Easy Cuban Picadillo Recipe

Easy Cuban Picadillo Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 can tomato sauce

    15 ounces

  • 1 1/2 cups diced yellow potatoes
  • 1/4 cup diced green olives
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro

Directions

  1. 1

    In a large, deep pan over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the garlic. Then add in the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook the beef until no longer pink, about 8 minutes.

  2. 2

    Add salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, and oregano to the beef.

  3. 3

    Add water, tomato sauce, and potatoes. Stir well. Continue to cook over medium heat, simmering. Simmer for 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

  4. 4

    Remove the dish from heat. Add olives and cilantro as garnish and serve.

Easy Cuban Picadillo Recipe

Easy Cuban Picadillo Recipe

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About this Recipe

Craving a taste of classic Cuban comfort right in your own kitchen? This Easy Cuban Picadillo recipe brings the vibrant, savory flavors of a beloved staple to your table, proving that authentic taste doesn't have to be complicated.

What makes this picadillo truly special is its harmonious blend of savory ground beef with aromatic spices like cumin, paprika, and oregano, brightened by a rich tomato sauce and the distinct salty pop of green olives. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish that comes together simply, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal.

You can expect a rich, deeply savory main dish with a wonderfully balanced flavor profile. The ground beef becomes incredibly tender, melding beautifully with the soft, yielding diced yellow potatoes, creating a comforting texture throughout. Each bite offers a satisfying mix of earthy spices, a subtle tang from the tomato, and that unmistakable briny kick from the green olives, all finished with the fresh, herbaceous brightness of chopped cilantro. It's a full-flavored meal that feels both traditional and approachable for any home cook, offering a truly satisfying culinary experience.

While this Cuban picadillo is delicious as written, you can easily tailor it to your preferences. Feel free to adjust the amount of cumin or paprika to your liking, or even add a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle warmth. For a different texture or to boost the vegetable content, consider incorporating diced bell peppers or carrots alongside the potatoes.

This hearty Cuban picadillo is traditionally served alongside fluffy white rice, making for a complete and deeply satisfying meal. It also makes a fantastic savory filling for empanadas or a delicious topping for baked plantains, offering versatile ways to enjoy its rich flavors.

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