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cuban-style beef picadillo recipe - Cuban-Style Beef Picadillo served in a white bowl overhead view
Chloe

Cuban-Style Beef Picadillo

cuban-style beef picadillo recipe made easy at home. A savory-sweet Latin comfort dish that’s quick, versatile, and bursting with bold flavors. Ready in 45 mi
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cuban
Calories: 348

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup green bell pepper, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1/2 cup pimiento-stuffed green olives, sliced plus 2 tbsp brine
  • 1/3 cup raisins
  • 2 tbsp capers, drained
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 1/2 tsp salt adjust to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add onion and green bell pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
  2. Push the vegetables to the sides of the skillet and add the ground beef to the center. Break it into large crumbles and let it sear undisturbed for 2–3 minutes, then stir and break into small pieces. Cook until no longer pink and the beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes to let the spices bloom.
  4. Add the sliced olives, olive brine, raisins, and capers. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently, uncovered, for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced and the flavors have melded. The picadillo should be moist but not soupy.
  5. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately over white rice with your favorite sides.