When the aroma of spiced ground beef and vibrant peppers fills your kitchen, you know something special is on the way. Enter Cuban Picadillo—a dish steeped in tradition and flavor that transforms a few simple ingredients into a hearty masterpiece. This comforting recipe is not only a culinary delight but also a breeze to whip up in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family meals.
As I stirred the colorful mix of tomatoes, olives, and warm spices, I was reminded of sunny days spent sharing meals with loved ones, laughter echoing around the table. Each bite of this savory dish bursts with a delightful blend of earthiness and brightness, sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you’re meal prepping or looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner option, my quick and easy Cuban Picadillo is here to elevate your home-cooked experience. Let’s dive into this delicious journey and create something memorable!
Why is Cuban Picadillo a Must-Try?
Rich, Comforting Flavors: This Cuban Picadillo showcases a symphony of flavors, combining savory beef with tangy olives and warm spices to satisfy any palate.
Quick Preparation: Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a delicious home-cooked meal without the hassle.
Versatile Option: Adapt the recipe easily by swapping ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs—think ground turkey or vegan alternatives!
Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to four days, making it ideal for quick lunches throughout the week.
Crowd Pleaser: Whether serving a family dinner or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress and spark joy around the table!
Cuban Picadillo Ingredients
For the Base
• Onion – Adds sweetness and depth; can substitute with shallots for a milder flavor.
• Garlic – Provides aroma and savory taste; fresh cloves are ideal, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
• Tomato – Enhances moisture and freshness; canned diced tomatoes can be used if fresh is unavailable.
• Red Bell Pepper – Adds sweetness and color; any bell pepper or even jalapeño for heat can substitute.
• Cilantro – Offers freshness and bright flavor; parsley can be a mild substitute.
• 93% Lean Ground Beef – The base protein of the dish; can swap for ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter version.
For the Sauce
• Tomato Sauce – Creates a saucy consistency; can replace with homemade tomato puree for a fresher taste.
• Water – Helps to thin the sauce; vegetable or beef broth can enhance flavor instead.
• Kosher Salt – Essential for seasoning; sea salt can also be used.
• Black Pepper – Adds heat and flavor; white pepper or red chili flakes can substitute for a kick.
• Ground Cumin – Provides warmth and earthiness; coriander could be used for a different flavor profile.
• Bay Leaves – Infuse flavor during cooking; omit if unavailable, but add extra spices if needed.
For the Finishing Touches
• Green Olives/Alcaparrado – Offers briny flavor and texture; capers can also work as a substitute.
• Olive Brine – Adds depth and enhances the olive flavor; use just water if not available but expect a milder taste.
How to Make Cuban Picadillo
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Brown the Beef: In a large sauté pan, brown the ground beef over high heat until it loses its pink color, breaking it into small pieces. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish light and flavorful.
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Chop the Veggies: While the beef is cooking, chop the onion, garlic, bell pepper, tomato, and cilantro. Having everything prepped will streamline your cooking process and keep things organized.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the pan with the beef. Sauté over low heat for about 5 minutes until the veggies become soft and fragrant.
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Mix in Olives and Seasonings: Incorporate the green olives (or alcaparrado), along with 2-4 tablespoons of olive brine, cumin, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste, bringing out the flavors beautifully.
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Add Tomato and Water: Pour in the tomato sauce and a ¼ cup of water, mixing thoroughly to create a rich, saucy consistency that binds all the ingredients together.
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Simmer and Serve: Reduce the heat and cover the pan, allowing the Cuban Picadillo to simmer for about 20 minutes. This step helps the flavors meld and creates a hearty dish to enjoy!
Optional: Serve with rice, black beans, or in tacos for a delightful meal.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Cuban Picadillo are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop the vegetables—onion, garlic, bell pepper, and tomato—up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can brown the ground beef ahead of time and refrigerate it, ensuring that when you’re ready to cook, the final steps are quick and easy. Simply combine the prepped ingredients with olives, seasonings, and tomato sauce. When you’re ready to enjoy your meal, just simmer everything together for about 20 minutes and serve. This prep method will save you valuable time, allowing you to savor the deliciousness of Cuban Picadillo without the rush!
Cuban Picadillo Variations
Feel free to play around with this recipe to make it truly yours, using flavors and textures that tempt your taste buds!
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Dairy-Free: Omit any cheese or dairy ingredients, and ensure that all condiments and sauces are dairy-free.
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes during cooking to elevate the heat level, giving your Cuban Picadillo a fiery twist.
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Sweet & Savory: Mix in a handful of raisins for a traditional touch and a delightful contrast to the savory flavors.
