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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 from 1 vote

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