If you are craving a dish that bursts with the warmth of home-cooked comfort and the vibrancy of Cuban flavors, this Cuban Picadillo: Savory Ground Beef Hash with Olives, Raisins, and Spices Recipe is your new go-to. With each bite, you’ll experience the beautiful balance of sweet raisins mingling with briny olives, tender ground beef infused with fragrant spices like cinnamon and smoked paprika, and just the right hint of warmth that makes this dish so memorable. It’s a classic that feels both exotic and familiar no matter your experience with Cuban cuisine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the straightforward ingredient list fool you—each element plays an essential role in creating the rich, layered taste and inviting texture of this dish. From aromatic spices to bright pops of green olives and sweetness from raisins, every ingredient brings its own character to the table.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing and to add a smooth, fruity base to the flavors.
- Onion, finely chopped: Provides a sweet, caramelized foundation when cooked.
- Green bell pepper, chopped: Adds freshness and a subtle crunch that brightens the dish.
- Garlic, minced: Lends a warming, aromatic depth that infuses the meat beautifully.
- Ground beef (1 1/2 pounds): The hearty, savory star of the recipe with rich flavor and satisfying texture.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Contributes an earthy, slightly smoky note that complements the meat.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a subtle, sweet warmth distinctive in Cuban cooking.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a mild smokiness and vibrant color to the dish.
- Ground cloves (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Adds a nod of aromatic intensity for adventurous palates.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances and balances all the flavors perfectly.
- Tomato sauce (1/2 cup): Adds richness and a subtle tang to marry the ingredients together.
- Dry white wine or beef broth (1/4 cup): Deglazes the pan and deepens the sauce’s complexity.
- Green olives, sliced (1/3 cup): Impart a briny brightness that cuts through the savory meat.
- Raisins (1/4 cup): Offer delightful bursts of sweetness contrasting the saltiness.
- Capers (2 tablespoons, optional): Add a punchy, tangy accent for an extra flavor lift.
- Bay leaf (1): Infuses subtle herbal notes throughout the simmered mixture.
- Potato, peeled and diced (1 medium, optional): Makes the dish more filling and tenderly soaks up the sauce.
How to Make Cuban Picadillo: Savory Ground Beef Hash with Olives, Raisins, and Spices Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by warming the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and green bell pepper, letting them soften gently for about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is crucial as it unlocks their natural sweetness and creates the fragrant base that your ground beef will later absorb. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook it just long enough to release its aroma—about 30 seconds—careful not to burn it.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to your skillet and cook until it’s browned evenly, breaking it up with your spoon or spatula as you go. This ensures every bite has tender, flavorful bits of meat. When it’s all nicely browned, drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the dish from becoming greasy, but don’t worry about removing it all since a little fat carries flavor.
Step 3: Spice Things Up
Sprinkle in the cumin, cinnamon, smoked paprika, cloves (if you’re using them), salt, and black pepper. These spices are the heart of the Cuban Picadillo: Savory Ground Beef Hash with Olives, Raisins, and Spices Recipe, giving the dish its unforgettable warm and complex taste. Mix everything well to coat the meat completely with those fragrant seasonings.
Step 4: Create the Sauce and Add Layers
Pour in the tomato sauce and the white wine or beef broth, stirring to combine all those wonderful flavors. Then add the green olives, raisins, optional capers, and bay leaf. If you decide to include diced potato, toss it in now too. These additions are key to the texture and flavor contrast that make this recipe so captivating. Cover your skillet and allow everything to simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and potatoes (if used) are tender.
Step 5: Finish and Prepare to Serve
Remove the bay leaf before serving—it’s done its job of infusing the dish but isn’t pleasant to eat whole. Give everything a final stir, taste for seasoning, and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Now you’re ready to enjoy this hearty Cuban classic!
