and Store Cuban Picadillo the Smart Way

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container, cool completely before sealing, and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled picadillo to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Microwave Reheat: Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Stovetop Reheat: Warm picadillo in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through and maintain its original moisture and flavor.

Everything You Need to Know About Picadillo

• What is the origin of Picadillo?

Picadillo is a traditional dish popular in many Latin American countries, especially Cuba, with each region having its own unique variation of the recipe.

• Can I substitute ground beef with another meat?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat as alternatives to ground beef.

• Are raisins and olives essential ingredients?

While raisins and olives are classic components that provide a sweet and tangy flavor profile, you can adjust or omit them based on personal preference.

• What is sazon seasoning, and can I find it easily?

Sazon is a popular Puerto Rican/Cuban seasoning blend typically containing annatto and other spices, available in most Latin grocery stores or the international aisle of many supermarkets.

Cuban Picadillo Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor Cuban Picadillo, a hearty ground beef dish that dances with olives, raisins, and robust spices. Rich flavors and authentic ingredients blend seamlessly, inviting you to explore the soul of Cuban home cooking with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Aromatics and Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup green olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1 tablespoon capers
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 packet sazon seasoning
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm a large skillet on medium heat, drizzling olive oil to coat the bottom evenly.
2. Sauté diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic, stirring constantly until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking until the meat turns completely brown and loses its raw appearance, around 8-9 minutes.
4. Incorporate tomato sauce, sliced olives, plump raisins, briny capers, aromatic cumin, sazon seasoning, a touch of sugar, and a pinch of salt, creating a complex flavor profile.
5. Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and allow the mixture to gently simmer and meld together, developing rich flavors for 7-8 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and let the picadillo rest for a moment to allow flavors to intensify.
7. Serve piping hot over fluffy white rice, or use as a versatile filling for crispy tacos or golden empanadas.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting the amount of spices or adding chili flakes for extra kick.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for lighter, healthier versions that maintain authentic flavors.
• Add extra texture by toasting raisins and olives briefly before mixing into the meat for enhanced depth and caramelized sweetness.
• Prepare ahead by storing in airtight containers, as flavors develop and intensify when refrigerated overnight, making next-day reheating even more delicious.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cuban

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg