Picadillo(Cuban Ground Beef)
A flavorful Cuban comfort food featuring seasoned ground beef simmered in tomato sauce with olives and aromatic garlic and onion. Perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal, it pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice, making it ideal for casual family dinners or entertaining guests craving bold, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then drain and set aside.
- Saute minced garlic, chopped onion, and sliced olives in olive oil until fragrant.
- Add the browned ground beef, canned tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet.
- Simmer on low heat for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve hot with cooked white rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken as a lean substitute for the beef. Adding a pinch of cumin or bay leaf can enhance the depth of flavor. If Spanish olives are unavailable, green olives can work in a pinch. Ensure to drain excess fat after browning the beef for a lighter dish. This Picadillo pairs wonderfully with Collard Greens With Tomatoes, Onion And Garlic for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Picadillo hot over a bed of fluffy white rice, allowing the sauce to soak into the grains. For a balanced meal, consider pairing it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. It also goes well with fried plantains or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish can be versatile, similar to other hearty beef recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or extra tomato sauce if needed to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Picadillo(Cuban Ground Beef) contains roughly 1349 calories, with 27g protein, 245g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (79% of the Daily Value), protein (53% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 947mg per serving (41% 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?
Absolutely! Picadillo tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it a day in advance, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
What can I substitute for tomato sauce?
If you don’t have tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute. You can also blend fresh tomatoes into a puree for a fresher taste. Just adjust the seasoning as needed since canned tomatoes can be saltier.
Is Picadillo suitable for freezing?
Yes, Picadillo freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove or 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).