Picadillo With Capers
A savory Latin American ground beef dish with capers, olives, and spices, perfect for hearty family meals served over rice and fried plantains.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 2 pounds ground beef ⓘ
- 1 small onion ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper ⓘ
- 1 large tomato ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed oregano ⓘ
- 3 ounces capers ⓘ
- 8 pimiento stuffed olives ⓘ
- 1 small can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Burgundy wine ⓘ
- 2 or 3 drops hot sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup water ⓘ
- salt (if needed) ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet with a cover and brown the ground beef until all red disappears.
- Add chopped onion, green pepper, peeled, seeded and chopped tomato, minced garlic, bay leaf, crushed oregano, and capers to the skillet. Mix well.
- Cover and cook over moderate heat for about 10 minutes.
- Cut pimiento-stuffed olives into thin rounds and add to the meat mixture along with tomato sauce, Burgundy wine, hot sauce, and brown sugar.
- Stir well and cook uncovered for 5 minutes.
- Add water and mix well, then season as needed.
- Cover and cook at low heat for approximately 30 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Serve over long grain white rice and fried plantains.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. To enhance texture, try adding diced carrots or peas. For a spicy kick, increase the amount of hot sauce or add diced jalapeños. This dish also works well with *Beef-Potato-Yogurt Stroganoff* for a comforting meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the picadillo over fluffy long grain white rice for a classic pairing. Fried plantains add a delightful sweetness that complements the savory notes of the dish. For a fresh contrast, consider a simple salad or avocado slices on the side. This dish can also be enjoyed in a taco or burrito, making it versatile for various meals.
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, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. The flavors will actually improve after a day in the fridge!
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Picadillo With Capers contains roughly 1201 calories, with 30g protein, 207g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (353% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even pork for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the meat you choose.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or finely chopped vegetables like mushrooms and lentils. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through.
What can I serve with Picadillo besides rice?
In addition to rice, this dish pairs wonderfully with tortillas for tacos, crusty bread for a hearty meal, or even over baked potatoes for a twist. You can also serve it alongside black beans or a fresh corn salad.
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).