Picadillo(Spicy Meat Hash)
Spicy, savory picadillo combines ground meat with fruits, nuts, and warm spices, perfect for filling tortillas, empanadas, or serving over rice for a flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 1 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 2 lb. ground meat (pork, chuck, round, etc. or a combination) ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large apple, peeled and chopped ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. beef stock ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cider vinegar ⓘ
- 4 tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground cloves ⓘ
- 3/4 c. raisins ⓘ
- 3/4 c. whole pine nuts or slivered almonds ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute garlic, onion, and bell pepper in olive oil for 5 minutes.
- Add ground meat and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add tomatoes, apple, beef stock, cider vinegar, chili powder, salt, cinnamon, cumin, cloves, raisins, and pine nuts or almonds.
- Cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring to combine all ingredients.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or even use lentils for a vegetarian option. If you prefer a sweeter taste, try using a pear instead of an apple. This dish is versatile and can be adjusted to fit your taste, much like in Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Picadillo is delicious served over rice or with warm tortillas, making it a great filling for tacos or burritos. You can also pair it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. This dish would complement the flavors in Hot Monterey Rice Salad perfectly, creating a well-rounded dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. This dish also freezes well, so consider making a larger batch for easy meals later.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Picadillo(Spicy Meat Hash) contains roughly 376 calories, with 7g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), iron (51% of the Daily Value), and calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1487mg per serving (65% 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 of time and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen and improve after a day. Just reheat it gently before serving, and it will taste even better!
What can I serve with Picadillo?
Picadillo pairs beautifully with rice, but you can also serve it with beans, tortillas, or even as a filling in tacos. A side of avocado or a simple green salad enhances the meal, making it more balanced.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground meat with a mix of beans, lentils, or even quinoa to create a hearty vegetarian Picadillo. Adjust the spices accordingly to maintain the flavor profile, and you’ll have a delicious plant-based version.
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).