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+ servings

Cuban Beef Picadillo

A tried and true version of Cuban Beef Picadillo! Juicy and tender, packed with flavor and made in one pan. Served with rice, this is the ultimate Cuban comfort food!
4.50 from 2 votes

Ingredients  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • cup dry white wine, (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • 1 (14oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
  • cup dried currants or raisins
  • ½ cup green pitted olives
  • cup chopped parsley

Instructions 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet, over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook, crumbling it with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 5 to 8 minutes . Season with salt and pepper.
  • Lower the heat to medium and add the onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Then, stir in the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Optional: pour in the white wine and cook, scraping the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits, until evaporated.
  • Stir in the paprika, cumin, oregano, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Cover and simmer on medium-low for 15 minutes.
  • Add the currants (or raisins) and olives and continue cooking, uncovered, for another 10-15 minutes.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  • Stir in the chopped parsley and serve!

Notes

Substitutions
  • Beef - Use ground pork, turkey or chicken instead.
  • Raisins/currants - omit if needed.
  • Olives - substitute for capers or omit.
  • Spices and oregano - use two packets of Sazon instead!
Storage and Reheating Instructions:
Store leftover picadillo in an airtight container, in the refrigerator, for up to 4-5 days.
Reheat in a pan, over medium-low heat, or in the microwave.
Freezing:
You can freeze picadillo for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 255kcal, Carbohydrates: 13g, Protein: 25g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 70mg, Sodium: 389mg, Potassium: 689mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 8g, Vitamin A: 794IU, Vitamin C: 25mg, Calcium: 63mg, Iron: 4mg