Lettuce-Wrapped Picadillo
Lettuce-wrapped picadillo combines savory ground beef with sweet raisins and spicy hot sauce, served in crisp lettuce leaves for a flavorful, healthy, and customizable meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spray a skillet with vegetable cooking spray and heat over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Add minced garlic, frozen onion and pepper medley or chopped onion, green pepper, and celery if substituting.
- Cook until vegetables are tender and beef is cooked through.
- Stir in tomato sauce, golden raisins, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and hot sauce.
- Simmer for about 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve the picadillo in lettuce leaves, wrapped as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier option, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of extra-lean ground beef. If you want to add more vegetables, finely chopped carrots or zucchini can be great additions. Adjust the hot sauce to your spice preference, and if you don't have golden raisins, regular raisins or chopped dried apricots work well. This recipe is similar to Beef And Plums in its flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the picadillo wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves for a low-carb meal. Pair it with a side of brown rice or quinoa for a more filling option. A simple salsa or avocado slices can enhance the flavors nicely. This dish is reminiscent of traditional Picadillo(Boiled Ground Beef), making it a great choice for those looking for a comforting meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the picadillo in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until warm. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lettuce-Wrapped Picadillo contains roughly 613 calories, with 16g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (207% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (60% of the Daily Value), and calcium (52% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2266mg per serving (99% 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 and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. In fact, the flavors often improve as they sit. Just reheat thoroughly before serving. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep.
What can I substitute for lettuce wraps?
If you prefer not to use lettuce, whole grain tortillas or corn tortillas also work great for wrapping the picadillo. Additionally, you can serve it over rice or quinoa for a hearty bowl meal. Both options maintain the flavor and essence of the dish.
Is this dish spicy?
The heat level in this picadillo can be adjusted based on your preference. The recipe calls for 2 to 3 teaspoons of hot sauce; start with less if you're sensitive to spice. You can also omit the hot sauce altogether for a milder flavor.
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).