How to Serve Cuban Picadillo: Savory Ground Beef Hash with Olives, Raisins, and Spices Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate your Cuban Picadillo and add a burst of color and texture. A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley adds vibrant green freshness, while a squeeze of lime over the top introduces a bright acidity that balances the rich flavors beautifully. Some like a dollop of creamy avocado or a few thinly sliced radishes for crunch and contrast.
Side Dishes
This dish truly shines when paired with classic Cuban sides. Fluffy white rice is the traditional accompaniment, soaking up the savory-sweet sauce perfectly. For added texture, try black beans cooked with a touch of garlic and onion. Warm corn or flour tortillas on the side allow you to scoop and savor each bite with a comforting softness. Plantains, whether fried or baked, add sweet caramel notes that complement the picadillo wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get a little playful, transform leftovers into empanada fillings or tacos for a fun twist on the original. You can also serve Cuban Picadillo as a filling for stuffed peppers or atop a crisp salad for a light yet satisfying meal. The versatility of this Cuban Picadillo: Savory Ground Beef Hash with Olives, Raisins, and Spices Recipe means you’re only limited by your imagination.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Picadillo keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen and improve after a day or two, making leftovers a real treat. Make sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully, making it an excellent meal prep option. Portion your picadillo into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce and prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between until heated through. This keeps your Cuban Picadillo: Savory Ground Beef Hash with Olives, Raisins, and Spices Recipe tasting just as delicious as the first day.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a lighter alternative. Just be mindful that they may cook faster and produce less fat, so keep an eye on moisture and seasoning intensity to maintain flavor balance.
What can I substitute if I don’t have green olives or raisins?
If you’re out of olives, capers or chopped pickles can add a similar briny punch. For raisins, dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots bring comparable sweetness and chewiness to the dish.
Is this recipe spicy? How can I adjust the heat?
The Cuban Picadillo: Savory Ground Beef Hash with Olives, Raisins, and Spices Recipe is mildly spiced with warming spices but not hot. For more heat, add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper during cooking. For no spice, simply omit these.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for cooked lentils, crumbled tofu, or finely chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and increase spices to boost flavor.
What is the best way to serve picadillo for a crowd?
Prepare the Cuban Picadillo in a large pan and keep it warm in a slow cooker or chafing dish. Serve alongside bowls of rice, beans, tortillas, and garnishes so guests can build their own plates or tacos easily.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re revisiting a cherished Cuban classic or discovering it for the first time, this Cuban Picadillo: Savory Ground Beef Hash with Olives, Raisins, and Spices Recipe offers an unforgettable harmony of flavors that feels like a warm welcome to your dinner table. It’s easy enough for weeknights yet special enough to impress friends and family. I hope you give it a try and find as much joy in making and eating it as I do.
Print
Cuban Picadillo: Savory Ground Beef Hash with Olives, Raisins, and Spices Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cuban
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This classic Cuban Picadillo recipe features a flavorful blend of ground beef simmered with onions, bell peppers, garlic, and warm spices. Enhanced with tangy green olives, sweet raisins, and optional diced potato, it creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes. Serve it over rice or with warm tortillas for a satisfying main course that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or beef broth
- 1/3 cup green olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 2 tablespoons capers (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the pan. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning it.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until the beef is fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even browning. Drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary.
- Season the Meat Mixture: Sprinkle in the ground cumin, cinnamon, smoked paprika, optional ground cloves, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the spices evenly throughout the beef mixture.
- Add Liquids and Flavorings: Mix in the tomato sauce and the white wine or beef broth. Add the sliced green olives, raisins, capers if using, and the bay leaf. If including potatoes, stir the diced potatoes into the skillet now.
- Simmer the Picadillo: Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the sauce has thickened and the potatoes are tender if included.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Serve the picadillo hot, ideally over a bed of rice or accompanied by warm tortillas for an authentic Cuban experience.
Notes
- This Cuban-style picadillo balances sweet and savory flavors perfectly.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken as a leaner option.
- For a spicier kick, add a diced jalapeño pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Leftover picadillo is excellent as a filling for empanadas or tacos.
