Description
Bring the vibrant flavors of Cuba to your dinner table with this savory-sweet Authentic Cuban Beef Picadillo! Packed with ground beef, green olives, raisins, and a spiced tomato base, it’s a one-pan wonder that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. This easy recipe makes for a quick dinner, perfect for busy weeknights, and reheats beautifully for meal prep. Whether you’re searching for easy dinner ideas, budget-friendly meals, or ground beef recipes with a twist, this Cuban classic delivers bold, satisfying bites every time.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef (80/20)
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/3 cup green olives, sliced
1/4 cup raisins
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Saute until soft and fragrant.
2. Add ground beef. Break apart and cook until browned.
3. Stir in cumin, paprika, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Toast spices for 1 minute.
4. Add tomato sauce, green olives, and raisins. Stir to combine.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes until flavors meld.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning.
7. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
8. Serve hot over rice or with plantains.
Notes
For added texture, stir in diced cooked potatoes during the simmer.
Leftovers taste even better the next day—perfect for meal prepping!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cuban
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 395
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg