5 Best Picadillo Recipes

delicious picadillo recipe ideas

You've probably heard of picadillo, right? It's that tasty dish that brings together flavors from all across Latin America. You might love the sweet and savory mix in the Cuban version or the heartiness of the Mexican kind with potatoes. Each recipe has its own twist, making it fun to investigate. So, which one are you craving to try first? Let's plunge into these mouthwatering options and find your next favorite!

Classic Cuban Picadillo

Classic Cuban Picadillo is a traditional dish that embodies the rich flavors of Cuban cuisine. This savory ground beef hash is infused with a medley of spices, vegetables, and a touch of sweetness from raisins and olives, creating a delightful balance that's both comforting and satisfying.

Often served with rice and black beans, Picadillo is perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners, making it a beloved staple in many households.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup green olives, sliced
  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking instructions: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned.

Drain any excess fat, then mix in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, olives, raisins, cumin, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.

Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together.

Remove the bay leaf before serving and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Extra tips: For an authentic touch, consider adding a splash of white wine or a tablespoon of capers to elevate the flavor profile.

Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or fewer raisins based on your preference. To make the dish even heartier, you can add diced potatoes or carrots during cooking.

Serve the Picadillo over fluffy white rice and pair it with fried plantains for a complete Cuban experience.

Mexican Picadillo With Potatoes

savory mexican beef hash

Mexican Picadillo with Potatoes is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings together ground beef, spices, and tender potatoes for a comforting meal. This traditional recipe showcases the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine and is perfect for family dinners.

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The combination of sautéed onions, garlic, and tomatoes with the richness of beef creates a delicious filling, while the potatoes add a satisfying texture. Serve it with warm tortillas or over rice for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 medium potatoes, diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • 1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup beef broth (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until they're translucent and fragrant.

Next, incorporate the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned. Stir in the diced tomatoes, green bell pepper, cumin, oregano, paprika, and season with salt and pepper.

Add the diced potatoes and mix well, then pour in the beef broth if using, cover the skillet, and let it simmer on low heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and guarantee even cooking.

Extra Tips:

To amplify the flavors of your picadillo, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a few olives for a briny kick.

If you're looking for a slightly sweeter taste, you can include raisins or capers as well. For added nutrition, feel free to toss in some frozen peas or carrots during the last few minutes of cooking.

Finally, serve your picadillo with warm tortillas or rice, and garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy your delicious Mexican Picadillo with Potatoes!

Puerto Rican Picadillo

Puerto Rican Picadillo is a flavorful ground beef dish that embodies the rich culinary heritage of Puerto Rico. This comforting meal combines savory spices, vegetables, and olives to create a delicious filling that can be served over rice, in tacos, or with plantains.

The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes it a favorite among many, and it's perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup green olives, sliced
  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 tablespoon adobo seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onions, bell pepper, and garlic until softened.

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Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat.

Stir in the tomato sauce, olives, raisins, cumin, oregano, adobo seasoning, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Stir occasionally and make sure the mixture doesn't stick to the bottom of the skillet.

Extra Tips:

For a deeper flavor, consider adding diced potatoes or carrots to the mix for added texture and sweetness.

If you prefer a spicier version, you can include a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Additionally, feel free to adjust the amount of raisins and olives according to your taste preferences.

Picadillo can also be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for later use, making it a convenient meal option.

Don't forget to serve it with a side of white rice or fried plantains for a complete Puerto Rican experience!

Vegetarian Picadillo

vegetarian meat substitute dish

Vegetarian Picadillo is a delightful twist on the classic Cuban dish, replacing the traditional meat with protein-rich lentils and a medley of colorful vegetables. This hearty dish maintains the essence of picadillo, featuring a harmony of spices and flavors.

Perfect for a family dinner or a meal prep option, this vegetarian version is sure to please both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike, making it a versatile addition to any meal rotation.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup lentils, rinsed and drained
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 carrot, diced
  • 1 small zucchini, diced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 1/4 cup green olives, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions:

In a large pot, cook the lentils according to package instructions until tender, then drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and carrot, and sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in the garlic and zucchini, cooking for an additional 2 minutes. Add the cooked lentils, diced tomatoes, raisins, olives, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Mix well and let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley.

Extra Tips:

To enhance your Vegetarian Picadillo, consider adding ingredients like chopped walnuts for added texture or a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick.

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You can also customize the spice level by adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. This dish pairs beautifully with rice or quinoa, making it a filling and nutritious meal.

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Picadillo Empanadas

Picadillo empanadas are a delicious and savory twist on traditional empanadas, filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, spices, and vegetables. These golden pastries make for a perfect appetizer or snack, showcasing the rich and comforting flavors of Latin American cuisine.

The combination of the tender dough and the hearty picadillo filling creates a delightful treat that's sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 1/4 cup green olives, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 package of empanada dough discs (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic, sautéing until the vegetables are soft.

Next, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula and cooking until browned. Stir in the diced tomatoes, raisins, green olives, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper, cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes until the mixture is well combined and heated through.

Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

On a clean surface, lay out the empanada dough discs and place a spoonful of the picadillo filling in the center of each disc. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, pressing the edges firmly to seal.

Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a golden finish. Arrange the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Extra Tips:

To improve the flavor of your picadillo, consider adding spices like paprika or chili powder for a kick, or even some chopped fresh cilantro for freshness.

If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms. For extra crunch, you can also mix in some finely chopped carrots or potatoes into the filling.

Make sure to seal the edges of the empanadas well to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking. Finally, serve your empanadas with a side of salsa or guacamole for dipping!


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