Cuban Picadillo Recipe
Overview:
Cuban Picadillo is a flavorful meat mixture cooked with a rich sofrito, perfect for serving over rice with eggs or in tortillas for a taco-style meal. This dish captures the essence of Caribbean cuisine with its spicy and aromatic profile. Itโs an ideal option for weeknight dinners or weekend brunches, ready in under 4 hours.
Keywords: Meat, Caribbean, Spicy, Weeknight, Brunch, < 4 Hours
Recipe Category: One Dish Meal
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1/2 cup | Olive oil |
| 8 cloves | Garlic |
| 2 | Onions |
| 1 | Green pepper |
| 1 bunch | Cilantro |
| 1 tbsp | Capers |
| 3 tbsp | Stuffed green olives |
| 1/2 tsp | Cumin seeds |
| 1 lb | Lean ground beef |
| 4 โ 5 | Diced tomatoes |
| 1 tbsp | Red wine vinegar |
| 1 tsp | Cayenne pepper |
| 1/2 cup | Diced pimento |
| 4 | Eggs |
| Steamed rice |
Instructions:
-
Prepare Sofrito:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic, onions, green pepper, cilantro, capers, stuffed green olives, and cumin seeds to the skillet to make the sofrito.
- Cook the sofrito until it is fragrant and the onions are translucent. Once done, remove from the pan and set aside.
-
Cook Ground Beef:
- In the same skillet, add the lean ground beef and brown it, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.
- Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
-
Combine Ingredients:
- Return the sofrito to the skillet with the browned beef.
- Add diced tomatoes, red wine vinegar, and cayenne pepper to the skillet, stirring well to combine all the ingredients.
-
Simmer:
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
-
Serve:
- Serve the picadillo over steamed rice, with a fried egg on top for an extra indulgence.
- Garnish with diced pimento for added flavor, if desired.
-
Alternative Serving Option:
- Another delightful way to enjoy Cuban Picadillo is by spooning it into warm corn tortillas.
- Top with lettuce, tomato, green onions, jalapenos, cheese, and a drizzle of hot sauce to create flavorful and satisfying tacos.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 538.3
- Fat Content: 40.2g
- Saturated Fat Content: 8.5g
- Cholesterol Content: 73.7mg
- Sodium Content: 293.5mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 18.9g
- Fiber Content: 4.6g
- Sugar Content: 7.6g
- Protein Content: 26.7g
Recipe Notes:
- For a milder version, adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for meal prep or quick lunches.
- Serve with fried plantains on the side for a complete and authentic Caribbean dining experience.
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Cuban cuisine with this delicious and versatile Picadillo recipe. Whether enjoyed over rice with eggs or wrapped in tortillas, itโs sure to become a favorite in your household.
