A savory ground beef hash cooked with tomatoes, onions, peppers, olives, raisins, and spices, offering a unique sweet-and-salty flavor.

Picadillo

Recipe & Instructions (US Units)

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1.5 lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/2 cup dry white wine or beef broth
• 1/2 cup pimiento-stuffed green olives, halved or sliced
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 medium potato, peeled and finely diced (can be fried separately or simmered in the picadillo)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper, cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes (this is the sofrito base).
2. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off excess fat.
4. Stir in cumin, oregano, optional cinnamon, and bay leaf. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and white wine or broth. Bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing flavors to meld. (If adding raw diced potatoes, add them here and ensure enough liquid, cook until tender).
7. Stir in the olives, raisins, and optional capers.
8. Continue simmering, uncovered, for another 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
9. Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
10. Serve hot, typically with white rice.

What makes it special?*

Picadillo is classic Cuban comfort food. It's a savory and aromatic ground meat hash characterized by its unique combination of sweet and salty elements – typically raisins and green olives. Often includes capers and potatoes too. This flavorful mix, simmered in a tomato-based sauce with onions, peppers, and spices, is incredibly versatile; it can be served as a main course with rice, used as a filling for empanadas or stuffed potatoes (papas rellenas), or layered in shepherd's pie-style dishes.