Easy Picadillo Recipe
A classic Latin American dish made with ground beef, tomatoes, potatoes, olives, and warm spices. This Easy Picadillo is savory, comforting, and perfect served with rice, tacos, or empanada filling.
Ingredients
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
Instructions
- 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.
Video
Notes
- 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.