Name: Authentic Cuban Beef Picadillo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Cuban
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup tomato sauce; 1/3 cup green olives, sliced; 1/4 cup raisins; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 bay leaf; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cuban Beef Picadillo is the ultimate comfort food that delivers flavor, nostalgia, and simplicity in every bite. This rich and savory dish is a staple in Cuban kitchens and beloved across Latin America. It features ground beef simmered with onions, bell peppers, garlic, tomato sauce, green olives, and raisins for a unique sweet-and-salty combination that tastes like home.

Traditionally served with white rice and fried sweet plantains (maduros), this dish is both hearty and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re exploring Cuban cuisine or craving something soulful and budget-friendly, Picadillo is your new go-to. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or whenever you want a one-skillet meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Cuban Beef Picadillo

It’s a one-pan wonder with big flavor and minimal cleanup.
Balances sweet and savory perfectly with raisins and briny olives.
Customizable: make it spicy, skip the raisins, or add potatoes.
Family-friendly and kid-approved.
Excellent for leftovers and meal prep.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

Ground beef with an 85/15 fat ratio is ideal for Picadillo. It has enough fat to keep things juicy but not greasy. If you want a leaner version, go for 90/10, but make sure to add a splash of olive oil while browning to prevent dryness.

Ingredients for the Cuban Beef Picadillo

Picadillo is a beautiful medley of robust, pantry-friendly ingredients:

Ground beef: The star of the show. Rich and meaty, it soaks up all the flavors.

Onion & Garlic: Build the aromatic base and infuse depth.

Bell Pepper (usually red): Adds sweetness and texture to the beef.

Tomato sauce: Brings in acidity and a rich tomato base that ties everything together.

Green olives: Offer briny contrast that balances the sweetness.

Raisins: The signature sweet pop in every bite.

Ground cumin & oregano: Earthy and herbal, essential Cuban spice notes.

Bay leaf: Adds subtle depth and traditional aroma.

Salt & pepper: For seasoning.

Olive oil: Helps bloom the spices and sauté the veggies.

How To Make the Cuban Beef Picadillo

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with your spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Simmer with Sauce and Flavorings

Stir in tomato sauce, olives, raisins, cumin, oregano, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer uncovered on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The beef will soak up the sauce and deepen in flavor.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Remove bay leaf and serve hot over white rice with a side of fried sweet plantains or tostones. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.

How to Serve and Store Cuban Beef Picadillo

This dish generously feeds 4 to 6 people and is perfect for weeknight dinners, lunch leftovers, or freezing for later.

To store: Let the Picadillo cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 2 months.

To reheat: Warm it on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

What to Serve With Cuban Beef Picadillo?

White Rice

The classic base that soaks up all that flavorful sauce.

Fried Sweet Plantains (Maduros)

Their caramelized sweetness is the perfect counter to the savory beef.

Tostones

Crispy green plantains that add a crunchy element to your plate.

Black Beans

A fiber-rich and creamy companion to complete the Cuban experience.

Avocado Slices

Cool and creamy, they balance the warm spices.

Simple Green Salad

A crisp salad with lime vinaigrette helps cut through the richness.

Cuban Bread

Crusty outside and soft inside, ideal for soaking up any leftover sauce.

Fried Eggs

For a traditional twist, top your plate with a fried egg—the runny yolk adds extra richness.

Want More Ground Beef Ideas?

If you love this savory Cuban Beef Picadillo, you’ll definitely want to try these other hearty dishes:

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try it with golden raisins or stick with the classic green olives? Maybe you added potatoes?

I love hearing how others make these dishes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better!

Explore beautifully curated Latin-inspired meals and weekly comfort food picks at NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest.

Authentic Cuban Beef Picadillo

Author: Nora
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Dive into the bold, sweet-and-savory flavors of this Authentic Cuban Beef Picadillo, a quick dinner idea packed with comforting ingredients like ground beef, green olives, raisins, and tomato sauce. Simmered into a rich, saucy blend and served over fluffy white rice with fried plantains, it’s a complete meal in one pan. Perfect for weeknight meals, healthy snacks, or as a flavorful twist to your usual dinner ideas, this easy recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Ideal for anyone craving food ideas that are budget-friendly, hearty, and full of flavor.