Picadillo, a classic Latin dish, is a savory-sweet mixture of ground beef, tomatoes, olives, raisins, and spices. It's a crowd-pleaser that's versatile enough to fill tacos, empanadas, or serve with rice. This recipe will guide you in making your homemade Classic Picadillo.
This Classic Picadillo recipe uses a few ingredients that might not be present in your pantry. Ground coriander and Tabasco sauce, usually found in the spices section, add distinct flavors. Raisins and green olives provide an interesting mix of sweetness and tanginess, respectively. Lastly, the recipe calls for beer, which intensifies the flavors and helps tenderize the meat.
Ingredients Needed for Classic Picadillo
Ground beef: The main protein of the dish. It is cooked until no longer pink, and absorbs the flavors of other ingredients.
Onion: Adds sweetness and a bit of crunch when sautéed with the beef.
Green bell pepper: Provides a mild, slightly bitter taste to balance the richness of the beef.
Garlic: Gives an aromatic and flavorful base to the dish.
Beer: Used to deglaze the pan and adds depth of flavor.
Tomatoes: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor, and contributes to the sauce.
Tomato paste: It's concentrated and has a rich tomato flavor to enhance the dish.
Ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor, and a bit of heat.
Ground coriander: It has a sweet, floral taste to balance the heat of the dish.
Salt: Brings out the flavors of other ingredients.
Black pepper: Adds heat and depth of flavor.
Tabasco sauce: It's a hot sauce that adds a spicy kick.
Cooking oil: Used to cook and brown the beef.
Baking potatoes: Adds a hearty, starchy component to the dish.
Raisins: Provides a sweet contrast to the savory ingredients.
Green olives: Adds a salty, briny flavor that complements the sweetness of raisins.
One reader, Gasper Dabney says:
This classic picadillo recipe is a game-changer! The blend of savory beef, aromatic spices, and the delightful addition of raisins and olives creates a symphony of flavors. It's a comforting and satisfying dish that's perfect for family dinners. I highly recommend trying it!
Techniques Required for Making Classic Picadillo
How to cook ground beef: Cook the ground beef in a large stainless-steel frying pan until it is no longer pink.
How to sauté vegetables: Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the cooked ground beef and sauté until they start to soften, about 3 minutes.
How to simmer ingredients: After adding the beer, tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, and Tabasco sauce, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer covered for 15 minutes.
How to fry potatoes: In a large nonstick frying pan, heat the oil over moderately high heat. Add the potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 8 to 10 minutes.
How to incorporate ingredients: Add the fried potatoes, raisins, and olives to the meat mixture and cook covered until the potatoes are just done, about 10 minutes longer.
How To Make Picadillo
Serve a classic Latin American dish with this picadillo recipe that’s packed with ground beef, potatoes, and raisins in a spiced beer-tomato sauce.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1¼lbsground beef
- 1large onion
- 1green bell pepper
- 2clovesgarlic
- ½cupbeer
- 1cuptomatoes,(one 15 oz can), drained canned chopped
- 2tbsptomato paste
- 2tspground cumin
- 1¼tspground coriander
- 1½tspsalt
- ¼tspfresh ground black pepper
- ¼tsptabasco sauce
- 2tbspcooking oil
- 1lbbaking potatoes,(about 2)
- ½cupraisins
- ½cupgreen olives,quartered and pitted
Instructions
-
In a large stainless-steel frying pan, cook the ground beef until it is no longer pink.
-
Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until starting to soften.
-
Stir in the beer, tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, and Tabasco sauce, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes.
-
Meanwhile, in a large nonstick frying pan, heat the oil over moderately high heat.
-
Add the potatoes and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.
-
Add the potatoes, raisins, and olives to the meat mixture. Cook for about 10 minutes longer, covered, until the potatoes are just done.
Nutrition
- Calories: 642.64kcal
- Fat: 38.37g
- Saturated Fat: 11.68g
- Trans Fat: 1.70g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 18.93g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.08g
- Carbohydrates: 45.67g
- Fiber: 4.97g
- Sugar: 15.79g
- Protein: 29.32g
- Cholesterol: 100.64mg
- Sodium: 1024.10mg
- Calcium: 94.14mg
- Potassium: 1315.52mg
- Iron: 5.50mg
- Vitamin A: 36.59µg
- Vitamin C: 40.57mg
How To Make Picadillo
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1¼lbsground beef
- 1largeonion
- 1green bell pepper
- 2clovesgarlic
- ½cupbeer
- 1cuptomatoes,(one 15 oz can), drained canned chopped
- 2tbsptomato paste
- 2tspground cumin
- 1¼tspground coriander
- 1½tspsalt
- ¼tspfresh ground black pepper
- ¼tsptabasco sauce
- 2tbspcooking oil
- 1lbbaking potatoes,(about 2)
- ½cupraisins
- ½cupgreen olives,quartered and pitted
Instructions
-
In a large stainless-steel frying pan, cook the ground beef until it is no longer pink.
-
Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until starting to soften.
-
Stir in the beer, tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, and Tabasco sauce, and bring to a boil.
-
Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes.
