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. ♡
1tspkosher salt divided* you will add 1/2 tsp to the onions and the other 1/2 tsp to the ground beef
¼tspcoarse black pepper
4clovesfinely chopped
2tspdried oregano
½tspsmoked paprika or one chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
1tspcumin
½tspcayenne pepper
1lbground beef
1cupfrozen peas
1cupgreen pitted olives
½cuptomato sauce or 2 tbsp tomato paste + 4 tsp water
1Tablespoonpure maple syrup
1limejuiced
¼cupfresh chopped cilantro
Instructions
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, onions, and carrots. Season with ½ tsp kosher salt and black pepper. Sautee until the onions have softened.
Next, add the garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Stir-fry just until aromatic, about 30 seconds.
When ready, add the ground beef, the other ½ tsp kosher salt, and stir-fry until the meat gets crispy and brown. Then, add the frozen peas, olives, and tomato sauce. Mix to combine. Then, cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 10 minutes on low heat.
Finally, open the lid, give a quick stir, add the maple syrup, squeeze lime juice all over the seasoned meat, sprinkle in the chopped cilantro, and enjoy immediately.
Notes
When you first add the tomato sauce, it may look as though it's not enough. However, because we are not making a stew, the added tomato is only to provide additional flavor.