There’s something magical about the aroma of spiced ground beef sizzling on the stove, mingling with sweet bell peppers and warm spices. As soon as you take that first bite of a perfectly cooked picadillo, your taste buds will dance with joy, and you’ll understand why this dish is a beloved staple in many cultures. hearty Easy Chicken Pot Pie Let’s dive into this vibrant world of flavors together! For more inspiration, check out this chicken sausages with zucchini recipe.
Growing up, my abuela made picadillo every Sunday, filling our home with mouthwatering scents that evaporated any Sunday scaries. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience! Whether you’re enjoying it at a family gathering or whipping it up for a cozy weeknight dinner, picadillo brings warmth and joy to any occasion. Creamy Mushroom Pasta dish.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This picadillo recipe is incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights
- The flavor profile combines savory and sweet notes for an irresistible dish
- Its colorful presentation makes it visually appealing on any table
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve over rice, in tacos, or even as a filling in empanadas
One memorable evening, my friends gathered for dinner expecting pizza but left raving about my picadillo instead. nutritious Pumpkin Oatmeal Who knew I had such culinary skills?
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor—about 1 pound should do. For more inspiration, check out this beef and cheese chimichangas recipe.
- Onion: A large onion adds sweetness and depth; aim for a yellow or white onion for best results.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential; use 3-4 cloves minced for maximum flavor impact.
- Bell Peppers: Red or green bell peppers add color and sweetness; chop them finely for even cooking.
- Tomato Sauce: Use about 1 cup of canned tomato sauce—this will create a rich base for the dish.
- Green Olives: A handful of chopped green olives adds a briny kick; they’re a game-changer in this recipe.
- Raisins: About 1/4 cup of raisins adds unexpected sweetness that balances the savory flavors beautifully.
- Spices: Cumin and paprika are key players here—don’t skimp on these! They bring warmth and earthiness to the mix.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste; they enhance all the flavors working together in harmony.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Sautéing Aromatics: Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic until they soften and become fragrant.
Add Ground Beef: Increase heat slightly and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula—about 6-8 minutes should do.
Incorporate Vegetables: Toss in the chopped bell peppers along with salt and pepper. Sauté until they soften, about 5 minutes—the colors will brighten beautifully.
Create the Sauce: Stir in tomato sauce, cumin, paprika, raisins, and olives. Let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes—the aromas will make your kitchen smell divine!
Taste Test Time: Give your picadillo a taste. Adjust seasoning if necessary! You want that perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors dancing on your palate.
Serve It Up: Serve hot over fluffy white rice or in warm tortillas—this dish is sure to impress anyone lucky enough to grab a plate!
Now you have an incredible picadillo recipe that not only warms up your home but also fills your belly with happiness! Enjoy every bite as you relish those delightful memories created around the dinner table. delicious Chili Mac recipe.
You Must Know
- This delightful Picadillo Recipe is a comforting blend of flavors and textures
- With its warm spices and hearty ingredients, it’s perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers
- The mesmerizing aroma will fill your kitchen, leaving everyone eager to dig in
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the ground beef, then add vegetables and spices to build layers of flavor. Finally, simmer everything together for a deliciously cohesive dish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or even lentils for a vegetarian option. Add olives or raisins for a sweet and savory twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking your ground beef; it should be brown but not dry
- Use fresh spices for maximum flavor impact
- Let Picadillo sit before serving to enhance flavors as they meld together beautifully
Sharing this recipe with friends at a potluck led to endless compliments and requests for seconds. It’s become our go-to comfort food that warms both hearts and bellies.
FAQ
What is Picadillo made of?
Picadillo traditionally consists of ground meat, tomatoes, olives, and spices.
Can I make Picadillo ahead of time?
Yes, making Picadillo ahead enhances its flavors; just refrigerate it until needed.
What can I serve with Picadillo?
Serve with rice, beans, or warm tortillas for a complete meal experience.
Picadillo
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Picadillo is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines ground beef, sweet bell peppers, and warm spices to create a culinary experience your taste buds will adore. With its delightful aroma and vibrant colors, this recipe evokes cherished memories of family gatherings and cozy weeknight dinners. Easy to prepare and incredibly versatile, picadillo can be enjoyed over rice, in tacos, or as a filling for empanadas. Dive into this delightful dish that brings warmth and joy to any table!
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
Instructions
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic; sauté until softened.
- Increase heat slightly and add ground beef; cook until browned (6-8 minutes), breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Stir in chopped bell peppers along with salt and pepper; sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add tomato sauce, cumin, paprika, raisins, and olives; simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Taste for seasoning adjustments before serving hot over rice or in tortillas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
