Cuban Picadillo
A flavorful Cuban dish featuring seasoned ground beef, olives, raisins, and spices, served over rice for a hearty and savory meal with a hint of sweetness and warmth.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rice ⓘ
- 1 1/4 pounds lean ground beef ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons oil ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 1 can stewed tomatoes (Mexican flavored) ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced pimento-stuffed green olives, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional) ⓘ
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook rice until tender.
- Brown the ground beef in hot oil.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic; simmer for a few minutes.
- Add stewed tomatoes, olives, spices, raisins, and white wine if using.
- Simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until moist but not soupy.
- Serve the picadillo over the cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a blend of ground beef and ground pork. You can also substitute the pimento-stuffed olives with capers or green olives if desired. If you're short on time, use pre-cooked rice to speed up the process. For a slight sweetness, increase the raisins or add a bit of brown sugar. This dish also pairs beautifully with Beef And Cheese Ball for a more complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the picadillo over fluffy white rice or alongside warm tortillas for a lovely meal. It also goes well with a side of black beans or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the dish. For a complete experience, pair it with a refreshing mojito or a glass of chilled white wine. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover picadillo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through. The flavors will develop even further after a day in the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cuban Picadillo contains roughly 1758 calories, with 33g protein, 119g carbohydrates, and 139g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (106% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (71% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 856mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make picadillo ahead of time?
Yes, picadillo can be made ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare the dish, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat as directed.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
If you're looking for alternatives to ground beef, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, try using lentils or a meat substitute like tempeh or soy crumbles. Adjust cooking times accordingly for different proteins.
Is picadillo spicy?
Picadillo is not traditionally spicy, but you can adjust the heat level to your liking. If you prefer a kick, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce when cooking. Just be mindful of how much you add, as you don't want to overpower the dish's other flavors.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).