Here’s a classic Picadillo recipe — a savory, slightly sweet ground beef dish popular in Latin American and Filipino cuisines.
Picadillo (Ground Beef Hash)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (red or green)
- 1 large tomato, chopped (or 1/2 cup tomato sauce)
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional, for sweetness)
- 1/4 cup green olives, sliced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup beef or chicken broth (optional, for a saucier version)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the aromatics
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened, 3–5 minutes.
Step 2: Brown the beef
- Add ground beef to the skillet.
- Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked.
- Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Add seasonings and other ingredients
- Stir in chopped tomato or tomato sauce, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add raisins, olives, and broth (if using).
- Reduce heat and simmer 10–15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Step 4: Serve
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
- Serve over white rice, with tortillas, or as a filling for empanadas or tacos.
Tips
- Adjust sweetness by increasing or decreasing raisins.
- Add chopped potatoes or carrots for a heartier version.
- For a spicier picadillo, include a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne.
If you like, I can also provide a Cuban-style Picadillo recipe with capers, sherry, and a slightly tangy-sweet flavor — very traditional and flavorful.
