Cuban Picadillo Recipe

 

The Cuban Picadillo Recipe is a traditional dish with a mix of ground beef, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and olives. It is a popular and flavorful meal in Cuban cuisine. The dish offers a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors, with a hint of tanginess from the olives. The ground beef is cooked until tender, absorbing the rich taste of the tomatoes and spices.

The Cuban Picadillo Recipe is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. It can be served over a bed of fluffy white rice, paired with black beans, or used as a filling for empanadas. Some people even enjoy it as a taco filling or a topping for baked potatoes.

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Aside from its delicious taste, the Cuban Picadillo Recipe also offers some health benefits. The dish includes vegetables like tomatoes and onions, which are rich in vitamins and minerals. Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants, while onions provide essential nutrients like fiber and vitamin B6.

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The use of lean ground beef in the recipe provides a good source of protein, which is vital for building and repairing tissues in the body. Additionally, the olives in the dish contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and are a good source of vitamin E and iron.

For those looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet, the Cuban Picadillo Recipe is a great option. The flavors of the dish can be enhanced further by adding bell peppers or raisins, providing additional nutrients and a touch of sweetness.

In conclusion, the Cuban Picadillo Recipe is a delicious and versatile dish that brings the flavors of Cuba to your plate. Whether served with rice, beans, or used as a filling for empanadas, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds. Moreover, with its mix of lean ground beef and nutritious vegetables, it also offers some health benefits, making it a great addition to your meal rotation. Enjoy the taste of Cuba with this flavorful and nutritious Cuban Picadillo Recipe.

How To Make Our Cuban Picadillo Recipe

Ingredients (8 Servings)

1 large chopped onion
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tomato, chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
4 tbsp cilantro
2-1 lb 93% lean ground beef
1 pound chorizo
8 oz tomato sauce, 1/2 can
kosher salt
fresh ground pepper
2 tsp ground cumin
4 dried bay leaves
1/3 cup chopped pimento stuffed Spanish olives with 1 tablespoon brine from jar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/3 cup dry white wine or dry sherry
1/3 cup raisins
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and let it warm up. for the Cuban Picadillo Recipe:

a. Place a large skillet or pan on the stove over medium heat.

2. Once the oil is heated, add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent. for the Cuban Picadillo Recipe:

a. Add the chopped onions to the skillet and cook until they turn translucent.
b. Stir the onions occasionally to ensure even cooking.

3. Add the minced garlic and chopped peppers to the skillet. Cook for a few minutes until they release their aroma. for the Cuban Picadillo Recipe:

a. Mix in the minced garlic and finely chopped peppers.
b. Continue cooking until the garlic becomes fragrant.

4. Add the lean ground beef and chorizo to the skillet. Break them into smaller pieces using a spatula. for the Cuban Picadillo Recipe:

a. Place the lean ground beef and chorizo in the skillet with the onions, garlic, and peppers.
b. Use a spatula to break the meat into smaller pieces for even cooking.
c. Cook the meat until it browns and is no longer pink.

5. Season the meat with ground cumin, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), kosher salt, and fresh ground pepper. for the Cuban Picadillo Recipe:

a. Sprinkle ground cumin, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper (if desired) over the meat.
b. Add a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground pepper for seasoning.

6. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and tomato sauce. Mix well and let it simmer for a few minutes. for the Cuban Picadillo Recipe:

a. Add the chopped tomatoes and tomato sauce to the skillet with the meat.
b. Stir the mixture well to combine all the ingredients.
c. Let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

7. Pour in the dry white wine or dry sherry. Allow it to cook until the liquid reduces slightly. for the Cuban Picadillo Recipe:

a. Pour the dry white wine or dry sherry into the skillet.
b. Let it cook until the liquid reduces a bit.

8. Add the chopped cherry tomatoes or diced tomatoes with juice, along with the Spanish olives and their brine. for the Cuban Picadillo Recipe:

a. Mix in the chopped cherry tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes with their juice.
b. Add the Spanish olives along with one tablespoon of brine from the jar.

9. Sprinkle the raisins over the mixture and stir well. for the Cuban Picadillo Recipe:

a. Sprinkle the raisins over the skillet’s contents.
b. Stir everything well to evenly distribute the ingredients.

10. Drop the dried bay leaves into the skillet. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for about 20 minutes. for the Cuban Picadillo Recipe:

a. Gently place the dried bay leaves into the skillet.
b. Lower the heat to a simmer and cover the skillet with a lid.
c. Allow the dish to cook for approximately 20 minutes.

11. Taste the picadillo and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. for the Cuban Picadillo Recipe:

a. Use a spoon to taste the picadillo and see if it requires more seasoning.
b. Add more salt and pepper if desired to enhance the flavors.

12. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving. for the Cuban Picadillo Recipe:

a. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the picadillo just before serving.
b. The cilantro adds a fresh, herbal aroma to the dish.

