Picadillo – Latin Ground Beef Stew

Picadillo is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Rich, savory, slightly tangy, and deeply comforting, this Latin ground beef stew is packed with layers of flavor from tender meat, olives, capers, aromatic vegetables, and just a hint of spice. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and makes everyone rush to the table. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your meal rotation.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or family gatherings, Picadillo is hearty enough to satisfy and versatile enough to pair with rice, beans, tortillas, or even as a filling for empanadas.

Recipe Origin

Picadillo has roots throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, with regional variations highlighting local ingredients. The name “picadillo” comes from the Spanish word “picar,” meaning “to chop,” reflecting the finely chopped vegetables and tender meat. This version captures the classic Cuban/Puerto Rican style, balancing savory, salty, and slightly sweet flavors for a rich, satisfying stew.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Small bowl (for sofrito or seasoning mix)

Why You’ll Love Picadillo

Versatile: Serve over rice, use as a filling for tacos or empanadas, or enjoy with bread—endless possibilities.

Flavor-Packed: The combination of olives, capers, tomatoes, and spices gives every bite a bold, complex flavor.

Hearty & Comforting: Perfect for cold evenings, family dinners, or anytime you crave a satisfying, home-cooked meal.

Customizable: Easily swap ground beef for chicken, turkey, pork, or lamb. Adjust spices to taste.

Crowd-Pleasing: Adults and kids alike love Picadillo; it’s both familiar and exciting.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Use fresh garlic and onions for maximum flavor.
• Brown the meat well to develop a rich, deep taste.
• Don’t skip the olives and capers—they add the classic Picadillo tang.
• Simmer gently to allow the potatoes to absorb flavor without disintegrating.
• Finish with fresh cilantro for brightness.

Ingredients in Picadillo

Neutral Oil: Helps sauté vegetables without adding extra flavor, allowing the spices and meat to shine.

Ground Meat: Tender, juicy, and forms the hearty base of the stew.

Onion & Garlic: Aromatic foundation, giving depth and savory sweetness.

Sofrito or Peppers & Cilantro: Adds classic Latin flavor; fresh, herbaceous, and vibrant.

Manzanilla Olives & Capers: Salty and briny, adding complexity and authenticity.

Tomato Paste: Provides richness, color, and umami depth.

Sazon or Spices: Paprika, cumin, and other seasonings layer on warmth and flavor.

Bay Leaf: Subtle earthy note that deepens the stew’s aroma.

Potato: Adds heartiness and texture, soaking up the flavorful sauce.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors.

Cilantro (Optional): Fresh garnish that brightens each serving.

Instructions

Heat Oil: In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat neutral oil over medium heat.

Brown the Meat: Add ground beef (or your chosen substitute) and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant.

Add Sofrito & Seasonings: Stir in sofrito (or chopped sweet peppers and cilantro), olives, capers, tomato paste, sazon (or paprika + cumin), and bay leaf. Mix well to coat the meat.

Add Potatoes & Simmer: Add diced potatoes and salt, then pour in a splash of water or broth if needed. Cover and simmer gently until potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally.

Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as desired.

Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro if desired and serve hot with rice, beans, or tortillas.

Nutrition Facts

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How to Serve Picadillo

Over Rice: The classic way; let the stew’s sauce soak into fluffy white or yellow rice.
With Beans: Black beans or red beans add extra protein and fiber.
As a Filling: Use Picadillo in tacos, empanadas, or stuffed peppers.
With Bread: A crusty roll or baguette makes a perfect side for dipping.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Prep Ahead: Chop vegetables and measure spices ahead of time.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove to preserve flavors and texture.
• Freezing: Picadillo freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Variations to Try

• Spicy Kick: Add a finely chopped jalapeño or a pinch of chili flakes.
• Sweet Notes: Some versions include raisins or chopped bell peppers for subtle sweetness.
• Different Proteins: Try ground turkey, chicken, pork, or lamb for a different flavor profile.
• Extra Veggies: Add carrots, peas, or zucchini for added nutrition and texture.

Additional Tips

• For a deeper flavor, brown meat in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
• Stir occasionally but gently to prevent breaking up the potatoes too much.
• Adjust the liquid level to get a stew-like or thicker Picadillo consistency.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works beautifully, just adjust cooking time for tenderness.

Q2: Can Picadillo be made vegetarian?
A2: Yes, swap meat for cooked lentils, chickpeas, or a plant-based protein.

Q3: Can I prepare it ahead?
A3: Yes, assemble ingredients and cook ahead; flavors often improve after sitting overnight.

Q4: How spicy is this stew?
A4: Mild by default; add chili or hot paprika for extra heat.

Q5: Can I freeze Picadillo?
A5: Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

Q6: What can I serve with it?
A6: Rice, beans, tortillas, crusty bread, or even roasted vegetables.

Q7: Can I omit olives or capers?
A7: You can, but the dish will lose some authentic briny depth.

Q8: How thick should the stew be?
A8: Slightly saucy but not watery—enough to coat rice or bread.

Q9: Can I use instant potato instead of diced potatoes?
A9: Fresh diced potatoes work best for texture; instant potato would dissolve.

Q10: How long does it take to cook?
A10: About 35–45 minutes from start to finish, including simmering the potatoes.

Conclusion

Picadillo is a vibrant, hearty, and deeply flavorful Latin stew that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served over rice, in tacos, or as a filling for empanadas, it’s versatile and satisfying. The combination of savory meat, tender potatoes, aromatic vegetables, and briny accents makes each bite unforgettable. Try this recipe for a comforting, home-cooked meal that captures the essence of Latin flavors—simple ingredients, maximum flavor, and guaranteed deliciousness.

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