What are the ingredients in picadillo?

A classic version typically includes ground meat (often beef or turkey), diced onions, bell peppers, carrots, and occasionally potatoes. The stew is usually enriched with tomatoes or tomato sauce, plus a balance of sweet and tangy elements—like raisins or capers—to bring out its signature taste. Common seasonings involve cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.

What is the difference between Mexican picadillo and Cuban picadillo?

Both styles start with the same general concept—ground meat and diced vegetables—but the Mexican version tends to incorporate more spice or chili peppers, creating a bolder, more intense heat. In contrast, the Cuban approach prioritizes a gentle sweetness and aromatic quality, often achieved through abundant raisins and capers.

What spices are in picadillo?

Although cumin and paprika are common fixtures, cooks may also add salt, pepper, oregano, or other herbs. Every household has its own preferences, so you might discover recipes that include hints of garlic powder, chili powder, or even cinnamon for extra warmth.

What is a Cuban picadillo?

In Cuban-style picadillo, the dish leans toward a mildly sweet profile and aromatic notes. It uses a similar base of meat and vegetables, but is distinguished by a generous helping of raisins and capers. This combination creates a unique balance of savory, sweet, and tangy elements that is especially beloved in Cuban cuisine.

Picadillo Recipe – perfect and tasty

Name: Picadillo Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: Picadillo Base; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option); 1 large onion, finely diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned); 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color); 1 cup diced carrots; 1 cup diced potatoes (optional for a heartier meal); ½ cup raisins; 2 tablespoons capers, drained; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); ½ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste); 1 cup low-sodium beef or chicken broth (or water); Optional Garnish; Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro; Lime wedges

Description

This comforting picadillo brings together tender ground meat, sweet raisins, and tangy capers in a hearty tomato base. Packed with veggies and mild spices, it’s a crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm hug on a busy weeknight or for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

Picadillo Base

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)

1 large onion, finely diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)

1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)

1 cup diced carrots

1 cup diced potatoes (optional for a heartier meal)

½ cup raisins

2 tablespoons capers, drained

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

½ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)

1 cup low-sodium beef or chicken broth (or water)

Optional Garnish

Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

Lime wedges

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics

Warm the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until the onions turn translucent.

Brown the Ground Meat

Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet.

Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, allowing it to brown evenly.

Season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Introduce Veggies & Seasonings

Toss in the diced tomatoes, bell peppers, carrots, and potatoes (if using).

Stir in cumin, paprika, the remaining salt, and black pepper.

Continue to sauté for another 2–3 minutes.

Simmer with Broth

Pour in the broth (or water) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

Gently fold in the raisins and capers.

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the picadillo simmer for about 15–20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld.

Taste & Adjust

Remove the lid and taste the sauce.

Add more salt, pepper, or spices if desired.

If the mixture is too thick, stir in a splash more broth or water.

Garnish & Serve

Turn off the heat.

If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over the top for a bright finish.

Serve hot with steamed rice, a side salad, or warm tortillas.

Notes

✔ Substitutions: Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef for a lighter version. Swap potatoes for sweet potatoes or another root vegetable for a fun twist.

✔ Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a small splash of water or broth if needed.

✔ Serving Ideas: Enjoy picadillo with white rice, quinoa, or even mashed potatoes.Try using leftovers as a filling for tacos or empanadas.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stove-Top Simmer
Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1
Calories: 300 kcal
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 25g

Keywords: Picadillo , Comfort Food , One-Pot Meal , Weeknight Dinner , Latin American Cuisine , Gluten-Free Friendly