Easy Cuban Picadillo

Easy Cuban Picadillo

4 servings
My girlfriend gave me this delicious recipe years ago. I’ve made it ever since for family and friends, and they all love it. My daughter loves to take leftovers to school for lunch the next day. —Marie Wielgus, Wayne, New Jersey

Ingredients

  • lean ground beef

    90% lean

    1 lb
  • green pepper

    chopped

    1 small
  • chopped onion
    ¼ c
  • tomato sauce
    1 can
  • sliced pimiento-stuffed olives
    ½ c
  • raisins
    ¼ c
  • cider vinegar
    1 tbsp
  • hot cooked rice
    2 c
  • fresh cilantro leaves

    optional

Directions

  1. 1

    In a large skillet, cook beef with pepper and onion over medium-high heat until no longer pink, 5-7 minutes; crumble beef. Stir in tomato sauce, olives, raisins and vinegar; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until raisins are softened, 5-6 minutes.

  2. 2

    Serve with rice. If desired, top with fresh cilantro to serve.

Easy Cuban Picadillo

Easy Cuban Picadillo

4.9(14)25 min4 servings363 cal

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Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 14 ratings

tasteofhome.com
4.9(14 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Craving a flavorful, quick, and comforting dinner that truly satisfies? This Easy Cuban Picadillo recipe is a beloved classic that comes together in a flash, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort.

What makes this picadillo truly special is its perfect balance of savory lean ground beef, bright green pepper, aromatic onion, tangy pimiento-stuffed olives, and sweet raisins, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. It’s a tried-and-true family favorite, praised for its deliciousness and often requested for lunch the next day.

Expect a deeply satisfying meal that’s both hearty and vibrant. The tender ground beef is infused with the sweetness of chopped onion and the mild crunch of green pepper, all brought together by a savory tomato base. The distinctive briny pop of pimiento-stuffed olives provides a wonderful contrast, while the unexpected addition of sweet raisins creates a delightful chewiness and a nuanced depth of flavor. A splash of cider vinegar brightens the entire dish, ensuring each bite is an exciting blend of sweet, savory, and tangy notes.

You can easily adjust the proportions of pimiento-stuffed olives and raisins to suit your preference for more savory or sweet notes. For an extra fresh finish and a beautiful pop of color, don't skip the optional fresh cilantro leaves. Feel free to be generous with it if you're a fan.

Serve this comforting Easy Cuban Picadillo generously over a bed of hot cooked rice. It’s an ideal weeknight dinner and makes fantastic leftovers.

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