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Picadillo – Latin Ground Beef Stew

Picadillo – Latin Ground Beef Stew

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  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 40 mins
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Latin American
  • Diet: Halal

Description

Picadillo is a hearty and flavorful Latin American ground beef stew made with savory spices, olives, capers, and tender potatoes simmered in a rich tomato base. This comforting one-pan dish is full of warmth and perfect served with rice, tortillas, or plantains.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (vegetable, avocado, or canola)
  • 2 lbs ground beef (or chicken, turkey, pork, or lamb)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup sofrito (or a mix of finely chopped sweet peppers and cilantro)
  • 1/3 cup stuffed manzanilla olives, whole or chopped
  • 1 tablespoon capers
  • 4 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon sazon (or 1/2 tablespoon each paprika and cumin)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 medium potato, diced
  • 2 teaspoons Diamond kosher salt (or 1 teaspoon table salt)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
  3. Stir in the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
  4. Mix in the sofrito (or sweet pepper and cilantro mix), tomato paste, sazon, bay leaf, and salt. Stir well to combine.
  5. Add the diced potato, olives, and capers, then pour in a splash of water if needed to loosen the mixture.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and the sauce thickens.
  7. Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning to taste, and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
  8. Serve hot with white rice, tortillas, or fried plantains.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, add a handful of raisins for a sweet contrast.
  • Use leaner meat if you prefer a lighter version.
  • This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Find it online: https://cooktune.com/picadillo-latin-ground-beef-stew/