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Cuban Picadillo Recipe

This cuban picadillo recipe is a classic Cuban ground beef dish made with olives, raisins, and capers simmered into a rich, savory-sweet sauce. Easy, comforting, and perfect with rice and plantains.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Cuban
Calories: 470

Ingredients
  

Equipment

  • Large skillet: Used for browning the beef and simmering the sauce.
  • Slotted spoon: Helps remove excess fat after browning.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula For stirring and breaking up the beef.
  • Measuring cups and spoons For accurate ingredient portions.

Method
 

  1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it up as it browns. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon, discard grease, and set beef aside.
  2. Add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the same skillet. Add the onion and bell peppers and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in the grated garlic and tomato paste and cook for about 30 seconds. Add the Cuban seasoning and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in 1 1/4 cups chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
  5. Return the beef to the skillet. Add the olives, raisins, capers, and bay leaves. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Cook uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reduces and becomes thick and glossy. Add additional broth as needed.
  7. Season with salt to taste after simmering. Discard bay leaves before serving.
  8. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve warm with white rice and fried plantains.

Video

Notes

  • Taste before salting. Olives, capers, and broth concentrate as the sauce reduces.
  • Grated garlic melts into the sauce and gives smoother flavor than minced garlic.
  • This dish tastes even better the next day and reheats well.
  • Optional flavor boost: Stir in 1 to 2 tsp olive brine at the end for extra depth.
  • Nutrition (per serving, 6 servings): 470 calories, 34g fat, 18g carbs, 26g protein, 2g fiber. Nutrition information is an estimate. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.