Best 2 Easy Cuban Picadillo Recipes

Embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant streets of Cuba with our exploration of the delectable Cuban picadillo. This savory dish, deeply rooted in Cuban cuisine, is a flavorful minced meat stew that tantalizes taste buds with its aromatic blend of spices, tender meat, and a symphony of vegetables. Join us as we unlock the secrets of this beloved dish, presenting a collection of carefully curated recipes that cater to diverse dietary preferences. From the classic picadillo brimming with ground beef, the vegetarian picadillo bursting with colorful vegetables, to the unique seafood picadillo brimming with the bounty of the sea, our recipes promise an explosion of flavors that will transport you to the heart of Cuba.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

EASY CUBAN PICADILLO

Easy Cuban Picadillo image

My girlfriend gave me this delicious recipe years ago. I've made it ever since for family and friends, and they all love it. My daughter loves to take leftovers to school for lunch the next day. -Marie Wielgus, Wayne, New Jersey

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
1 small green pepper, chopped
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1/2 cup sliced pimiento-stuffed olives
1/4 cup raisins
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
2 cups hot cooked rice
Fresh cilantro leaves, optional

Steps:

In a large skillet, cook and crumble beef with pepper and onion over medium-high heat until no longer pink, 5-7 minutes. Stir in tomato sauce, olives, raisins and vinegar; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until raisins are softened, 5-6 minutes., Serve with rice. If desired, top with fresh cilantro to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 363 calories, Fat 13g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 71mg cholesterol, Sodium 683mg sodium, Carbohydrate 36g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

EASY CUBAN PICADILLO FOR TWO

Easy Cuban Picadillo for Two image

"My girlfriend gave me this delicious recipe years ago. I've made it ever since. Everyone who tries it absolutely loves it." Marie Wielgus - Wayne, NJ

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1/2 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
1/2 small green pepper, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped onion
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/4 cup sliced pimiento-stuffed olives
2 tablespoons raisins
1-1/2 teaspoons cider vinegar
1 cup hot cooked rice

Steps:

In a small nonstick skillet, cook the beef, pepper and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the tomato sauce, olives, raisins and vinegar. Cook for 5-6 minutes or until raisins are plumped. Serve with rice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 355 calories, Fat 12g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 56mg cholesterol, Sodium 716mg sodium, Carbohydrate 36g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

Tips:

To achieve the most flavorful picadillo, utilize high-quality ground beef. Opt for 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef, as the fat content contributes to the dish's richness and taste.
For a more authentic Cuban picadillo, use sofrito, a traditional sauce made from onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Sofrito adds depth of flavor and is a staple ingredient in Cuban cuisine.
Don't skip sautéing the vegetables. This step enhances their flavor and helps them caramelize, adding complexity to the dish.
Simmer the picadillo for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and develop. The longer you simmer it, the better it will taste.
For a thicker picadillo, add a cornstarch or flour slurry towards the end of cooking. This will help thicken the sauce without altering the flavor.
Serve picadillo with your favorite sides. Popular options include white rice, black beans, and fried plantains.

Conclusion:

Cuban picadillo is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a filling for tacos, burritos, and empanadas. With its combination of savory ground beef, flavorful vegetables, and rich sauce, picadillo is a satisfying and delicious meal that is sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this easy Cuban picadillo recipe is a great way to experience the vibrant flavors of Cuban cuisine. So, grab your ingredients and give it a try - you won't be disappointed!