Estimated Prep Time: 20 minutes for the Cuban Picadillo Recipe:

Cooking Time: 40 minutes for the Cuban Picadillo Recipe:

Pots, Pan and Cooking Equipment Needed for the Cuban Picadillo Recipe

Large skillet or pan
Spatula
Spoon
Knife and cutting board

Best Way to Store Leftovers From Cuban Picadillo Recipe

a. Store any leftover Cuban Picadillo in an airtight container.
b. Refrigerate the leftovers within 2 hours after cooking.
c. Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
d. Consume the leftovers within 3-4 days for best taste and quality.
e. You can also freeze the leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
f. Thaw frozen leftovers in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips and Tricks For Easier Creation

Brown the meat in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Add a splash of broth or water if the mixture becomes too dry while cooking.
Adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper.
For a sweeter version, add a bit more raisins to the dish.
If using canned diced tomatoes, drain some of the juice to control the consistency.
For a more intense flavor, marinate the ground beef and chorizo in the wine before cooking.
To save time, chop the onions, garlic, and tomatoes in advance.

Side Dishes and Desserts For the Cuban Picadillo

a. White rice and black beans
b. Sweet plantains
c. Tostones (fried green plantains)
d. Yuca con Mojo (cassava with garlic sauce)
e. Cuban-style corn on the cob
f. Avocado and tomato salad
g. Cucumber and red onion salad

How To Serve the Cuban Picadillo

a. Spoon the cooked Picadillo into a serving dish.
b. Garnish with chopped cilantro for a fresh touch.
c. Place a bowl of white rice and black beans alongside the Picadillo.
d. Arrange the side dishes on the table for guests to serve themselves.
e. Serve warm and enjoy the delicious flavors of Cuba with your friends and family.
f. Don’t forget to pair it with some Cuban bread or tortillas for a complete meal.

Dietary Substitution For the Cuban Picadillo Recipe

Cuban Picadillo Recipe Substitutions for the Cuban Picadillo Recipe:

1. Vegan Options:

a. Substitute ground beef and chorizo with plant-based meat alternatives (e.g., Beyond Meat, Impossible Foods).
b. Replace olive oil with vegetable oil or coconut oil.
c. Use vegetable broth instead of dry white wine or sherry.
d. Swap pimento-stuffed Spanish olives with brine with brine-cured green olives.
e. Omit the ground beef and chorizo, and add more chopped vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.

2. Gluten-Free Options for the Cuban Picadillo Recipe:

a. Ensure the tomato sauce and canned tomatoes are gluten-free certified.
b. Replace regular soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce.
c. Use gluten-free vegetable broth instead of dry white wine or sherry.
d. Check the cayenne pepper for gluten-containing additives and opt for pure cayenne.
e. Choose gluten-free raisins and dried oregano.

3. Vegetarian Options for the Cuban Picadillo Recipe:

a. Substitute the ground beef and chorizo with meatless ground (e.g., Quorn, Gardein).
b. Use vegetable broth instead of dry white wine or sherry.
c. Replace pimento-stuffed Spanish olives with brine-cured green olives.
d. Increase the amount of chopped vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms.
e. Add meatless sausage in place of chorizo.

4. Mediterranean Diet Options for the Cuban Picadillo Recipe:

a. Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
b. Use extra-virgin olive oil instead of regular olive oil.
c. Substitute the dry white wine or sherry with balsamic vinegar.
d. Replace olives with Kalamata olives.
e. Add capers for a Mediterranean twist.

5. Keto Diet Options for the Cuban Picadillo Recipe:

a. Substitute ground beef and chorizo with grass-fed beef or ground turkey.
b. Use avocado oil instead of olive oil.
c. Replace the dry white wine or sherry with chicken or beef broth.
d. Swap raisins with chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a lower carb option.
e. Add chopped avocado as a garnish.

6. Heart Healthy Diet Options for the Cuban Picadillo Recipe:

a. Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.
b. Replace chorizo with lean turkey sausage.
c. Use extra-virgin olive oil for cooking.
d. Opt for low-sodium or no-salt-added canned tomatoes and tomato sauce.
e. Omit the added salt and use fresh herbs like basil and thyme for flavor.

7. Paleo Options for the Cuban Picadillo Recipe:

a. Substitute ground beef and chorizo with grass-fed beef or ground bison.
b. Use coconut oil instead of olive oil.
c. Replace dry white wine or sherry with bone broth.
d. Omit the beans and add extra vegetables like kale or spinach.
e. Replace the tomato sauce with homemade Paleo-friendly tomato sauce.

8. Low Carb Options for the Cuban Picadillo Recipe:

a. Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
b. Substitute ground beef and chorizo with ground turkey or chicken.
c. Use olive oil or avocado oil for cooking.
d. Replace the raisins with chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
e. Omit the wine or sherry and use vegetable broth instead.

9. Whole 30 Options for the Cuban Picadillo Recipe:

a. Replace the ground beef and chorizo with ground turkey or chicken.
b. Use ghee or clarified butter instead of olive oil.
c. Substitute the wine or sherry with compliant chicken or vegetable broth.
d. Omit the beans and raisins for Whole30 compliance.
e. Use coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.

