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Cuban Beef Picadillo

40-Minute Cuban Beef Picadillo That Will Blow Your Mind

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A classic Cuban beef picadillo made with ground beef, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, olives, and raisins for a sweet and savory flavor.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ⅓ cup dry white wine, (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • 1 (14oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
  • ⅓ cup dried currants or raisins
  • ½ cup green pitted olives
  • ⅓ cup chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, crumbling it with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 5 to 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Lower the heat to medium and add the onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Optional: pour in the white wine and cook, scraping the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits, until evaporated.
  4. Stir in the paprika, cumin, oregano, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  5. Cover and simmer on medium-low for 15 minutes.
  6. Add the currants (or raisins) and olives and continue cooking, uncovered, for another 10-15 minutes.
  7. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  8. Stir in the chopped parsley and serve.

Notes

  • Picadillo is a traditional Latin American dish with variations in different countries.
  • Raisins and olives add a sweet and briny contrast to the savory beef.
  • Serve over rice, with plantains, or as a filling for empanadas.
  • Cuban picadillo typically includes olives and raisins, while Mexican versions may use potatoes.
  • Author: Livia Reed
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Cuban
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg