¡Qué Rico! Classic Cuban Picadillo

- Recipe Introduction
- What is ¡Qué Rico! Classic Cuban Picadillo all about?
- Why you'll love this Picadillo Recipe
- Key Ingredients for the Best Cuban Picadillo
- Ingredients & Equipment for Your ¡Qué Rico! Cuban Picadillo Recipe
- ¡Qué Rico! Let's Make Some Classic Cuban Picadillo !
- Recipe Notes for Your ¡Qué Rico! Cuban Picadillo Recipe
- Frequently Asked Questions
Que Rico Classic Cuban Picadillo

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 375 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 22.5g |
| Fiber | 2.5g |
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever find yourself craving something savoury with a hint of sweetness? You know? This cuban picadillo recipe is your answer. It's like a warm hug from Havana, packed with flavour and oh-so-satisfying.
Brief Overview
Cuban picadillo is a classic comfort food. its origins is in cuba. think of it like a savoury hash with a latino twist.
It is super easy to make, taking about 50 minutes from start to finish. this recipe yields 6 servings, perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together.
Main Benefits
Honestly, the best part about this dish is how versatile it is. it's packed with protein, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
It's perfect for a weeknight dinner, or even a potluck. what makes this recipe special? it's a flavour explosion in every bite! it will bring you the authentic cuban recipes taste!.
What is ¡Qué Rico! Classic Cuban Picadillo all about?
This recipe for ¡qué rico! classic cuban picadillo delivers an authentic cuban experience. ground beef simmers in a tomato sauce, with those delicious raisins and olives.
This dish, also named cuban ground beef recipe , is perfect over rice or as taco filling.
It's an easy cuban recipe , even for beginners. you will need only 20 minutes for prep and 30 minutes for cooking.
Therefore, in less than an hour you will have a picadillo recipe cuban authentic dish ready!
Why you'll love this Picadillo Recipe
Aside from the incredible flavour, this dish offers serious nutritional benefits. a serving packs a hefty dose of protein. what’s more, it’s completely customizable.
Think of it as your gateway into exploring more delicious cuban food recipes . you know? i've made it countless times, and each time it's a hit.
Key Ingredients for the Best Cuban Picadillo
Let's talk ingredients, shall we? you'll need ground beef, which is the base. some diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste.
Don't forget the olives, raisins, and a dash of brown sugar for that signature sweetness. finally, there are some aromatics like onion, garlic, and bell pepper.
You can also try it with beef olives .
Ingredients & Equipment for Your ¡Qué Rico! Cuban Picadillo Recipe
So, you’re ready to make some proper cuban picadillo , eh? let’s talk about what you'll need. honestly, it’s all pretty straightforward stuff.
No need to panic if you're not a seasoned chef! this picadillo recipe is dead easy.
Main Ingredients to make the Perfect Picadillo Recipe Cuban Authentic
Alright, here's the lowdown. I usually wing it, but here are precise measurements. So, no one comes crying to me later.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). Don’t use that cheap stuff. Go for extra virgin for that extra flavour.
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium , finely chopped (approx. 1 cup / 150g ). The base of all good things.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced (approx. 1 teaspoon / 5g ). Fresh is always best, innit?
- Green Bell Pepper: 1 medium , finely chopped (approx. 1 cup / 150g ). Adds a nice bit of freshness and crunch.
- Ground Beef: 1.5 pounds ( 680g ). Lean is good, so it's not too greasy. For a leaner option, turkey mince will do as well. I have used it to create Ground Beef Recipes For Dinner, honestly!
- Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon (5 ml). A must. This will bring the Authentic Cuban Recipes flavor to the table!
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon (5 ml). Don’t skip this, it adds a herby depth.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml), or to taste. Season generously!
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml), or to taste. Freshly ground is always a winner!
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) can , undrained (approx. 411g ). Don't drain them. That juice is part of the flavour!
- Beef Broth: 1/2 cup ( 120 ml ). Get the good stuff, it makes a difference.
- Tomato Paste: 1/4 cup ( 60g ). Adds richness and depth.
- Raisins: 2 tablespoons ( 30g ). I know some people hate them, but trust me on this one. They add a lovely sweetness. If you hate them, just chuck them out.
- Pimento Stuffed Green Olives: 2 tablespoons , sliced ( 30g ). Adds a salty, briny bite.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). A touch of tang to balance the sweetness.
- Brown Sugar: 1 teaspoon , packed ( 5g ). Just a hint of sweetness.
Seasoning Notes to Bring the Cuban Ground Beef Recipe to the Next Level
Cumin and oregano are your best mates. They give that Cuban kick. A little vinegar brightens everything up. Don't be afraid to add a pinch of chilli flakes for some heat.
Equipment You'll Need to Cook Picadillo with Rice
You don't need fancy gear for this easy cuban recipes . a large skillet or dutch oven is essential. a good knife and chopping board are also important.
Measuring cups and spoons, obviously. and a wooden spoon or spatula for stirring. i always use a spatula when cooking.
Honestly, that’s it. Picadillo Recipe is all about simple ingredients. You will create amazing Cuban Food Recipes . Get stuck in and you will enjoy every bite!
¡Qué Rico! Let's Make Some Classic Cuban Picadillo !
Honestly, have you ever had proper cuban food recipes ? this cuban picadillo is pure comfort food. it’s like sunshine in a bowl! i’m gonna walk you through making a picadillo recipe cuban authentic so easy, you will forget about other ground beef recipes for dinner .
