Easy Cuban Picadillo Recipe
If you've never tried Cuban food - this easy Cuban Picadillo Recipe is the perfect place to start. This robust dish is truly a show-stopper for a weeknight dinner or a dinner party!
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 50 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cuban
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 lbs 80/20 ground beef
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp The Spice Girl Kitchen Cuban Seasoning
- 1 1/2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 2/3 cup sliced green olives
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 2 tbsp capers
- 2 bay leaves
- The Spice Girl Kitchen Tri-Salt Blend, to taste
- chopped cilantro, for garnish
Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the beef, breaking it up as it cooks, and cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from skillet with a slotted spoon and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining oil, onion, and bell peppers. Cook until softened (about 3-5 minutes). Add the garlic, tomato paste, and Cuba spice and cook for 2 additional minutes, stirring frequently.
Add the chicken broth and deglaze your pan. Add the beef back to the skillet with the olives, raisins, capers, bay leaves, and salt to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook for 35-40 minutes, or until the broth reduces and the mixture is thickened and glossy. Stir frequently.
Discard the bay leaves. Serve warm with white rice and fried plantains, and garnish with cilantro. Enjoy!
Store & Reheat
Store
Fridge: Transfer the dish to a large glass storage container with an airtight lid. Allow it to cool to room temperature before securing the lid (about 30-45 minutes; the exact time depends on the amount of food). Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: You can also freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Place the dish in the fridge to thaw overnight for best results.
Reheat
Microwave: Place the dish in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and microwave on high for 1-3 minutes or until heated through. Stir halfway through to warm it evenly.*
Stovetop: Place the dish in a pot over medium heat. Once the picadillo is simmering, reduce to medium-low and cover for 3-5 minutes or until heated through. Stir occasionally.*
Oven: Not recommended.
* Total time depends on the amount you are reheating.
Keyword Cuban Picadillo, Easy Cuban Picadillo Recipe