A Hearty, Flavor Packed Weeknight Meal You’ll Crave Again and Again

This easy picadillo recipe is a comforting one pan meal made with ground beef, tomatoes, olives, and warm spices. Perfect for busy weeknights, Ready in just 30 minutes!

Easy Picadillo Recipe

Why You’ll Love Picadillo recipe

If there’s one dish that brings comfort and flavor to the table in equal measure, it’s picadillo. This humble, hearty dish is a staple across Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Philippines each region putting its own delicious spin on it. At its core, picadillo is a saucy ground meat dish, usually made with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices. Cuban style versions often include green olives and sweet raisins, creating a savory sweet combo that’s irresistibly good.

What makes picadillo such a favorite? It’s simple to make, budget friendly, and incredibly versatile. Serve it over fluffy white rice, tuck it into empanadas, or spoon it into tacos. It’s comfort food that adapts to your cravings.

Let’s dive into this easy, authentic recipe and bring bold, global flavors to your kitchen.

Flat lay of ingredients for easy picadillo recipe including ground beef, tomatoes, olives, and spices — Gather your pantry staples—this hearty Picadillo recipe comes together with simple ingredients

Ingredients You’ll Need for Easy Picadillo Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

For the Picadillo:

1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 large tomato, diced (or 1/2 can crushed tomatoes)
1/4 cup tomato sauce or paste
1/2 cup diced potatoes (optional but traditional)
1/4 cup green olives (pitted and sliced)
2 tbsp raisins (for a sweet-savory balance)
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp oil for sautéing

Optional Add-Ins:

1/2 bell pepper, diced
1 bay leaf
Dash of cinnamon (Filipino-style twist)

How to Make the Best Easy Picadillo Step by Step

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, add oil and sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).

Step 2: Cook the Beef

Add ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes & Spices

Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, cumin, paprika, oregano, and optional cinnamon or bay leaf. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.

Step 4: Add Potatoes & Raisins

Add diced potatoes and raisins. Cover and cook on low heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are soft.

Step 5: Add Olives and Finish

Add green olives, season with salt and pepper, and let everything simmer for 3 more minutes until well combined and saucy.

Easy Picadillo served in a white bowl with rice, olives, and parsley garnish — This easy Picadillo recipe is a comfort food classic perfect with fluffy white rice.

How to Serve Picadillo

With White Rice: The classic way
Inside Tacos or Empanadas: Perfect for leftovers
With Plantains or Fried Eggs: For a Caribbean twist
On Toast or Bread: For a quick snack or brunch bite

Why This Easy Picadillo Recipe Works

Ready in under 30 minutes.
One-pan meal = minimal cleanup.
Freezer-friendly for busy nights.
Packed with bold, sweet & savory flavors.
Kid-friendly and adult-approved.

Pro Tips for the Best Picadillo

Use lean ground beef to avoid a greasy dish.
Don’t skip the raisins—they add the signature sweet note that balances the savory.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving for flavor to deepen.
Want a low-carb version? Serve with cauliflower rice.

How to Store & Reheat

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat on stovetop or microwave.
Make Ahead: Cook the base and add fresh potatoes or veggies when ready to serve.

Variations of Picadillo

Cuban Picadillo

Includes raisins and green olives.
Often sweeter and served with white rice and plantains.

Mexican Picadillo

Spicier, may include chopped potatoes and carrots.

Filipino Picadillo

Known as giniling; often includes fish sauce, potatoes, and sometimes hard-boiled eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories	310 kcal
Carbohydrates	14 g
Dietary Fiber	3 g
Sugars	5 g
Protein	24 g
Total Fat	18 g
Saturated Fat	6 g
Cholesterol	65 mg
Sodium	720 mg
Potassium	640 mg
Calcium	50 mg
Iron	3.1 mg

Recipe FAQs

What does picadillo mean?

“Picadillo” comes from the Spanish word picar, meaning “to chop.” It refers to the finely chopped ingredients in the dish.

Can I make picadillo ahead of time?

Yes! Picadillo stores beautifully. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months.

Is picadillo spicy?

Traditional Cuban picadillo is mild. Mexican versions can be spicy—feel free to adjust to your heat level.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey works great and makes the dish a bit leaner.

Is picadillo gluten-free?

Yes just double-check that your broth and other packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.