Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup pimento-stuffed green olives, sliced
- 2 tbsp capers
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Special equipment needed: None
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the onion, green bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), raisins, olives, capers, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded and the sauce has thickened slightly, about 15-20 minutes.
6. Serve hot over rice or with crusty bread.
30-40 minutes
5. Temperature: Medium-high heat
Serving size: 4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 22g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the ground beef.
- Red bell pepper can be used instead of green bell pepper.
- Raisins can be replaced with currants or chopped prunes.
- Manzanilla olives can be used instead of pimento-stuffed green olives.
Variations:
- Add a diced potato to the skillet with the onion and bell pepper for a heartier dish.
- Use ground pork instead of ground beef for a different flavor.
- Add a splash of red wine or beef broth to the skillet for extra depth of flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to drain any excess fat from the skillet after cooking the ground beef.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more or less of the spices as desired.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the picadillo in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the picadillo in a large bowl or on a platter, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley.
Garnishes:
- Fresh cilantro or parsley
- Sliced avocado
- Diced tomato
Pairings:
- Rice
- Crusty bread
- Plantains
Suggested side dishes:
- Black beans
- Fried yuca
- Tostones
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thin, simmer the picadillo for a few more minutes to thicken it up.
- If the dish is too salty, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to balance out the flavors.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
- Picadillo is a traditional dish in many Latin American countries, including Cuba, Mexico, and the Philippines.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, slightly sweet, and tangy
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the picadillo family-style, with everyone helping themselves from a large bowl or platter.
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Region: Cuban