Cuban Beef Picadillo 

Cuban Beef Picadillo is a classic comfort food that beautifully balances savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. This one-pan dish combines ground beef with onions, bell peppers, garlic, olives, raisins, and a rich tomato-based sauce, simmered to perfection. It's traditionally served over white rice and often accompanied by fried plantains or tostones, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.

🧄 Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1½ pounds lean ground beef

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• ⅓ cup dry white wine (optional)

• 2 teaspoons dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce

• ⅓ cup dried currants or raisins

• ½ cup green pitted olives

• ⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley 

🔪 Directions

1. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 5 to 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Sauté Vegetables: Lower the heat to medium. Add chopped onion and red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until softened, about 2–3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

3. Deglaze (Optional): Pour in the dry white wine, if using, and cook, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits, until the wine has evaporated.

4. Add Spices and Sauces: Stir in dried oregano, paprika, cumin, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

5. Simmer: Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 15 minutes.

6. Add Sweet and Savory Elements: Add currants (or raisins) and green olives to the skillet. Continue cooking, uncovered, for another 10–15 minutes, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.

7. Finish and Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Stir in chopped parsley before serving.

🍽️ Nutritional Estimate (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 400 kcal

• Total Fat: 20 g

• Saturated Fat: 7 g

• Cholesterol: 70 mg

• Sodium: 800 mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 20 g

• Dietary Fiber: 3 g

• Sugars: 10 g

• Protein: 30 g