Picadillo (pē-kə-ˈdē-(ˌ)yō)

Puerto Rican Meat

Picadillo is a traditional dish in many Latin American and Spanish cuisines, with variations found in countries like Cuba, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and the Philippines. The name "Picadillo" comes from the Spanish word "picar," meaning "to mince" or "to chop," which refers to the finely chopped ingredients used in the dish. Typically, picadillo consists of ground meat (usually beef), tomatoes, raisins, olives, and a mix of regional spices. In Puerto Rico, the dish is often flavored with sofrito, a blend of aromatic ingredients sautéed in oil. Picadillo can be served over rice, used as a filling for empanadas, or enjoyed as a main course. Its versatility and rich, sweet-savory flavor have made it a beloved dish across various cultures.

Recipe Directions

Season Beef:

Season the ground beef with adobo.

Sauté Vegetables:

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent.

Add Sofrito:

Add sofrito and sauté until fragrant and a little oil starts separating from the veggies.

Brown Beef:

Add the ground beef. Crumble and stir until browned, about 7-10 minutes.

Add Seasonings:

Add Sazon seasoning, oregano, cumin, and tomato sauce. Continue stirring.

Simmer:

Add olives, raisins, cilantro, and a little water.

Cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is nicely cooked and oil starts separating on top of the meat.

Taste and adjust for adobo (or salt).

Serve:

Serve over white rice. Enjoy!

Crockpot/Slow Cooker Method:

Season Beef:

Season the ground beef with adobo.

Sauté Vegetables:

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent.

Brown Beef:

Add the ground beef. Crumble and stir until browned.

Transfer to Slow Cooker:

Transfer the meat mixture to the slow cooker.

Add Sazon seasoning, sofrito, oregano, cumin, tomato sauce, and a little water. Stir to combine.

Cook:

Close the lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.

Add olives and raisins during the last hour of cooking time.

Serve:

Serve over white rice. Enjoy!

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Refrigeration:

Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Freezing:

Freeze in an airtight container.

Use within two months for the best quality.

Notes:

Sazon Seasoning: A seasoning blend commonly used in Latin American cuisine, typically containing ingredients like coriander, cumin, achiote, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Adobo: A seasoning mixture used in Puerto Rican cooking, often including garlic, oregano, black pepper, and turmeric.

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Servings

8

Prep Time (hours)

.5

Items Needed

Large skillet, Spoon, Rice cooker (optional)

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Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 yellow bell pepper, chopped
3 Tbsp garlic, minced
4 Tbsp sofrito
1 packet Sazon seasoning (see note 1)
2 tsp oregano
2 tsp cumin
14 oz tomato sauce
1/3 cup raisins
1/3 cup pimento stuffed olives
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp cilantro, chopped
Adobo, to taste (see note 2)

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Item type

Consumable, Food / Drink

Creator

Morgan Berry

Related ethnicities

• American