Best Picadillo Recipe

The recipe prices will vary based on fluctuating grocery costs. Please use what is posted as a guide.

This Picadillo Recipe is a true family favorite. It’s perfectly seasoned ground beef, garlic, and onions simmered in a light tomato sauce. You are going to love how easy this dish is to make. ♡

This recipe costs $5.72 to make. It makes six servings, which works out to be about $0.95 per serving.

I love to serve this Picadillo alongside this Mexican Cauliflower Rice.

Picadillo Recipe

Picadillo, pronounced [pee-kah-DEE-yoh], is a dish preferred by many Spanish-speaking regions. In Cuba, it’s served alongside traditional rice and black beans. In Mexico, it serves its purpose as a stuffing for various dishes.

Spanish Picadillo is a classic dish with my own twist on it. Picadillo is a beef concoction full of veggies and seasonings creating a savory dish that everyone enjoys.

I have carefully chosen specific ingredients to make this recipe perfect with much research and an already established flavor pallet.

I wouldn’t say that this is a Cuban picadillo or a Mexican picadillo. It’s kind of both. If they were to have a baby, this would be their offspring. ☺️ Minus the potatoes and the raisins.

Furthermore, this picadillo recipe has one very special secret ingredient. Are you ready? Pure maple syrup…gasp! I know. Allow me to explain.

With all dishes, it’s important to have a well-balanced flavor profile like sweet, savory, salty, etc. By all means, this picadillo does not taste sweet. But, when your loved ones eat it, they will not even know that it’s in there. Trust me. They’ll just know that what they are eating is super yummy!

Besides that special secret ingredient we just spoke about, let’s talk about the other ingredients you will need.

A close up picture of the finished Picadillo Recipe in a frying pan.

Ingredients to make the best picadillo recipe

Ground beef	You will need one pound of ground beef.
Garlic and Onion	Will add loads of flavor.
Carrots	Gives a crunch and sweetness.
Peas	Adds more flavor and sweetness.
Green olives	Choose pitted green olives.
Tomato sauce or tomato paste	Either one will be fine.
Lime and Cilantro	It adds a nice fresh flare.
Spices	Like cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, Cheyanne pepper, kosher salt, and pepper.
My secret ingredient (pure maple syrup)	Pure maple syrup. Gasp… I know. Trust me; it is there only to balance out the flavor profile.

This picadillo recipe is very forgiving. If you do not have one of the ingredients, that’s completely ok.

Ingredients and Cost

RECIPE COST: $5.72

PRICE PER SERVING: $0.95

2 Tablespoons olive oil – $0.25
1 cup onion – $0.25
1 cup of carrots – $0.26
1 teaspoon kosher salt – $0.02
¼ teaspoon coarse black pepper – $0.07
4 cloves garlic – $0.40
2 teaspoons dried oregano – $0.10
½ teaspoon smoked paprika – $0.10
1 teaspoon cumin – $0.03
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper – $0.10
1 pound ground beef – $3.01
1 cup frozen peas – $0.40
1 cup green pitted olives – $0.05
½ cup tomato sauce – $0.27
Juice of one lime – $0.08
1 Tablespoon pure maple syrup – $0.09
¼ cup fresh cilantro – $0.24

NOTE: The recipe prices are calculated by using grocery store websites. The actual cost of the recipe will vary depending on what ingredients you already have.

Instructions

First, using a large skillet, add olive oil, onions, and carrots. Season with salt and pepper and then sautee until the onions are soft.
Then, add the spices and stir-fry for about thirty seconds. Add the ground beef, salt, and stir-fry until the meat is brown and crispy.
Next, add the peas, olives, and tomato sauce and mix. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook on low for ten minutes.
Finally, stir in the mpale syrup and lime juice and sprinkle in the chopped cilantro before serving.

***See full instructions in the recipe card below!

Recipe Variations

Swap out the beef for ground chicken or turkey. This will add a light flavor and possibly less fat.
Add diced green pepper. Though most recipes call for it, I decided to leave it out.
Use capers instead of green olives. The capers will add a nice salty touch. I will defiantly be trying that next time.
Use red pepper paste in place of tomato paste (if using).

Storage and Reheating Tips

SERVE: You can keep this out for about 2 hours before it needs to be stored and refrigerated.

STORE: Place the Picadillo in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

FREEZE: Once cooled, place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for 1-2 months.

DEFROST: Defrost at room temperature for 3-4 months or overnight in the refrigerator.

REHEAT: Add the mixture to a medium saucepan and stir in ¼ cup of water. Heat over medium heat until heated through.

Recipe FAQ’s

What goes well with this picadillo recipe?

Though you can enjoy picadillo the way you like, my favorite way is alongside cilantro-lime cauliflower rice. It’s just so flavorful!
You may also serve it with fluffy quinoa or cassava tortillas for more of a healthy touch.

Why is picadillo called picadillo?

Picadillo is well known in Spain and other Latin American countries. The name of the dish began comes from the Spanish word “picar.” That world translates to “to mince.” That then makes sense why they added ground beef into the recipe.

More Dairy Free Dinners

Read the recipe from start to finish. You will better understand the flow of the recipe and identify any unfamiliar words or methods.

Shop for the ingredients beforehand. When you shop ahead, you are less likely to swap out ingredients for what you don’t have, thus creating a complete recipe fail!

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to leave a comment below and an honest rating. ♡

This, my friends, is my family’s favorite picadillo recipe.