There’s something magical about the aroma of spiced ground beef sizzling on the stove, mingling with sweet bell peppers and warm spices. When I take that first bite of a perfectly cooked picadillo, my taste buds dance with joy, and I instantly understand why this dish is a beloved staple across Latin American kitchens. To me, picadillo isn’t just a recipe—it’s comfort, tradition, and love served on a plate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how easy this picadillo recipe is to make, especially on busy weeknights when I crave something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The savory ground beef, sweet raisins, and briny olives come together in a beautiful balance of flavors. Its colorful mix of peppers and sauce makes it a showstopper on any table. I also enjoy how versatile it is—sometimes I serve it over rice, other times I use it as a filling for tacos or empanadas.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb lean ground beef
1 large yellow onion, diced
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup red or green bell peppers, chopped
1 cup canned tomato sauce
1/2 cup green olives, chopped
1/4 cup raisins
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
I start by heating about a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s warm, I add the diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they soften and fill the kitchen with that irresistible aroma.
I then add the ground beef and cook it until it’s browned and crumbly, which takes around 6–8 minutes.
Next, I toss in the chopped bell peppers with a bit of salt and pepper. I let them cook until tender and vibrant, about 5 minutes.
Then comes my favorite part—I stir in the tomato sauce, cumin, paprika, raisins, and olives. I let the mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes so all the flavors meld beautifully together.
Finally, I give it a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving it hot. I love it over rice or tucked into warm tortillas.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4 people. It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, so the total time is around 45 minutes—perfect for a quick yet comforting dinner.
Variations
Sometimes I like to swap the beef for ground turkey when I want a lighter version, or even lentils for a vegetarian twist. I’ve also experimented with adding diced potatoes for extra heartiness. If I’m in the mood for a little heat, I toss in a chopped jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Storage/Reheating
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When I’m ready to reheat, I do it on the stovetop over medium heat until everything is warmed through. It also freezes beautifully—I portion it into freezer-safe bags and reheat it later for an easy weeknight meal.
FAQs
What is picadillo made of?
Picadillo is made with ground beef cooked with onions, garlic, bell peppers, tomato sauce, olives, raisins, and warm spices like cumin and paprika.
Can I make picadillo ahead of time?
Yes, I often prepare picadillo a day ahead because the flavors deepen as it sits. Just reheat it on the stove before serving.
What can I serve with picadillo?
I love serving it over white rice, but it also pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, tortillas, or even as a filling for empanadas.
Can I make picadillo without olives or raisins?
Absolutely! If I don’t have them on hand, I skip them or substitute with capers for the briny taste or diced apples for sweetness.
Is picadillo spicy?
Traditional picadillo isn’t spicy, but I sometimes add chili powder or jalapeño if I want to give it a kick.
Conclusion
This picadillo recipe has become one of my go-to comfort meals. Every time I make it, my kitchen fills with nostalgic aromas that remind me of family dinners and shared laughter. It’s hearty, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable—a true representation of home-cooked warmth. Whether I serve it for guests or make it just for myself, it never fails to bring joy to the table.
Picadillo is a comforting Latin American dish made with spiced ground beef, sweet raisins, briny olives, and colorful bell peppers simmered in tomato sauce. It’s flavorful, easy to prepare, and perfect served over rice or used as a filling.
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Ingredients
1 lb lean ground beef
1 large yellow onion, diced
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup red or green bell peppers, chopped
1 cup canned tomato sauce
1/2 cup green olives, chopped
1/4 cup raisins
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, sauté until soft and fragrant (about 3–4 minutes).
Add ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly (6–8 minutes).
Stir in chopped bell peppers with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until tender.
Add tomato sauce, cumin, paprika, raisins, and olives. Stir to combine.
Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot over rice, in tortillas, or as desired.
Notes
Swap ground beef for turkey or lentils for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Add diced potatoes for extra heartiness.
Include chopped jalapeños or cayenne for added heat.
Store leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze for future meals.
Use as a filling for tacos, empanadas, or stuffed peppers.
