Cuban Picadillo Recipe
Cook Time: 1 hour
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Description:
Cuban Picadillo is one of the most iconic and flavorful dishes from Cuban cuisine, combining savory ground beef, sweet raisins, and the tang of vinegar and olives. This recipe brings together a perfect balance of tastes and textures. It’s reminiscent of a wonderful mom-and-pop Cuban restaurant I used to frequent before it closed down. This version of Picadillo gets as close as possible to that unforgettable recipe. Enjoy this delicious, one-pot meal that is bursting with flavor, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special family meal.
Category: Meat
Keywords: Caribbean, Cuban, Beef, Pork, One-Pot Meal, < 4 Hours
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Ground Pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Garlic Cloves | 6 cloves, minced |
| Green Pepper | 1/4 cup, chopped |
| Onions | 1 large, chopped |
| Apple Cider Vinegar | 2 tbsp |
| Red Wine Vinegar | 5 tbsp |
| Cooking Wine | 1/3 cup |
| Tomato Sauce | 1 cup |
| Ground Beef | 1 lb |
| Ground Pork | 1 lb |
| Raisins | 15-20 pieces |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 487.6 kcal |
| Fat | 32 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 102.8 mg |
| Sodium | 1641.6 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 17.3 g |
| Fiber | 2.7 g |
| Sugar | 10.5 g |
| Protein | 30.2 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Spice Mix:
In a mortar and pestle, combine the salt, ground pepper, and minced garlic. Mash them together until you have a well-blended paste. This will serve as the flavorful base of your Picadillo. -
Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat a large pan over medium heat and add a little lard or oil. Once hot, add the spice mixture along with the chopped green pepper and onions. Sauté the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent. -
Add Tomato Sauce:
Stir in the tomato sauce, and let it simmer for a minute to allow the flavors to meld together. -
Incorporate the Vinegars:
Add both the apple cider vinegar and the red wine vinegar to the pan, stirring well to combine. This will give the Picadillo a delicious tang that balances out the sweetness of the raisins. -
Cook the Meat:
Add the ground beef and ground pork to the pan. Stir everything together, breaking up the meat with a spoon. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the meat to brown slightly and absorb all the wonderful flavors. -
Add Cooking Wine, Olives, and Raisins:
Pour in the cooking wine, followed by the olives and raisins. These ingredients give the dish a sweet and savory complexity that is signature to Cuban Picadillo. Stir everything together. -
Simmer:
Reduce the heat to low and let the Picadillo simmer, uncovered, until the liquid is mostly absorbed, about 1 hour. The longer you let it simmer, the more the flavors will develop, so feel free to let it cook longer if you have the time. -
Serve:
Once the Picadillo is done simmering, serve it hot with a side of rice and beans for a complete Cuban meal. Pair it with a nice cold beer to make it even more enjoyable. -
Leftovers:
If you have any leftovers, don’t worry—this dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop overnight!
Serving Suggestions
Cuban Picadillo pairs beautifully with a side of fluffy white rice and black beans. You can also serve it with a side of fried plantains or a light salad to balance out the rich flavors of the dish. It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion and a surefire crowd-pleaser!
Enjoy this traditional Cuban dish that’s rich in history, flavor, and culture. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or serving it at a gathering, Cuban Picadillo is bound to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.
