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Cuban Picadillo

This classic Cuban picadillo features seasoned ground beef simmered in a savory tomato sauce with olives, capers, and raisins. It's a flavorful and hearty dish that comes together quickly for a satisfying weeknight meal.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time
45 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Easy
Per serving
432 kcal
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Gluten-free

Allergen information: may contain sulphites. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Cuban Picadillo

Mise en place

Ingredients

Measurements

Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.

  • 500 gground beef, lean
  • 1 tbspolive oil
  • 1 pcsyellow onion, finely chopped
  • 0.5 pcsgreen bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 3 clovegarlic, minced
  • 2 tbsptomato paste
  • 400 gdiced tomatoes, canned
  • 120 mlbeef broth
  • 0.25 cupgreen olives, pitted, sliced
  • 1 tbspcapers, drained
  • 2 tbspraisins
  • 1 tspcumin, ground
  • 0.5 tsporegano, dried
  • 1 pcsbay leaf
  • 1 tspsalt
  • 0.5 tspblack pepper, ground

Equipment

large skillet · wooden spoon

The method

Step by step

  1. 1

    Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

    About 2 min

  2. 2

    Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and no longer pink.

    About 8 min

    Cook’s note: Drain any excess fat if necessary before proceeding.

  3. 3

    Stir in the yellow onion and green bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

    About 7 min

  4. 4

    Add the minced garlic, tomato paste, cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.

    About 1 min

  5. 5

    Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth. Add the green olives, capers, raisins, and bay leaf.

    About 1 min

  6. 6

    Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

    About 20 min

    Cook’s note: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

  7. 7

    Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Per serving

Nutrition

Calories
431.6kcal
Protein
24.2g
Carbs
16.6g
Fat
30.7g
Fibre
3.7g
Sugar
9.4g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover picadillo in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

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