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–+ servings

Easy Cuban Picadillo Recipe

Lisa Street
When enjoying Easy Cuban Picadillo, it’s all about pairing it with sides that balance its savory, hearty flavors while adding texture and freshness. White rice, whether basmati or jasmine, is the perfect base to soak up the flavorful sauce and enhance the dish’s richness.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cuban
Servings 6
Calories 194 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ lb 93% lean ground beef
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tbsp green olives pitted and chopped (or alcaparrado, capers can also be used)
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 ripe tomato chopped
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2-4 tbsp olive brine
  • ½ red bell pepper finely diced
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1-2 dried bay leaves
  • 4 oz tomato paste about half a can
  • ½ large onion diced
  • kosher salt to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

  • Before you start, make sure everything is prepped. Chop your veggies, gather your spices, and grab that ground beef.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

  • In a large skillet, heat up a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until they soften, about 5 minutes. Your kitchen will start to smell divine.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

  • Push the veggies to the side of the skillet. Add the ground beef and cook it through, breaking it up with a spoon. It should brown nicely, about 7-10 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Flavors

  • Stir in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, and bay leaves. Mix everything together. Aromas will fill your space. Next, add in the chopped tomato, olives, and olive brine for just the right kick.

Step 5: Pour in the Tomato Paste

  • Now, stir in the tomato paste and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer. The goal here is to combine those flavors beautifully.

Step 6: Simmer Away

  • Lower the heat and let everything dance together. Let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally. This is where the picadillo magic happens.

Step 7: Finish With Freshness

  • At the end of simmering, stir in red wine vinegar and freshly chopped cilantro. Taste it and adjust the salt and pepper. Your Easy Cuban Picadillo is ready!

Notes

Here are some tips to make your cooking experience even better:
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables elevate the flavor.
  • Don’t Rush the Browning: Allowing the beef to brown properly gives depth to the dish.
  • Adjust Spice Levels: If you love heat, throw in some red pepper flakes.
  • Leftovers are Your Friends: This dish gets better overnight.
  • Serve Hot: Always serve picadillo while it’s warm to enjoy all the flavors.

Nutrition

Calories: 194kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 21gFat: 9.2gSaturated Fat: 3.4gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 67mgSodium: 104mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 12IUVitamin C: 24mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 18mg
Keyword Easy Cuban Picadillo Recipe
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