Picadillo – Latin Ground Beef Stew

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that bursts with vibrant flavors, this Picadillo – Latin Ground Beef Stew recipe is your new go-to. This dish perfectly blends savory ground beef with a symphony of spices, tomatoes, and diced vegetables, creating a rich and satisfying stew that’s incredibly simple to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, Picadillo – Latin Ground Beef Stew catches the essence of Latin home cooking in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic flavors made easy: Experience the true taste of Latin cuisine with minimal effort and common pantry staples.
• Versatile and customizable: You can easily adjust ingredients to suit dietary needs or personal preferences without losing any deliciousness.
• One-pot convenience: This recipe cuts down on cleanup time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich, comforting texture: The combination of meat, vegetables, and spices creates a stew that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
• Great for meal prepping: Picadillo – Latin Ground Beef Stew stores well and tastes even better the next day, saving time on future meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything you need for this Picadillo – Latin Ground Beef Stew is straightforward but essential. Each ingredient contributes to the deep, complex flavor profile, from the hearty ground beef to the sweet and tangy tomatoes, and the spices that bring the dish alive.

• Ground Beef: Choose 80/20 lean ground beef for juicy texture without excess grease.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatics lay the flavor foundation and make the dish irresistibly savory.
• Tomatoes (crushed or diced): Add a natural sweetness and slight acidity that balances the richness of the meat.
• Bell Peppers: Adds crunch, color, and a subtle sweetness that enhances the stew.
• Potatoes: Provides heartiness and soak up the flavorful juices for a comforting touch.
• Olives: A salty, briny twist that’s a classic component in Latin Picadillo recipes.
• Raisins: Small bursts of sweetness contrast beautifully with the savory meat and spices.
• Spices (cumin, paprika, oregano): Essential for that unmistakable Latin flavor profile, adding warmth and depth.
• Beef broth or water: Helps meld flavors while keeping the stew moist and tender.
• Olive oil: For sautéing and adding richness to the base.

Variations for Picadillo – Latin Ground Beef Stew

This Picadillo – Latin Ground Beef Stew recipe is highly adaptable, making it easy to tweak based on what you have in your kitchen or your dietary preferences. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

• Switch the meat: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat substitutes for a lighter or vegetarian version.
• Add extra veggies: Toss in carrots, green peas, or corn to boost nutritional value and texture variety.
• Spice it up: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a fiery kick.
• Make it gluten-free: Simply ensure your broth and spices are gluten-free, and this stew fits perfectly into your gluten-free lifestyle.
• Sweeten differently: Swap raisins with chopped dried apricots or omit completely if you prefer savory-only flavors.

How to Make Picadillo – Latin Ground Beef Stew

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by dicing your onions, bell peppers, and potatoes into bite-sized pieces, and mince the garlic. Preparing your vegetables in advance ensures a smooth cooking process.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic first, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed to keep things from getting greasy.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Spices

Stir in bell peppers, potatoes, and the mix of spices (cumin, paprika, oregano), allowing the flavors to develop for about 2 minutes.

Step 5: Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir well to combine, bringing the stew to a gentle simmer.

Step 6: Add Olives and Raisins

Throw in the olives and raisins to add that essential salty-sweet balance typical of Picadillo – Latin Ground Beef Stew.

Step 7: Simmer Until Tender

Cover the pot and let the stew simmer on low heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.

Step 8: Final Taste and Adjustments

Taste the stew and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as needed before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Picadillo – Latin Ground Beef Stew

• Brown the beef well: Developing a nice crust enhances flavor and adds depth to the stew.
• Don’t skip the potatoes: They thicken the stew naturally and soak up juices for extra heartiness.
• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground cumin and paprika make a noticeable difference in aroma and taste.
• Adjust sweetness carefully: Raisins add balance, but adding too many can overwhelm the savory notes.
• Let it rest: Like many stews, Picadillo tastes even better the next day after flavors have melded further.

How to Serve Picadillo – Latin Ground Beef Stew

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, or a squeeze of lime juice elevate the stew’s bright notes and add visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Serve Picadillo with fluffy white rice, warm tortillas, or simply crusty bread to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, stuff the Picadillo into roasted bell peppers or use it as a filling for empanadas or tacos for a handheld delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—flavors actually deepen after resting.

Freezing

Picadillo freezes beautifully; portion it into freezer-safe containers and keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, or microwave in short bursts until warm throughout.

FAQs

What is Picadillo?

Picadillo is a traditional Latin ground beef stew made with tomatoes, spices, vegetables, and a touch of sweetness from ingredients like raisins, commonly served across many Latin American countries.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat substitutes, crumbled tofu, or cooked lentils for a delicious vegetarian version.

Is Picadillo spicy?

Traditional Picadillo is mildly spiced, but you can easily add chili peppers or cayenne if you prefer extra heat.

What should I serve with Picadillo?

Picadillo pairs wonderfully with white rice, black beans, fried plantains, or soft tortillas for a complete and satisfying meal.

How long does Picadillo last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, Picadillo stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days and often tastes even better the next day.

Final Thoughts

Picadillo – Latin Ground Beef Stew is a heartwarming dish that combines simple ingredients and bold flavors in the best way possible. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or just craving something comforting, this recipe has got your back. Give it a try—you’ll quickly find it becoming a beloved staple in your kitchen rotation.

Related Posts

• Crispy Chimichurri Steak Tacos
• Why Super Easy Monterey Chicken Recipe Works Every Time
• Caramelized Leek and Mushroom Gruyere Pasta

Print