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Cuban Picadillo Recipe

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4.1 from 177 reviews

Cuban Picadillo is a flavorful ground beef hash simmered with aromatic vegetables, olives, raisins, and a blend of traditional Cuban spices. This hearty dish combines savory, sweet, and tangy elements to create a comforting meal perfect when served with rice, black beans, and plantains.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped

Main Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 2 teaspoons oregano
  • 2 teaspoons Sazon completa
  • ½ cup white wine
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 8 oz tomato sauce
  • ½ cup green olives, sliced
  • ⅓ cup raisins
  • ¼-½ cup water

Instructions

  1. Heat the Oil and Cook Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, red and green bell peppers, and finely chopped garlic. Stir the vegetables for about 1 minute until fragrant and slightly softened.
  2. Add Ground Beef and Spices: Push the vegetables to the edges of the pan, creating a space in the center. Add 1.5 pounds of ground beef into the center, along with salt, pepper, 2 teaspoons cumin, 2 teaspoons oregano, and 2 teaspoons Sazon completa. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon, mixing the spices thoroughly into the beef.
  3. Cook Meat and Vegetables Together: Stir the vegetables back into the beef after a few minutes and cook everything together until the beef is no longer pink, approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
  4. Deglaze with Wine and Add Bay Leaves: Pour in ½ cup of white wine and add 2 bay leaves. Stir well and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the wine to reduce and flavors to meld.
  5. Add Tomato Sauce, Olives, and Raisins: Stir in 8 oz of tomato sauce, ½ cup of sliced green olives, and ⅓ cup of raisins. Add about ¼ to ½ cup water to adjust consistency.
  6. Simmer the Picadillo: Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
  7. Serve: Remove bay leaves and serve the Cuban Picadillo hot, accompanied by rice, black beans, and fried plantains for an authentic Cuban meal experience.

Notes

  • Sazon completa is a seasoning blend commonly used in Latin American cuisine; it usually contains coriander, cumin, achiote, garlic powder, and salt.
  • Using white wine helps to deglaze the pan and adds depth to the sauce. You can substitute with dry sherry or skip if preferred.
  • Simmering with raisins adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory and salty flavors of the dish.
  • Feel free to adjust the amount of olives and raisins according to your taste preference.
  • For a spicier version, add a dash of crushed red pepper or hot sauce during cooking.
  • Serve with white or yellow rice, black beans, and fried sweet plantains for a complete Cuban meal.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Cuban

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/cuban-picadillo-recipe/