10. Weight Watchers Options: for the Cuban Picadillo Recipe:

a. Substitute ground turkey for ground beef and chorizo.
b. Use cooking spray or vegetable broth instead of olive oil.
c. Use low-sodium or no-salt-added canned tomatoes and tomato sauce.
d. Opt for no-sugar-added raisins.
e. Omit the wine or sherry and use vegetable broth.

11. Low Fat Options: for the Cuban Picadillo Recipe:

a. Replace ground beef and chorizo with lean ground turkey or chicken.
b. Use cooking spray instead of olive oil.
c. Use low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth instead of wine or sherry.
d. Omit olives and raisins to reduce fat content.
e. Use a leaner cut of beef for the ground beef.

12. Vegetable Variations for the Cuban Picadillo Recipe:

a. Increase the variety of bell peppers (red, yellow, green) for added color and flavor.
b. Add diced eggplant for a heartier texture.
c. Include diced sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness.
d. Incorporate chopped spinach or Swiss chard for added greens.
e. Mix in sliced mushrooms for an earthy taste.

Please note that the given substitutions are general suggestions, and individual dietary needs and preferences may vary. It’s always recommended to check labels, choose quality ingredients, and consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice.

 

FAQ About the Cuban Picadillo Recipe

What is the Cuban Picadillo Recipe?
The Cuban Picadillo Recipe is a flavorful and traditional Cuban dish made with ground beef, chorizo, tomatoes, onions, garlic, olives, and raisins. It’s seasoned with spices like cumin, oregano, and bay leaves, creating a savory and slightly sweet taste. The dish is typically served over rice and enjoyed by many due to its rich and unique blend of flavors.

How can I make the Cuban Picadillo Recipe vegan-friendly?
To make the Cuban Picadillo Recipe vegan-friendly, you can substitute the ground beef and chorizo with plant-based meat alternatives such as Beyond Meat or Impossible Foods. Replace the olive oil with vegetable oil or coconut oil, and use vegetable broth instead of dry white wine or sherry. You can also omit the Spanish olives and add more chopped vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini for added texture.

Can I enjoy the Cuban Picadillo Recipe on a gluten-free diet?
Yes, you can enjoy the Cuban Picadillo Recipe on a gluten-free diet with a few modifications. Make sure to use gluten-free certified tomato sauce and canned tomatoes. Additionally, check the cayenne pepper for any gluten-containing additives and opt for pure cayenne. Use gluten-free vegetable broth instead of wine or sherry, and choose gluten-free raisins and dried oregano.

What are some heart-healthy options for the Cuban Picadillo Recipe?
For heart-healthy options, you can replace the ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken. Swap chorizo with lean turkey sausage and use extra-virgin olive oil for cooking. Opt for low-sodium or no-salt-added canned tomatoes and tomato sauce to reduce sodium intake. Omit the added salt and use fresh herbs like basil and thyme for flavor.

How can I make the Cuban Picadillo Recipe suitable for a keto diet?
To make the Cuban Picadillo Recipe suitable for a keto diet, use grass-fed beef or ground turkey instead of ground beef and chorizo. Use avocado oil instead of olive oil and replace the dry white wine or sherry with chicken or beef broth. Swap the raisins with chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a lower carb option, and consider adding chopped avocado as a garnish.

Final Thoughts

The Cuban Picadillo Recipe is a traditional and flavorful dish that combines ground beef, chorizo, tomatoes, onions, garlic, olives, and raisins with a blend of spices like cumin, oregano, and bay leaves. This savory and slightly sweet dish is a beloved Cuban classic enjoyed by many. Its versatility allows for various dietary modifications, making it suitable for vegans, vegetarians, gluten-free, and keto diets. By swapping ingredients like meat and using plant-based alternatives, or opting for gluten-free certified products, the dish can cater to different dietary needs.

The Cuban Picadillo Recipe offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes, from the tender ground beef to the richness of chorizo and the burst of flavor from olives and raisins. It pairs perfectly with rice or can be served with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. The dish’s appeal lies in its ability to be a complete meal on its own, while also being a versatile base that can be further customized to suit individual preferences.

From a nutritional standpoint, the Cuban Picadillo Recipe provides essential protein from the ground beef and plant-based options, making it a satisfying and satiating dish. The inclusion of tomatoes and various vegetables adds valuable vitamins and minerals, contributing to a balanced meal. Additionally, its heart-healthy variations featuring leaner meats and reduced sodium options make it a favorable choice for those mindful of their cardiovascular health.

In conclusion, the Cuban Picadillo Recipe is a delicious and adaptable dish that caters to diverse dietary preferences. With its rich flavors, versatility, and nutritional benefits, it stands as a wholesome and flavorful addition to any mealtime repertoire. Whether you’re exploring Cuban cuisine or seeking a delightful and healthy option, the Cuban Picadillo Recipe is sure to impress.