Spicy Picadillo
Spicy Picadillo is a flavorful, hearty dish combining ground beef with warming spices, tomatoes, raisins, and toasted almonds. Its bold flavors and comforting texture make it perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners, offering a delightful blend of savory, sweet, and spicy notes.
Ingredients
- 2 large onions, finely chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. bacon drippings or butter ⓘ
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground cloves
- 1 tsp. cinnamon ⓘ
- 2 cans Ro-Tel tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 c. raisins ⓘ
- 2 tsp. ground cumin
- 1 1/4 c. slivered almonds, toasted ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- corn chips or tostados ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown onions in bacon drippings or butter in a large pan.
- Add ground beef and brown; drain excess fat.
- Add garlic, ground cloves, cinnamon, Ro-Tel tomatoes, and sugar; simmer covered for approximately 1 hour.
- Add raisins and ground cumin; simmer covered for 20 minutes.
- Add toasted slivered almonds; simmer covered for 10 minutes.
- Add salt to taste.
- Serve hot in a chafing dish with chips or tostados.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, allow the onions to caramelize before adding the beef. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Adjust the level of spiciness by using mild or spicy Ro-Tel tomatoes. If you prefer a sweeter touch, consider adding a couple of chopped apples alongside the raisins.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Spicy Picadillo hot in a chafing dish, accompanied by corn chips or tostados for a delightful crunch. Consider pairing it with a side of Mexican Corn Bread Casserole for a comforting meal. This dish also complements a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, to avoid overheating and drying out the dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Picadillo contains roughly 966 calories, with 25g protein, 158g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (194% of the Daily Value), iron (108% of the Daily Value), and calcium (74% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1138mg per serving (49% 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 Spicy Picadillo ahead of time?
Yes, Spicy Picadillo can be made a day in advance. Just follow the recipe, then let it cool before storing in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving. This can enhance the flavors as they meld together overnight.
What can I serve with Spicy Picadillo?
This dish pairs beautifully with Tostada Grande or can be served over rice for a hearty meal. You can also complement it with sides like guacamole, pico de gallo, or a simple green salad for freshness.
How do I make Spicy Picadillo vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute like tempeh or textured vegetable protein. Adjust the spices and add more vegetables, such as bell peppers and zucchini, for added texture and 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).