Lean Picadillo
Lean Picadillo is a flavorful, savory dish combining ground beef with olives, capers, and spices, offering a tangy and aromatic profile. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering, it pairs well with rice or buns, appealing to those who enjoy bold, Latin-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium green bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped pitted black olives
- 2 to 4 Tbsp. capers ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon ⓘ
- hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- cooked rice or hamburger buns ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, and minced garlic; saute for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add ground beef; cook until meat is browned on all sides.
- Drain off excess fat.
- Add tomato sauce, chopped black olives, capers, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, and ground cinnamon; mix well.
- Cook for 15 minutes to blend flavors.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for lean ground beef. You can also use quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for a healthier side. If you prefer more heat, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes while cooking. For added depth of flavor, consider incorporating a splash of red wine into the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Lean Picadillo over cooked rice for a hearty meal, or spoon it onto hamburger buns for a delicious sandwich option. It pairs beautifully with Potato Salad From Ireland for a complete meal. For a fresh contrast, consider adding a side salad or steamed vegetables. Garnish with fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the picadillo in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months, just ensure it's stored in a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lean Picadillo contains roughly 270 calories, with 9g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value), iron (24% of the Daily Value), and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 673mg per serving (29% 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 Lean Picadillo ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Lean Picadillo a day in advance. Simply cook it according to the recipe, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it before serving for the best flavor. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or entertaining.
What can I use instead of black olives?
If you don't have black olives, green olives or even chopped sun-dried tomatoes can be great substitutes. Both will add a different but complementary flavor to the dish. Adjust the quantity to your taste preference.
Is Lean Picadillo suitable for freezing?
Yes, Lean Picadillo freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
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).