Picadillo(Yield: 4 Servings)
Savory Mexican picadillo with sweet raisins, tangy olives, and aromatic spices, perfect for family dinners or quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rice ⓘ
- 1 1/4 lbs. ground sirloin ⓘ
- 2 tsp. oil ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 tsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. ground cloves ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sliced pimento-stuffed green olives, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 cup golden raisins ⓘ
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional) ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. cinnamon ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook rice according to package directions.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 teaspoons oil over medium heat. Add ground sirloin and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Stir in chopped onions, minced garlic, black pepper, ground cumin, ground cloves, and cinnamon. Cook until onions are translucent.
- Pour in the stewed tomatoes and white wine (if using). Add sliced olives and raisins. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of ground meats like pork or turkey instead of just ground sirloin. You can also substitute the raisins with chopped dates or dried apricots for a different sweetness. If you prefer a bit more heat, adding diced jalapeños or a splash of Hot Sauce(To Can) can enhance the dish. Adjust spices based on your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Picadillo over a bed of fluffy rice for a satisfying meal. It pairs beautifully with Corn Tortillas for a delicious wrap or can be enjoyed with a side of salsa/" class="es-inline-link">Fresh Tomato Salsa for added freshness. Consider a side of Jicama Sun Delight(Appetizer) for a crunchy contrast. Garnish with fresh cilantro or lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Picadillo(Yield: 4 Servings) contains roughly 1741 calories, with 8g protein, 104g carbohydrates, and 149g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (23% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value), and potassium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Just prepare it and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Is Picadillo suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, Picadillo is naturally gluten-free as it contains no gluten-containing ingredients. Just ensure that any canned products, like the stewed tomatoes, are labeled gluten-free. Serve it over rice or with gluten-free tortillas for a complete meal.
How can I make Picadillo vegetarian or vegan?
To make Picadillo vegetarian or vegan, substitute the ground sirloin with plant-based meat alternatives or finely chopped mushrooms and lentils. You can also enhance the flavor by adding extra spices and a splash of soy sauce or tamari. This way, you still get a hearty and flavorful dish.
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).