Some of the most cherished recipes are those that have been passed down through generations. This recipe for Homemade Picadillo is a classic, flavorful, and hearty Latin American meal that is a perfect example. It’s a rich and savory blend of seasoned ground beef, diced potatoes, and a unique combination of sweet raisins and briny olives. Simmered together in a rich tomato base, this dish is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. Served in warm flour tortillas, it’s an irresistible treat that is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your home.
Why I love This Recipe
I’m a huge fan of recipes that deliver a big punch of flavor with minimal fuss, and this picadillo is a true hero in my kitchen. What I love most is the incredible balance of flavors. The savory ground beef is perfectly complemented by the sweet raisins and the salty olives. The cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor that ties everything together, and the potatoes add a wonderful, hearty texture. It’s a complete meal in a single pan that is both comforting and exciting. I also love that it’s a fantastic meal prep option, as the flavors only get better the longer it sits.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced potatoes
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup sliced olives
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Flour tortillas
Swaps and Notes
- Ground Meat: While ground beef is a classic choice, you can also use a combination of ground beef and pork, or a leaner ground meat like turkey.
- Potatoes: The diced potatoes are a key ingredient for the texture and heartiness of this dish. Russet potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes are great choices. The key is to cut them into a small dice so they cook through in the recommended time.
- Raisins and Olives: The combination of raisins and olives is what makes this picadillo so unique. The raisins add a subtle sweetness that cuts through the savory flavors, while the olives add a briny, salty note. Don’t skip these ingredients!
- Vegetables: You can easily add other vegetables to this dish. A diced carrot or a handful of frozen peas would be a great addition.
- Toppings: While the recipe suggests serving it in warm flour tortillas, you can also serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or in a bowl with a little queso fresco or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
List of Steps for the Recipe
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté for about 3-5 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, stirring and breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add all Ingredients: Stir in the diced green bell pepper, diced tomatoes, diced potatoes, raisins, sliced olives, and ground cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until it is well combined.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer for about 15−20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and all the flavors have melded together.
- Serve: Scoop the hot picadillo into warm flour tortillas. Enjoy every single savory bite.
Tips for Success
- Brown the Beef Properly: Browning the ground beef is a crucial step. It creates a rich, savory flavor that is the foundation of the dish.
- Dice the Potatoes Small: Make sure you dice the potatoes into small, bite-sized pieces. This ensures they cook through in the recommended time and get tender.
- Let it Simmer: The simmering time is what allows all the flavors to meld together. It’s a short but important step that makes the dish taste so much better.
- Taste and Adjust: Don’t be afraid to taste the picadillo as you go. You can add more salt, pepper, or cumin to get it just right for your palate.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This picadillo is perfect for a family dinner. It’s fantastic served in warm flour tortillas, but you can also serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or with a side of black beans and plantains.
For a drink pairing, a light beer, a simple iced tea, or a glass of water with a slice of lime would be a great complement to the rich and savory flavors.
Nutritional Information
(Please note that this is an estimate and will vary based on specific brands and portion sizes)
This is a hearty, satisfying meal that is a great source of protein from the ground beef. The potatoes provide carbohydrates, and the tomatoes provide vitamins. It’s a delicious and well-rounded meal that is perfect for a special family dinner.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftovers of this picadillo are fantastic and often taste even better the next day! Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place a serving in a microwave-safe dish and warm it up, or for a better texture, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Picadillo recipe is a timeless classic for a reason. It’s a comforting, delicious, and easy meal that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of savory meat, sweet raisins, and salty olives is simply irresistible. I hope you enjoy this effortless and delicious meal as much as I do!
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