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.
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
Instructions
1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
5. Drain excess fat if necessary.
6. Stir in tomato sauce, green olives, raisins, cumin, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
7. Lower heat and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Remove bay leaf and serve hot with rice and plantains.
Notes
Add diced potatoes during the simmer step for extra heartiness.
Golden raisins can be used for a lighter, fruitier sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cuban
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: quick dinner, easy recipe, beef, Cuban cuisine, one-pan meal