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Classic Cuban Picadillo
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Home / Classic Cuban Picadillo

Classic Cuban Picadillo

A savory Cuban ground beef dish simmered with olives, raisins, and warm spices. It is traditionally served over white rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

4.5
45 min
🍴4 servings
🔥420 cal
🔖Easy
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30 second summary

Sweet and savory Cuban ground beef with olives and raisins served over rice.

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Nutrition per serving

420Calories
28gProtein
18gCarbs
26gFat
3gFiber

Ingredients

4servings

main

aromatics

sauce

mix-ins

spices

fat

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Instructions

1

Saute the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

2

Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until no pink remains, about 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan.

3

Add Spices and Tomatoes

Stir in the cumin and oregano and cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir everything together well.

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4

Simmer with Mix-ins

Add the sliced green olives and raisins to the skillet. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.

5

Season and Serve

Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot over white rice and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Substitutions

ground beefground turkey or ground pork
raisinsdried cranberries or chopped dried apricots
green olivescapers for a brinier flavor

Common mistakes

Do not skip draining the fat after browning the beef or the dish will be greasy
Do not rush the simmering step as reducing the sauce is key to building deep flavor
Do not omit the raisins as the sweet contrast is essential to authentic picadillo
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