Prep Steps: Mise en Place is Key!
First things first: let's get organised! chop 1 medium yellow onion, 2 cloves of garlic, and 1 green bell pepper nice and small.
Get your 1.5 pounds of ground beef ready. measure out all your spices too 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
It will saves you so much time.
Step-by-Step Cuban Picadillo Recipe
- Sauté the onion and pepper in 1 tablespoon olive oil until soft about 5 minutes . Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Brown that ground beef . Make sure to break it up in the pan. Drain off most of the grease. Leave a little bit for flavour, you know?
- Stir in your spices, 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup beef broth, and 1/4 cup tomato paste. Mix it all up real good.
- Simmer for 15 minutes . Reduce the heat to low, put a lid on, and stir now and then.
- Now for the good stuff! Stir in 2 tablespoons raisins, 2 tablespoons sliced olives, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon brown sugar. Simmer for another 5 minutes .
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Picadillo Recipe
Want to really impress? a splash of dry sherry at the end adds a fancy touch. another tip? avoid burning the garlic .
Low and slow is the key. my abuela always said cuban ground beef recipe tastes even better the next day.
Make it ahead, refrigerate, and then reheat boom, flavour explosion. this recipe is more than just a picadillo with rice .
With this easy cuban recipes it could even be a filling for beef olives ! and don't forget that this can be a great starting point for other authentic cuban recipes .
Recipe Notes for Your ¡Qué Rico! Cuban Picadillo Recipe
Okay, so you're about to make some awesome cuban picadillo . honestly, this picadillo recipe cuban authentic is pretty foolproof. but, just in case, i've got a few extra pointers that will help you absolutely nail it.
Serving like a Pro
Cuban food recipes are all about presentation. i love serving my cuban picadillo with rice in a bowl. you know? like, a little mound of rice with the cuban ground beef recipe spooned over the top.
Garnish it with a sprig of fresh coriander. a total winner! and honestly, try it with some sweet fried plantains on the side.
Proper delicious! also, it tastes great in tacos!
Storage Savvy
So, you've got leftovers? lucky you! this picadillo recipe is amazing the next day. just pop it into an airtight container.
Keep it in the fridge. it'll be good for about 3-4 days. for long term storage, you can freeze it. just thaw it completely before reheating.
I normally portion into individual bags, and it's good for up to 3 months. when it comes to reheating, the microwave works fine.
But honestly, heating it in a pan on the stovetop is the best way.
Variations: Your Picadillo Your Way
Want to try something different? swap out the ground beef for some minced turkey. it works really well. for a vegetarian option, try using lentils or a plant based alternative.
This picadillo with rice or lentils is just amazing.
Nutrition Breakdown
Alright, let's talk nutrition. each serving of this easy cuban recipes is packed with protein from the ground beef. the diced tomatoes provide vitamin c.
And the olives offer healthy fats. of course, ground beef recipes for dinner aren't always the lightest , but this cuban picadillo is a balanced and satisfying meal.
Think of it as a step up from beef olives .
I really hope you enjoy making this cuban picadillo recipe . it's such a comforting and delicious dish. don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own! i know you'll absolutely love it! happy cooking!.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cuban Picadillo anyway? Is it like a Caribbean cottage pie?
That’s a great question! Think of Cuban Picadillo as a savoury ground beef hash with a vibrant, slightly sweet flavour profile. It's simmered in a tomato based sauce with olives and raisins.
While it shares the comfort food vibe of cottage pie, it's typically served over rice instead of being topped with mashed potatoes, though feel free to cross the streams if you're feeling adventurous, old sport!
Can I make Cuban Picadillo ahead of time? Will it keep like a good ol' Shepherd's Pie?
Absolutely! In fact, this ¡Qué Rico! Classic Cuban Picadillo recipe often tastes even better the next day. The flavours have a chance to meld together beautifully. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
You can also freeze it for longer storage it's a champion batch cook recipe!
My picadillo tastes a little bland. How can I boost the flavour of my Cuban picadillo recipe?
Blandness is the enemy! First, ensure you're using good quality beef broth it makes a big difference. Also, don't be shy with the seasoning. A pinch more salt, pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce (like a cheeky scotch bonnet pepper if you're feeling brave) can elevate the flavour.
A squeeze of lime juice at the end brightens everything up, like a ray of Cuban sunshine. Letting it simmer longer helps to develop the flavour too!
I'm not a huge fan of raisins or olives. Can I leave them out of this Cuban picadillo recipe, or substitute them?
Of course! This recipe is a guideline, not the ten commandments. If raisins aren't your thing, try dried cranberries for a similar sweetness and texture. For the olives, you can omit them entirely or substitute them with capers for a briny flavour.
Ultimately, it's your picadillo, so feel free to tailor it to your taste like a Savile Row suit.
Is Cuban Picadillo healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
It can be! Cuban Picadillo offers a good source of protein from the ground beef. To make it healthier, use lean ground beef and consider adding more vegetables like chopped carrots or celery. Be mindful of the sodium content, and use low-sodium beef broth. And remember, like a good Sunday roast, moderation is key!
What are some tasty ways to serve my Cuban Picadillo?
The possibilities are endless! The classic way is served over fluffy white rice, a perfect blank canvas for the picadillo's robust flavour. It's also fantastic stuffed into tacos or empanadas for a handheld treat.
For a true Cuban experience, serve it with a side of fried plantains ( platanos maduros) and a refreshing mojito. Ole!