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Gluten-Free: Ensure all sauces and broths are labeled gluten-free, and you can substitute with rice for a gluten-free grain option.
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Plant-Based: Swap the ground beef for lentils or a plant-based meat alternative, creating a delicious vegan version that still offers protein.
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Slow Cooker: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and let them simmer on low for 6-8 hours for a set-it-and-forget-it meal that allows all the flavors to deepen.
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Instant Pot: Use your Instant Pot for a quick version, pressure-cooking the ingredients for about 15 minutes for a speedy, delectable dinner.
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Herb Infusion: Experiment by adding fresh thyme or oregano to your mix, which brings a refreshing herbal note to each bite and enhances the overall aroma.
Enjoy transforming this Cuban classic into something that feels personal and perfect for your family’s taste!
How to Store and Freeze Cuban Picadillo
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Gently reheat on the stove over low heat to maintain the dish’s texture.
Freezer: Freeze Cuban Picadillo in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 6 months. Label containers with dates for easy reference.
Thawing: For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This helps preserve flavor and texture.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Expert Tips for Cuban Picadillo
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Drain the Beef: Make sure to drain excess fat after browning the ground beef to keep your Cuban Picadillo from becoming greasy.
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Adjust Olive Brine: Use olive brine to taste; too much can make the dish overly salty. Start with a small amount and adjust gradually.
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Incorporate Veggies Early: Sautéing the onion, garlic, and bell pepper with the beef not only softens them but enhances the overall flavor of your Cuban Picadillo.
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Simmer to Perfection: Allow the dish to simmer for at least 20 minutes to meld the flavors harmoniously. Patience leads to a more flavorful meal!
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Get Creative: Experiment with ingredient substitutions, like using ground turkey for a lighter option or adding jalapeños for extra heat.
What to Serve with Cuban Picadillo?
Bring your meal to life with delightful sides that complement this savory dish.
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Fluffy White Rice: Perfect for soaking up the rich sauce, white rice provides a comforting base that enhances every bite.
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Black Beans: Nutty and hearty, black beans add protein and a delicious contrast to the vibrant flavors in Cuban Picadillo.
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Sweet Plantains: Their caramelized sweetness balances the savory notes of the dish, creating a harmonious blend of flavors on your plate.
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Avocado Salad: A refreshing avocado salad brings a creamy, cool element that brightens and lightens each bite of the robust Picadillo.
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Cilantro Lime Rice: A zesty twist to your rice, this side invigorates the meal with fresh, vibrant flavors, enhancing the overall experience.
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Tacos: Serve the Picadillo in soft tortillas for a fun and interactive meal. Top with fresh cilantro and lime for a burst of brightness!
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Chilled Mojito: As a refreshing drink pairing, a chilled mojito adds a minty, citrusy flair that complements the spiced dish beautifully.
Cuban Picadillo Recipe FAQs
What type of onion should I use for Cuban Picadillo?
I recommend using yellow or white onion for their sweetness and depth of flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, shallots can also be a great substitute!
How should I store leftover Cuban Picadillo?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat to maintain the meal’s texture and flavor.
Can I freeze Cuban Picadillo?
Absolutely! You can freeze Cuban Picadillo in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 6 months. Just remember to label your containers with the date for easy reference.
What if my Cuban Picadillo is too salty?
If your picadillo turns out saltier than desired, you can balance it by adding a bit of unsalted tomato sauce or extra chopped vegetables during reheating. Simmer it for a few minutes to help meld the flavors together again.
Are there any dietary considerations for Cuban Picadillo?
Yes! It’s a flexible dish. If you’re gluten-free, just ensure all your ingredients, especially sauces, are certified gluten-free. For those with dietary restrictions, ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives work well in this recipe.
Flavorful Cuban Picadillo: Quick High-Protein Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown the Beef: In a large sauté pan, brown the ground beef over high heat until it loses its pink color, breaking it into small pieces. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish light and flavorful.
- Chop the Veggies: While the beef is cooking, chop the onion, garlic, bell pepper, tomato, and cilantro. Having everything prepped will streamline your cooking process and keep things organized.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the pan with the beef. Sauté over low heat for about 5 minutes until the veggies become soft and fragrant.
- Mix in Olives and Seasonings: Incorporate the green olives (or alcaparrado), along with 2-4 tablespoons of olive brine, cumin, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste, bringing out the flavors beautifully.
- Add Tomato and Water: Pour in the tomato sauce and a ¼ cup of water, mixing thoroughly to create a rich, saucy consistency that binds all the ingredients together.
- Simmer and Serve: Reduce the heat and cover the pan, allowing the Cuban Picadillo to simmer for about 20 minutes. This step helps the flavors meld and creates a hearty dish to enjoy!