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Cuban Beef Picadillo

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This Cuban Beef Picadillo is a flavorful and comforting Latin dish made with ground beef, tomatoes, olives, and raisins. Simmered in a savory-sweet tomato sauce with warm spices, this easy picadillo recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or freezing for later.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ⅓ cup dry white wine (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
  • ⅓ cup dried currants or raisins
  • ½ cup green pitted olives
  • ⅓ cup chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned—about 5–8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and red bell pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute.
  3. Add wine (if using) to deglaze, scraping the pan. Simmer until mostly evaporated.
  4. Stir in oregano, paprika, cumin, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  5. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 15 minutes.
  6. Stir in raisins and olives. Cook uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened.
  7. Adjust seasoning to taste. Stir in chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Omit raisins or swap with chopped dates for less sweetness.
  • Use capers instead of olives for a briny substitute.
  • Replace spices with 2 packets of Sazon for deeper Latin flavor.
  • Add jalapeño or chili flakes if you prefer heat.
  • Serve with white rice, plantains, or mashed potatoes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/cuban-beef-picadillo/