This picadillo is a cozy, one skillet ground beef dinner packed with sweet and savory flavor. Ground beef simmers with onion, bell pepper, garlic, cumin, oregano, and tomato sauce, then gets finished with briny sliced green olives and sweet raisins. It is the classic combo that makes beef picadillo so addictive, and this easy picadillo recipe is ready in about 30 minutes. Spoon it over rice and dinner is done.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Picadillo Recipe
- It is sweet, salty, and savory all at once. The raisins and olives sound like an odd pair, but they are what make picadillo so good.
- It is made in one skillet. Everything cooks in the same pan in about 30 minutes.
- It uses simple ingredients. Ground beef, pantry spices, and a can of tomato sauce do most of the work.
- It is so versatile. Serve it over rice, stuff it into peppers or tacos, or eat it straight from a bowl.
Ingredients Needed To Make Picadillo
The Base
Oil, a chopped onion, a green or red bell pepper, and minced garlic sautéed until soft and fragrant.
The Beef and Seasoning
One pound of ground beef browned and seasoned with cumin, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
The Sauce
An 8 oz can of tomato sauce and 1/2 cup of beef broth (or water) simmer together into a rich, savory sauce.
The Olives and Raisins
Sliced Real Pimiento Olives plus a few whole ones for garnish add a briny bite, and raisins (or chopped dates) add little pops of sweetness.
Gluten-free and dairy-free: this picadillo is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. Just double check the label on your broth.
Do I have to add the raisins?
No, but they are a big part of classic picadillo flavor. The raisins add a touch of sweetness that balances the salty olives. If raisins are not your thing, chopped dates work, or you can leave them out entirely.
How to Make Picadillo
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic and sauté for about 4 minutes, stirring often, until softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Simmer
Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Stir in the cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, tomato sauce, and broth. Cover, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
Step 3: Stir in the Olives and Raisins
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sliced olives and raisins until evenly mixed. Top with the whole olives.
Step 4: Serve
Serve the picadillo warm over rice.
Variations
- Add potatoes: diced potatoes simmered in the sauce make it even heartier.
- Swap the protein: ground turkey, ground pork, or a mix of beef and pork all work.
- Add capers: a spoonful of capers adds even more briny flavor.
- Use dates: chopped dates work in place of raisins.
- Add some heat: stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the peppers.
- Make it a filling: use it to stuff bell peppers, empanadas, or tacos.
Storing and Reheating
Store leftover picadillo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it looks dry. The flavors get even better the next day, so it is perfect for meal prep.
What to Serve With Picadillo
White rice is the classic, but black beans, fried sweet plantains, or a simple avocado salad all go great with picadillo. You can also serve it with tortillas or crusty bread.
Love an easy ground beef dinner? Try these Skillet Beef Enchiladas or these Sloppy Joe Bowls next.
What People Ask About Picadillo
What is picadillo?
Picadillo is a seasoned ground beef dish popular in Cuba, Latin America, and the Philippines. It is typically simmered in a tomato-based sauce with onion, peppers, and spices, and Cuban-style picadillo often includes olives and raisins.
What do you eat picadillo with?
Picadillo is most often served over white rice, usually with black beans and fried plantains on the side. It is also great in tacos, empanadas, or stuffed peppers.
Can I make picadillo ahead of time?
Yes, picadillo is great made ahead. It keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days and the flavors get even better as it sits.
Picadillo
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 bell pepper green or red, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1/2 cup raisins or chopped dates
- 1/2 cup Real Pimiento Olives sliced
- 6 whole Real Pimiento Olives
For Serving
- rice
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and sauté for about 4 minutes, stirring often, until softened and fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Stir in the cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, tomato sauce, and broth. Cover, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in the olives and raisins until evenly incorporated. Serve warm over rice.
