Go Back
+ servings
Cuban Beef Picadillo

Savory Cuban Beef Picadillo: A Comfort Food Delight

Cuban Beef Picadillo is a comforting dish featuring savory ground beef, olives, and raisins, offering a delightful balance of flavors.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cuban
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 1.5 pounds Lean ground beef
  • 1 Medium onion finely chopped
  • 1 small Red bell pepper finely diced
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced
For Flavoring
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • cup Dry white wine optional, can substitute with beef broth
  • 2 teaspoons Dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon Paprika
  • ½ teaspoon Cumin
For the Sauce
  • 1 14 oz can Crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon Tomato paste
  • ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
For a Touch of Sweetness
  • cup Currants or raisins
  • ½ cup Green pitted olives
  • cup Chopped parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • large skillet

Method
 

Steps to Prepare
  1. Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s glistening, add the ground beef, using a wooden spoon to crumble it. Cook until browned, about 5 to 8 minutes, seasoning generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Reduce the heat to medium and toss in the finely chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they soften, then stir in the minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. If you’re feeling adventurous, add the dry white wine next! Let it simmer, scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift those delicious browned bits, until the liquid evaporates.
  4. Stir in the paprika, cumin, oregano, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch more salt and pepper for an explosion of flavors ready to mingle.
  5. Cover the skillet and let it simmer on medium-low heat for 15 minutes. The flavors will deepen and meld beautifully!
  6. Now it’s time to incorporate the currants (or raisins) and sliced olives, stirring everything together. Cook uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, allowing those flavors to shine.
  7. Taste your Cuban Beef Picadillo and adjust any seasonings as needed. Finally, stir in the vibrant chopped parsley and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Optional: Serve with rice or warm tortillas for the perfect meal.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!