Cuban Picadillo(Ground Beef Skillet Dinner)
A savory Cuban-style ground beef skillet with raisins, olives, and aromatic seasonings, perfect for a flavorful, hearty meal that pairs beautifully with rice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet.
- Drain off excess fat from the skillet.
- Add chopped onion and green pepper; cook until the onion is transparent.
- Add raisins, green olives, minced garlic, and bay leaf to the skillet.
- Cook everything together for 15 minutes over low heat.
- Serve the mixture over rice, or mix the meat and rice together before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing some spices like cumin or oregano along with the onion and green pepper. If you prefer a sweeter touch, you could substitute the raisins with chopped dried apricots. For a healthier option, try ground turkey instead of beef. Make sure to taste and adjust the salt and pepper before serving for the best flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cuban Picadillo over a bed of freshly cooked rice, such as Luca'S Rice, or mix the meat with rice for a hearty one-dish meal. It pairs well with a side of black beans or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. For an authentic touch, garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the picadillo in a skillet over low heat until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cuban Picadillo(Ground Beef Skillet Dinner) contains roughly 264 calories, with 8g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (67% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1829mg per serving (80% 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 use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time slightly, as lean meats can cook faster. For a vegetarian option, try using lentils or a meat substitute like crumbled tofu.
What can I serve with Cuban Picadillo?
Cuban Picadillo is traditionally served with rice, but it also goes well with fried plantains or a side of black beans. For a more complete meal, consider adding a fresh salad or coleslaw to balance the flavors and textures.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to your Cuban Picadillo, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the vegetables. You can also serve it with a side of hot sauce for those who prefer extra spice.
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).