Picadillo, a beloved dish in Cuban cuisine, is more than just seasoned ground beef; it's a symphony of flavors and textures that dance on your palate. Imagine a savory blend of ground beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce, punctuated by the sweetness of raisins and the briny tang of olives. This isn't just a meal; it's a culinary journey to the vibrant streets of Havana. You can almost hear the salsa music playing.
I first tasted picadillo at a small family-owned restaurant in Miami, and it was love at first bite. The combination of sweet, savory, and tangy was simply irresistible. I knew I had to recreate this dish at home. After much trial and error, I've perfected a recipe that captures the authentic flavors of Cuban picadillo, and I'm thrilled to share it with you. My version is easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a weeknight meal. Trust me; your family will thank you.
Required Equipments
- Large Skillet
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Rice Cooker (optional)
- Mixing Spoon
Cuban Inspired Ground Beef Picadillo with Rice: Frequently Asked Questions
Cuban Inspired Ground Beef Picadillo with Rice
This Cuban-Inspired Ground Beef Picadillo recipe combines savory ground beef with sweet raisins, briny olives, and aromatic spices in a tomato-based sauce. Served over fluffy rice, it's a flavorful and comforting meal that's easy to make and will transport your taste buds to Havana!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Get Started: Dice the bell pepper, onion, and mince the garlic. Set aside. If you're using raisins, give them a quick soak in warm water to plump them up.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody likes greasy picadillo!
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The kitchen should be smelling realy good by now.
- Add Tomato Sauce and Seasoning: Stir in the tomato sauce, cumin, oregano, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later, but you can't take it away!
- Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If it's too dry, add a splash of water.
- Add Olives and Raisins: Stir in the olives and raisins (if using) during the last 10 minutes of cooking. This lets them warm through without becoming mushy. If you dont like raisins, leave them out.
- Prepare the Rice: While the picadillo simmers, cook the white rice according to package directions or in a rice cooker. Fluff with a fork when done.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the bay leaf from the picadillo. Serve the picadillo hot over a bed of fluffy white rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired. Enjoy! Feel free to add a fried egg on top. trust me.
📝 Notes
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 25 g
Fat: 20 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 4 g
Calcium: 80mg