-
Meanwhile, in a large nonstick frying pan, heat the oil over moderately high heat.
-
Add the potatoes and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.
-
Add the potatoes, raisins, and olives to the meat mixture.
-
Cook for about 10 minutes longer, covered until the potatoes are just done.
Nutrition
- Calories: 642.64kcal
- Fat: 38.37g
- Saturated Fat: 11.68g
- Trans Fat: 1.70g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 18.93g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.08g
- Carbohydrates: 45.67g
- Fiber: 4.97g
- Sugar: 15.79g
- Protein: 29.32g
- Cholesterol: 100.64mg
- Sodium: 1024.10mg
- Calcium: 94.14mg
- Potassium: 1315.52mg
- Iron: 5.50mg
- Vitamin A: 36.59µg
- Vitamin C: 40.57mg
Technique Tip for Enhancing Your Picadillo
In a large stainless-steel frying pan, cook the ground beef until it is no longer pink. Add the onion, bell pepper and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until starting to soften, about 3 minutes. Stir in the beer, tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper and tabasco sauce and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a large nonstick frying pan, heat the cooking oil over moderately high heat. Add the potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the potatoes, raisins and green olives to the meat mixture. Cook, covered, until the potatoes are just done, about 10 minutes longer.
Wine recommendation: Northern Rhône reds need robust culinary foils, and this sturdy picadillo is up to the task. Look for a St-Joseph or Crozes-Hermitage-or, if you want to splurge, a Hermitage or Côte Rôtie. If you don't, a beer will be just fine.
When cooking the potatoes, ensure they are cut into even pieces. This will ensure they cook evenly and at the same rate. If some pieces are larger than others, they may not be fully cooked when the smaller pieces are done, resulting in uneven texture in your picadillo.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Picadillo
Prep ahead: Prepare and chop all the ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonder: Consider using a pressure cooker or slow cooker to simplify the cooking and minimize cleanup.
Batch cooking: Make a larger portion and freeze the extra for future quick and easy meals.
Organized workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you cook to save time and reduce stress.
Efficient multitasking: Utilize multiple cooking methods simultaneously to expedite the cooking process.
Quick substitutions: Be open to substituting ingredients to work with what you have on hand, reducing the need for extra shopping trips.
Pre-measured ingredients: Pre-measure all ingredients before starting to avoid interruptions during the cooking process.
Streamlined cleanup: Clean as you go to minimize the post-cooking cleanup time.
Smart kitchen tools: Use kitchen gadgets like food processors and mandolines to speed up the prep work.
Time-saving shortcuts: Utilize pre-made ingredients like canned tomatoes or pre-chopped vegetables to cut down on prep time.
Substitute Ingredients For Picadillo Recipe
ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can be used as a healthier alternative to ground beef. It has a similar texture and can easily absorb the flavors of the dish.
green bell pepper - Substitute with red bell pepper: Red bell peppers can be used as a substitute for green bell peppers, providing a slightly sweeter flavor and vibrant color to the dish.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: If fresh garlic is not available, garlic powder can be used as a substitute. Use 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of garlic.
beer - Substitute with beef broth: Beef broth can be used as a substitute for beer to add depth of flavor to the dish without the alcohol content.
tomatoes - Substitute with canned diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute for fresh tomatoes, providing convenience and consistent flavor.
tomato paste - Substitute with ketchup: Ketchup can be used as a substitute for tomato paste, providing a slightly sweeter flavor and a similar thick consistency.
ground cumin - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder can be used as a substitute for ground cumin, providing a warm and earthy flavor with a hint of spiciness.
ground coriander - Substitute with ground cumin: Ground cumin can be used as a substitute for ground coriander, as it shares a similar warm and citrusy flavor profile.
tabasco sauce - Substitute with hot sauce: Any hot sauce can be used as a substitute for Tabasco sauce, providing heat and flavor to the dish.
cooking oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a substitute for cooking oil, adding a rich flavor to the dish.
baking potatoes - Substitute with Yukon Gold potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes can be used as a substitute for baking potatoes, providing a creamy texture and buttery flavor.
raisins - Substitute with dried cranberries: Dried cranberries can be used as a substitute for raisins, providing a tart and slightly sweet flavor to the dish.
green olives - Substitute with kalamata olives: Kalamata olives can be used as a substitute for green olives, offering a rich and briny flavor to the picadillo.
Presenting Your Picadillo Dish
Elevate the plating: When presenting the classic picadillo, focus on creating a visually appealing plate. Use fresh herbs and microgreens to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Incorporate texture: Introduce a contrast in textures by serving the picadillo alongside a crispy plantain chip or a delicate tortilla crisp. This adds an element of surprise and enhances the overall dining experience.
Emphasize precision: Pay attention to the placement of each component on the plate. Utilize tweezers to delicately position the olives and raisins, ensuring that every element is meticulously arranged.
Utilize elegant dinnerware: Choose ceramic plates or earthenware bowls to showcase the picadillo. The choice of dinnerware should complement the rustic nature of the dish while adding a touch of sophistication.
Garnish with edible flowers: Elevate the presentation by garnishing the picadillo with edible flowers such as marigold petals or nasturtium blooms. This adds a delicate and visually stunning element to the dish.
