Name: Easy Picadillo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cuban
Ingredients: 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil ($0.33); 1 yellow onion, small dice ($0.70); 1 red bell pepper, small dice ($1.48); 1 Tbsp garlic, minced ($0.04); 1 lb ground beef (80/20) ($4.49); 1 tsp coarse salt ($0.03); 1 1/2 tsp sazón (1 packet) ($0.30); 1 tsp adobo ($0.05); 1/2 cup sofrito ($1.08); 1/2 cup sliced pimento-stuffed green olives ($1.92); 1/4 cup raisins ($0.41); 1/2 Tbsp white vinegar ($0.09); 15 oz tomato sauce ($1.06); 2 bay leaves ($0.20); 1/4 cup water ($0.00)

Print Recipe· 4.2 from 14 reviews

If you are craving a dish with layers of zesty, savory, and just a touch of sweetness, then this Easy Picadillo Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to. This traditional Latin American comfort food blends ground beef with vibrant vegetables, olives, and raisins creating an irresistible medley of flavors that feels both hearty and bright. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe offers warmth, simplicity, and incredible taste in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large silver frying pan on a white marbled surface is filled with raw pink ground meat on the right side and cooked diced orange bell peppers and translucent onions on the left side. Next to the vegetables are three small piles of dry spices in light yellow, bright red, and white colors, arranged in a cluster. The pan handle extends out to the left, and the scene is lit with bright natural light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Easy Picadillo Recipe calls for simple, straightforward ingredients that combine to make a powerhouse of flavor. Each component brings something special, from the tender ground beef to the tangy olives and sweet raisins, creating a balance that is truly satisfying.

Olive oil: The base for sautéing provides a rich medium to soften the aromatics without overpowering the dish.
Yellow onion, small dice: Adds a natural sweetness and depth as it cooks down to translucent perfection.
Red bell pepper, small dice: Brings a crisp, colorful bite along with a subtle sweetness.
Garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with that warm, aromatic punch that is essential in savory cooking.
Ground beef (80/20): Offers the hearty main protein, with just enough fat to keep the picadillo juicy and flavorful.
Coarse salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.
Sazón (1 packet): A seasoned blend that brings vibrant color and a hint of smoky, garlicky goodness.
Adobo seasoning: Adds a zesty, well-rounded kick to the beef mixture.
Sofrito: A classic blend of sautéed peppers, onions, herbs, and spices that build the dish’s signature flavor profile.
Sliced pimento-stuffed green olives: Provide bursts of briny, tangy sharpness that contrast beautifully with the sweeter elements.
Raisins: Sweet little gems that surprise your palate with their chewy texture and contrasting flavor.
White vinegar: Adds brightness and a slight acidity that balances richness perfectly.
Tomato sauce: Creates a rich, saucy base that ties all the ingredients together cohesively.
Bay leaves: Impart subtle herbal notes while simmering.
Water: Helps meld all flavors gently while ensuring a perfect sauce consistency.

How to Make Easy Picadillo Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Peppers

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the finely diced yellow onion and red bell pepper. Cook them until the onions become transparent and soft, releasing their sweetness and setting a flavorful foundation for the rest of the dish.

Step 2: Add Garlic for Aroma

Next, stir in the minced garlic. Let it cook just until it’s fragrant, about 30 seconds to a minute. Be careful not to let it burn because garlic can quickly go from aromatic to bitter. This step layers on that irresistible savory punch found in every great picadillo.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Now it’s time for the star ingredient—ground beef. Add it to the skillet, then sprinkle with salt, sazón, and adobo. As the beef browns, use your spoon to break up any big chunks so it cooks evenly and absorbs all those seasonings. This is when the dish develops its rich, meaty character.

Step 4: Incorporate the Sofrito

Once the beef is nicely browned, stir in the sofrito. Continue cooking and stirring constantly for about 2 minutes, letting those vibrant flavors fully awaken and mingle with the meat. Sofrito is the heart of this recipe, giving it that authentic Latin flair you’ve been craving.

Step 5: Add the Olives, Raisins, and Sauce

Then add the sliced pimento-stuffed green olives, raisins, white vinegar, tomato sauce, bay leaves, and water. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry and the sauce to thicken slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool a bit before serving or storing.

How to Serve Easy Picadillo Recipe

A silver pan sits on a white marbled surface filled with cooked ground meat mixed with small pieces of red bell pepper and onions, forming a textured brown and red base layer. On top of the meat mixture in the center, there is a smooth, bright red layer of tomato sauce. To the left of the tomato sauce, there are two smaller piles: one of dark brown raisins and one of sliced green olives with a glossy finish. Two large pale bay leaves rest on the meat near the bottom left side of the pan. The pan handle extends out to the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finishing touches can elevate your Easy Picadillo Recipe to restaurant-worthy status. Consider sprinkling chopped fresh cilantro or parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh, herbaceous brightness. A few sliced green onions or a dash of hot sauce can also add a lively kick just before serving.

Side Dishes

This hearty dish shines when paired with fluffy white rice or warm, soft tortillas. For a low-carb option, spoon it over cauliflower rice or serve alongside roasted vegetables. Black beans and fried plantains are classic companions that bring even more texture and soul to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your Easy Picadillo Recipe beyond the plate by using it as a filling for tacos, empanadas, or stuffed peppers. It also works beautifully as a topping for nachos or baked into a savory pie. The versatility of picadillo makes it perfect for any occasion!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer your leftover picadillo to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days, making it a fantastic option for quick lunches or next-day dinners.

Freezing

Picadillo freezes exceptionally well. Portion it out into freezer-friendly containers or zip-top bags, label, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

Reheat your picadillo gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it, covering loosely and heating in 1-minute bursts until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I make this Easy Picadillo Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or a mixture of finely chopped mushrooms and lentils for a hearty, vegetarian-friendly version that still captures the flavors nicely.

What can I use if I don’t have sazón seasoning?

If you don’t have sazón, you can mix cumin, garlic powder, coriander, and a pinch of annatto or turmeric for color and flavor. Season to taste to recreate the essence of sazón.

Are raisins essential in this picadillo recipe?

While raisins add a delightful sweetness that contrasts wonderfully with the savory and salty elements, you can omit them or substitute with chopped dried apricots for a different sweet note.

Can I prepare this dish in advance for a party?

Yes! Picadillo develops even deeper flavors after sitting for a few hours or overnight, making it an ideal make-ahead dish for gatherings or busy weeknights.

How spicy is this Easy Picadillo Recipe?

This recipe is mildly spiced from the sazón and adobo but not hot. You can adjust the heat by adding diced fresh chilies or hot sauce to suit your spice preference.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, a warm and welcoming Easy Picadillo Recipe that feels like a hug on a plate. It’s approachable, bursting with those classic Latin flavors, and flexible enough to make your own. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a staple in your kitchen repertoire—this one’s sure to bring family and friends together around the table again and again.

Easy Picadillo Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need