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There’s something irresistibly homey about a simmering skillet of Cuban Beef Picadillo. Rich with comforting spices, briny green olives, and the subtle sweetness of raisins, this dish is a flavor-packed celebration of culture and tradition. It’s the kind of meal that transports you to a warm Cuban kitchen, where abuela stirs a bubbling pan of picadillo while the scent of cumin and garlic fills the air.

This dish strikes a beautiful balance between savory and sweet, thanks to its unique blend of ingredients. Whether piled high on white rice, tucked into a soft empanada, or enjoyed with plantains on the side, picadillo is incredibly versatile. And the best part? It comes together with everyday pantry staples and ground beef, making it both affordable and weeknight-friendly.

Why You’ll Love This Authentic Cuban Beef Picadillo

Picadillo is the ultimate comfort food, but with a Cuban twist that makes it stand out. It delivers layers of flavor from the sofrito base to the addition of tomato sauce, spices, olives, and raisins. The recipe is quick enough for busy evenings but satisfying enough to serve for guests. Plus, it stores and reheats beautifully, which makes it even more convenient.

With one pan and under 40 minutes, you can enjoy a dish that feels nostalgic and new all at once. Whether you’re new to Cuban cuisine or grew up with it, this recipe is bound to become a regular in your rotation.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use for Picadillo?

You can use any ground beef for picadillo, but 85/15 or 90/10 lean ground beef tends to give the best results. It has just enough fat to bring rich flavor without turning greasy. If you want a leaner version, you can even substitute ground turkey or chicken. But traditionally, beef is what gives this dish its signature depth.

Ingredients for the Authentic Cuban Beef Picadillo

This dish brings together some simple but impactful ingredients. Each one plays an important role in building the classic sweet-savory flavor profile of picadillo.

Ground beef brings richness and acts as the hearty base for this recipe.

Onion adds an aromatic sweetness that forms part of the sofrito base.

Garlic deepens the flavor and gives that irresistible aroma that kicks things off right.

Green bell pepper gives the dish its Cuban soul and provides freshness and crunch.

Tomato sauce adds richness and helps form the saucy base that coats the meat.

Cumin is essential for that earthy warmth found in many Latin dishes.

Oregano layers in herbal notes that complement the heartiness of the beef.

Bay leaf infuses subtle depth during the simmering process.

Green olives add a briny punch that balances the sweetness of the raisins.

Raisins may seem surprising, but they’re what make Cuban picadillo unique, adding subtle sweetness.

Salt and pepper to season and enhance every flavor in the pan.

Olive oil is used to sauté and pull all those sofrito flavors together.

How To Make the Authentic Cuban Beef Picadillo

Step 1: Sauté the Sofrito

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until everything is softened and fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Push the vegetables to the side and add the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and cook until it’s no longer pink. This should take about 6 to 8 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Seasonings

Stir in the cumin, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the beef is coated evenly.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce and stir. Let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes so the flavors can meld beautifully.

Step 5: Finish with Olives and Raisins

Add in the sliced green olives and raisins. Stir and let cook for another 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Remove the bay leaf before serving and enjoy your Cuban Beef Picadillo over rice or however you prefer.

Serving and Storing This Cuban Classic

This recipe serves about 4 to 6 people generously, especially when paired with rice or bread. It’s perfect for weeknight family meals but also ideal for feeding a crowd or bringing to a potluck.

Leftovers? Even better. Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen even more overnight, making it fantastic the next day. You can also freeze picadillo for up to 3 months. Just defrost and reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

What to Serve With Picadillo?

White Rice

A Cuban classic and the most common pairing. It soaks up the savory juices perfectly.

Fried Plantains

The sweet contrast of maduros (ripe plantains) is absolutely divine next to the briny olives.

Black Beans

Another traditional Cuban side that adds protein, fiber, and earthy depth.

Empanada Dough

Spoon picadillo into empanada shells and bake or fry for a whole new dish.

Tostones

Crispy smashed green plantains are ideal for scooping up the beefy goodness.

Arepas

This Venezuelan touch isn’t traditional, but they work beautifully as a base.

Crusty Bread

Scoop it up like a Cuban sloppy joe. It’s messy, but you won’t mind.

Simple Avocado Salad

A fresh counterbalance to the warm spices and rich flavors of the meat.

Want More Latin-Inspired Dishes?

If you’re into bold and satisfying meals like this Cuban beef picadillo, here are a few more recipes to explore:

• Easy Chicken Fried Rice
• Skirt Steak Rice Bowls with Chimichurri
• Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet
• Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni
• Creamy Mushroom Sauce for Steak

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra olives? Skip the raisins? Maybe sneak in some chili flakes? I’m always curious to hear your twists and tweaks.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinners on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new favorite comfort food with a cultural kick.

Conclusion

Authentic Cuban Beef Picadillo is more than just a ground beef dish – it’s a journey into the heart of Cuban cooking. With its rich blend of spices, sweet and salty bites, and its cozy one-pan ease, it’s the kind of recipe that feels both homey and special. Whether it’s your first time making picadillo or your hundredth, each time will be just as satisfying as the last.

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