Essential Tools for Making Picadillo
- Large stainless-steel frying pan: Ideal for cooking the ground beef and creating a flavorful base for the picadillo.
- Large nonstick frying pan: Perfect for frying the potatoes until golden brown without sticking.
- Cooking oil: Used for frying the potatoes to a golden brown perfection.
- Food processor: Useful for chopping the onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the desired consistency for the picadillo.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Picadillo
Here are the detailed storing and freezing guidelines for classic picadillo:
- Let the picadillo cool completely before storing or freezing. Transfer to an airtight container or resealable freezer bag.
- Refrigerator storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through before serving.
- Freezer storage: Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. For best results, freeze in individual portions for quick and easy meals.
- Consider storing the potatoes separately from the picadillo if freezing, as they may become mushy when thawed. You can freeze the picadillo without the potatoes and add freshly cooked potatoes when reheating.
- Label the container or freezer bag with the date and contents for easy reference.
- To reheat, place the thawed picadillo in a skillet over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of beef broth or water if needed to help restore moisture.
- Serve the reheated picadillo over rice, in tacos, or as a filling for burritos or empanadas. Enjoy your delicious, homemade meal!
How To Reheat Picadillo Leftovers
Reheat the picadillo in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This method allows the flavors to meld together and the potatoes to crisp up slightly.
For a quicker option, microwave individual portions of picadillo in a microwave-safe dish, covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until heated through.
If you have a lot of leftover picadillo, reheat it in a covered casserole dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Stir the picadillo halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
For a crispy twist, place the leftover picadillo in a baking dish, top with shredded cheese and bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 10-15 minutes.
Transform your leftover picadillo into a new dish by using it as a filling for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas. Simply reheat the picadillo, fill your chosen vessel, and add your favorite toppings.
Create a picadillo shepherd's pie by spreading the leftover picadillo in a baking dish, topping it with mashed potatoes, and baking in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven until the top is golden brown and the filling is heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
Random Fact about Classic Picadillo Recipe:
The classic picadillo recipe is a traditional Cuban dish that combines savory and sweet flavors, with the addition of raisins and olives. This unique combination of ingredients creates a delicious and complex flavor profile that sets picadillo apart from other ground beef dishes. The use of beer in the recipe adds depth and richness to the sauce, making it a versatile and flavorful dish. Picadillo is a popular comfort food in many Latin American countries and is often served with rice or used as a filling for empanadas or tacos.
Is Making Picadillo at Home Economical?
This classic picadillo recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Ground beef is a budget-friendly protein, and the addition of potatoes, onions, and bell peppers makes it even more economical. The use of pantry staples like canned tomatoes and spices keeps the cost down. The total cost for a household of 4 people is approximately $15-$20. Overall Verdict: 8/10
Is Classic Picadillo Healthy or Unhealthy?
The classic picadillo recipe, while flavorful, has some aspects that could be improved from a health perspective. The use of ground beef and cooking oil contributes to the dish's saturated fat content, which, if consumed in excess, may increase the risk of heart disease. Additionally, the recipe includes added salt, which could be a concern for those watching their sodium intake.
However, the recipe also incorporates some healthy ingredients. The inclusion of vegetables like onion, bell pepper, and tomatoes provides essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The use of spices such as cumin and coriander not only enhances the flavor but also offers potential health benefits due to their antioxidant properties.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for lean ground beef or replace a portion of the beef with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives like lentils or crumbled tofu to reduce the saturated fat content
- Reduce the amount of cooking oil used or switch to healthier options like olive oil or avocado oil
- Adjust the salt content according to your taste preferences and dietary needs, or experiment with other flavor-enhancing ingredients like fresh herbs or spices
- Increase the proportion of vegetables in the dish to boost its nutrient density and fiber content
- Serve the picadillo with whole-grain options like brown rice or whole-wheat tortillas to add more fiber and complex carbohydrates to the meal
Editor's Thoughts on This Classic Cuban Dish
This classic picadillo recipe is a delightful blend of savory and sweet flavors. The combination of ground beef, onions, bell peppers, and spices creates a rich and aromatic base, while the addition of raisins and green olives adds a unique sweet and tangy twist. The use of beer and tomatoes infuses the dish with depth and complexity. The suggested wine pairings, particularly a robust northern Rhône red, or a beer, offer a thoughtful touch to elevate the dining experience. Overall, this recipe promises a satisfying and comforting meal that is sure to please the palate.
Enhance Your Picadillo Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Alternative Recipes Similar to Classic Picadillo
Appetizers and Desserts to Complement Your Picadillo Meal
Why trust this Picadillo Recipe:
This classic picadillo recipe is a time-tested favorite, offering a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. The combination of ground beef, tomatoes, and green olives creates a rich and hearty base, while the addition of raisins adds a delightful touch of sweetness. The aromatic blend of cumin and coriander infuses the dish with warm, earthy notes, elevating its overall depth of flavor. Trust in the traditional appeal of this recipe, as it has been enjoyed for generations and continues to stand the test of time.
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