If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that’s full of flavor and tradition, this delicious picadillo recipe you’ll love is the perfect choice! A staple in Latin American and Spanish cuisines, picadillo is a savory ground beef stew made with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and a medley of seasonings — sometimes even a hint of sweetness from raisins or cinnamon.
Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner in the United States, a cozy family meal in the United Kingdom, or a weekend feast in Canada, this easy and flavorful picadillo will warm your table and your heart.
🌮 Introduction: What Is Picadillo?
Picadillo is a classic comfort food that varies beautifully from region to region — from Cuban-style picadillo with olives and raisins to Mexican versions featuring potatoes and chili peppers. The name comes from the Spanish word “picar,” meaning “to mince” or “to chop,” referring to the finely minced meat and vegetables that make up the dish.
This delicious picadillo recipe you’ll love combines the best of both worlds: rich, seasoned beef simmered in a tomato sauce that’s slightly sweet, slightly spicy, and totally irresistible. Serve it over rice, tuck it into tacos, or use it as a filling for empanadas — it’s as versatile as it is delicious!
🍅 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious picadillo recipe you’ll love:
Base Ingredients:
1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or use turkey for a lighter version)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 (14 oz / 400 g) can diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
½ cup beef broth or water
Seasonings:
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
Optional Add-ins (Regional Favorites):
¼ cup green olives, sliced
2 tablespoons raisins
1 teaspoon sugar or honey
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
These optional ingredients give your picadillo a Cuban-inspired twist — balancing savory and sweet for that signature flavor.
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Add the Seasonings
Stir in cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the meat evenly with spices.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
Step 5: Add Potatoes and Simmer
Toss in the cubed potatoes and bay leaf. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and the sauce thickens.
Step 6: Add Optional Sweet and Savory Touches
If desired, add raisins, olives, and a touch of sugar or honey. Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes for flavors to meld.
Remove the bay leaf before serving.
🍚 How to Serve Picadillo
This delicious picadillo recipe you’ll love is incredibly versatile! Try these serving ideas:
Over white or brown rice: The classic way — simple and satisfying.
In tacos or burritos: Add cheese, avocado, and fresh cilantro for a handheld feast.
With plantains: Fried plantains (maduros) or tostones make an authentic pairing.
As empanada filling: Spoon into pastry dough, bake, and enjoy crispy golden empanadas.
Over mashed potatoes or polenta: A hearty twist on comfort food.
No matter how you serve it, the flavors are rich, cozy, and deeply satisfying.
🌿 Why You’ll Love This Picadillo Recipe
There are so many reasons why this delicious picadillo recipe you’ll love will become a favorite in your kitchen:
Easy to make: Ready in under 40 minutes.
Flavorful and rich: A perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy.
Meal-prep friendly: Keeps beautifully in the fridge or freezer.
Customizable: Adjust spice levels and ingredients to your liking.
Family-approved: Even picky eaters love it!
It’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug in a bowl — warm, homey, and full of love.
🍋 Tips for the Perfect Picadillo
Here are some practical tips to make your picadillo extra delicious:
Use lean beef (85/15): It gives great flavor without too much grease.
Don’t rush the simmering: Let the sauce reduce until thick and rich.
Add sweetness mindfully: Just a bit of sugar or raisins balances acidity.
Use fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley before serving brightens the dish.
Double the recipe: Picadillo tastes even better the next day — perfect for meal prep!
🧊 Storing and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
You can even freeze portions in meal-sized containers — a lifesaver for busy weeknights!
🍷 Pairing Ideas
Want to elevate your delicious picadillo recipe you’ll love even more? Try pairing it with:
Drinks: Red wine (Tempranillo or Malbec), or a refreshing lime agua fresca.
Sides: Black beans, white rice, or a crisp green salad.
Dessert: Flan, tres leches cake, or churros for the perfect finish.
These pairings make picadillo dinner feel like a restaurant-worthy experience at home!
💡 Regional Variations You Can Try
Cuban Picadillo: Add olives, capers, and raisins for a sweet-savory twist.
Mexican Picadillo: Add potatoes, carrots, and chili for a hearty, spicy flavor.
Filipino Picadillo (Giniling): Often includes soy sauce, fish sauce, and sometimes peas for an umami kick.
Each variation tells a story — try them all and find your favorite!
🥄 Nutritional Benefits
This delicious picadillo recipe is not only tasty but also nourishing:
High in protein for sustained energy.
Rich in vitamins and minerals from veggies.
Contains healthy fats when cooked in olive oil.
Naturally gluten-free and adaptable to low-carb diets.
It’s a meal that satisfies both your taste buds and your body.
🌟 Conclusion: A Flavorful Classic You’ll Keep Making
There you have it — a delicious picadillo recipe you’ll love that’s bursting with flavor, easy to make, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this savory dish brings warmth, nostalgia, and joy to every bite.
So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and bring a taste of Latin comfort to your home tonight. Once you try this picadillo, you’ll understand why it’s loved around the world — and why you’ll keep coming back for more! ❤️