Perfect Picaddillo
Discover the rich and comforting flavors of "Perfect Picadillo," a classic Latin American dish that combines savory, sweet, and aromatic ingredients in every bite. This hearty one-pan recipe brings together ground beef infused with warm spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and a hint of cinnamon, balanced by the tang of pimento-stuffed green olives and the natural sweetness of golden raisins. Simmered to perfection with tomatoes and a touch of garlic, this flavorful dish is both weeknight-friendly, ready in just 45 minutes, and satisfying enough for the whole family. Serve it over fluffy white rice for a complete meal, and don't forget the optional cilantro garnish to brighten its layers of flavor. Perfect Picadillo is a foolproof way to bring a taste of tradition to your dinner table!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1 medium, diced green bell pepper
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (canned, with juice)
- 0.5 cup, sliced pimento-stuffed green olives
- 0.25 cup golden raisins
- 1 whole bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon, or to taste salt
- 0.5 teaspoon, or to taste black pepper
- 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional for garnish) fresh cilantro
- 2 cups cooked white rice (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and translucent.
Stir in minced garlic and diced green bell pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook for 5–7 minutes, until fully browned and no longer pink.
Sprinkle cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cinnamon over the beef, stirring well to coat the mixture with the spices.
Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to deepen the flavor.
Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juice, stirring to combine. Raise the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a simmer.
Stir in the sliced green olives, golden raisins, and bay leaf. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Season the Picadillo with salt and black pepper to taste, removing the bay leaf before serving.
Optional: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for added freshness and serve with warm white rice, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
609 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 35.3 g | 45% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.3 g | 57% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 91 mg | 30% | |
| Sodium | 1186 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 50.5 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.4 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.1 g | ||
| Protein | 25.3 g | 51% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 97 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 4.8 mg | 27% | |
| Potassium | 830 mg | 18% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
