This Cuban Beef Picadillo is a protein-packed meal that’s loaded with flavor!
We’re spicing things up here today at the BHK friends and going international!
I came across Cuban Beef Picadillo for the first time a few months back when Tom and I had dinner at a Cuban restaurant while we were in Florida. I was hooked and knew I’d have to share the recipe here on the blog.
Talk about a simple, protein-packed dish that’s loaded, and I mean loaded with flavor!
Where did Picadillo originate?
Picadillo is a traditional dish in many Latin American countries. The word “picadillo” comes from the Spanish word “picar” which means to mince.
If you’ve never heard of Cuban beef picadillo, I’ll compare it to the American sloppy Joe, chili or hash. Similar, but honestly, so much better!
This traditional stew-type dish is made with ground beef, onions, garlic, tomatoes, raisins, red pepper, olives, red wine vinegar for some tanginess and spices like cumin, chili powder, cinnamon and red pepper for heat. I mean, how good does that sound?
I’ve also seen some recipes that add hard boiled egg and potatoes, but I opted to not add either to my recipe.
Traditionally, picadillo is served over rice, but you can also serve it in a bowl topped with a fresh biscuit, which is the way we enjoy it. It can also be used as filling for empanadas or tacos.
It’s a fabulous meal to make for a crowd because it’s budget-friendly and always a hit. I’m thinking this would be perfect for your Super Bowl party this year. It would make for a delicious change up from the usual Super Bowl fare.
It’s a spicy, flavorful, hearty dish that I guarantee will be a winner! Enjoy!
A Few Cook’s Notes for Cuban Beef Picadillo Recipe:
I added 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes for some spice, but if you like things less spicy, just add 1/4 teaspoon.
Please don’t skip the cinnamon. It works so well in this dish.
As mentioned above, you can serve the picadillo over white rice or as a filling for tacos. We like to enjoy ours in a bowl topped with a freshly baked biscuit.
This Cuban Beef Picadillo is a protein-packed meal that's loaded with flavor!
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes in puree
- 3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp. ground cumin
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
- 2/3 cup small pimento stuffed green olives
- 1/2 cup raisins
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and continue to cook for one minute. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it's browned. Season with salt and pepper.
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Add the tomato puree, red wine vinegar, roasted peppers, bay leaves, cinnamon, cumin, chili powder and red pepper flakes and stir until well combined. Cover and simmer over low heat for 25 minutes. Uncover and add the olives and raisins and mix until combined. Continue to cook for an additional 10 minutes. Serve in bowls topped with a freshly baked biscuit or over white rice.
I’ve never had anything quite like this, but by the looks of it I know I’d love! Awesome with the sweet and savoury flavours…and so hearty! Just perfect to cozy up with on a cold day! Pinned :) Happy weekend ahead, my friend!
You’d really enjoy the flavors of this Cuban dish Dawn! The sweet and savory notes come together perfectly!
I’ve never tried this dish, but I can tell that it would be one I would love. The ingredients are so unusual together, and those are the ones that always end up being fabulous, in my experience :)
I totally agree Jennifer! Bet you’d love it!
Wow! This looks amazing. I can see why you wanted to recreate it right away. This is a dish that my entire family will love. It has all their favorite flavors and I think leftovers would be twice as good!
Yay! Hope you give it a try Kathy!
I absolutely LOVE Picadillo!!! It’s such a flavorful and comforting dish! Yours looks absolutely perfect! Thinking I need to make this over the weekend to stay cozy when the colder weather strikes!! Pinned!
It would be perfect Chey. It’s so hearty!
I’ve never made or eaten picadillo but you’ve convinced me I’m missing out. I love that it’s easy to make! You’re right, this would be perfect for the Super Bowl!
Hope you give it a go Kelsie, bceuase I know you’d really enjoy it. And it’s so easy too!
Now that I am back in the kitchen I am ready to make this delicious looking dish. I love all the added flavors, especially the cinnamon.
Hope you enjoy it if you give it a try Gerlinde!
I’ve never tried picadillo but now I DEFINITELY want too..looks so immensely flavorful and delicious!
It’s protein-packed and so full of flavor Haylie! A total winner!
Loving the rich, complex flavors in this dish, Mary Ann! Definitely a must try!
Yay! Hope you love it as much as we do Marissa!
I am allll about the spice!!! This dish looks so incredibly flavorful! It has been freezing here and all I want is to devour warm and cozy meals like this. Yum! Pinning!
This is total comfort food Katherine!
I’ve been slightly obsessed with Cuban food/flavours since I visited the island. I’d happily dig into this, with that mix of sweet, spicy and savoury. Brilliant!
I LOVE Cuban food too Matt! There are a few fabulous restaurants near us and I’m so glad I ventured out of the box and tried them!
Wowza! This is certainly jam-packed with flavor! I haven’t had sloppy joe’s in the longest time….this will take care of that craving (and then some!!)! Pinned!
Hope you give this picadillo a go Annie! I bet you’d love it!
This looks so flavourful! Love the addition of raisins, and I would devour it with rice or a biscuit on top! This is a winning dinner for cold January nights!
Perfect for cold winter nights Leanne! Such cozy, warm flavors!
Exactly what you need after being away fro home for a long time …
The perfect cozy meal!
Lol cinnamon ??? Never in a picadillo. Kills the tasteS