Howdy, folks! Austin here from Beyond The Bayou Blog and I’m excited to share today’s culinary adventure: Picadillo. This dish has a special place in my heart—it takes me back to a rainy day when I first tried my aunt’s Picadillo recipe. I remember the comforting aroma that filled her kitchen, a mix of spices and memories that made every bite feel like a warm hug.
Picadillo is like a culinary journey, blending lean ground beef with a symphony of flavors: onions, garlic, peppers, and cilantro dancing in a rich tomato sauce. It’s simple yet soul-nourishing, perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings with friends. Whether you are trying it with Chicken Fried Rice for a complete meal or just want to try it with Red Sangria for a beautiful blend of flavors, this recipe is not going to disappoint you.
So, join me as we recreate this timeless classic, adding our own twists and savoring each delicious moment. Let’s dive in and create some lasting memories around the table!
Picadillo Recipe
Equipment
- Large sauté pan
- Wooden Spoon
- Chopping board
- Knife
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 1/2 large chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tomato chopped
- 1/2 pepper finely chopped
- 2 tbsp cilantro
- 1,1/2 lb 93% lean ground beef
- 4 oz tomato sauce 1/2 can
- kosher salt
- fresh ground pepper
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1-2 dried bay leaves
- 2 tbsp pitted green olives or alcaparrado capers would work too
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a large sauté pan.
- Season with salt and pepper, then drain excess juice.
- Chop onion, garlic, pepper, tomato, and cilantro.
- Add vegetables to the meat, along with olives, brine, cumin, bay leaf, and more salt if needed.
- Mix in tomato sauce and water, simmer covered for 20 minutes.
Nutrition
Customize Your Picadillo This Way!
- Cilantro Alternatives: If cilantro isn’t to your taste, simply leave it out of the recipe.
- Protein Substitutions: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Olive Alternatives: Use capers instead of green olives if you prefer their flavor profile.
- Additional Ingredient: Add diced potatoes to enhance the texture and heartiness of the dish.
- Traditional Touch: For a more traditional twist, include raisins in your Picadillo recipe.
Tips that I Will Recommend!
- Enhance Flavor: For a deeper flavor profile, consider toasting the ground cumin in the pan before adding the meat. This technique unlocks the spice’s aromatic qualities.
- Texture Boost: To add a textural contrast, try adding a handful of diced potatoes along with the vegetables. They’ll absorb the savory juices and add a delightful bite to each spoonful.
- Balancing Flavors: Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly. A pinch of sugar can help balance the acidity from the tomatoes and add a subtle sweetness to the dish.
- Raisin Option: While not in the classic recipe, adding a small amount of raisins towards the end of cooking can provide a hint of sweetness and a nod to traditional variations.
- Embrace Salt: Don’t shy away from salt. It enhances the flavors of the tomato sauce mixture, creating a harmonious blend with the meat and potatoes.
- Adjust to Taste: Taste your dish as you cook. If the spice level or saltiness isn’t quite right, feel free to add more jalapeño or salt to the sauce. Jalapeños can vary in heat, so a small taste test can guide your adjustments.
- Moisture Maintenance: If the meat seems to be drying out while cooking, add 1/4 cup of water to keep it moist. This ensures a juicy and tender final dish.