Print

Picadillo – Latin Ground Beef Stew

Picadillo – Latin Ground Beef Stew

Picadillo – Latin Ground Beef Stew is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal bursting with authentic Latin flavors. This rich stew combines savory ground beef with aromatic spices, tomatoes, and a medley of vegetables, creating a satisfying dish perfect for weeknights, meal prepping, or casual gatherings. It offers versatility to adapt to various dietary preferences and elevates any meal with its warm, vibrant taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 1 lb 80/20 lean ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 23 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

Other Main Ingredients

  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed or diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup olives, sliced
  • 1/4 cup raisins

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Liquids

  • 1 cup beef broth or water
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Dice onions, bell peppers, and potatoes into bite-sized pieces, and mince the garlic. Preparing vegetables in advance ensures a smooth cooking process.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
  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 avoid greasiness.
  4. Add Vegetables and Spices: Stir in bell peppers, potatoes, cumin, paprika, and oregano, allowing flavors to develop for about 2 minutes.
  5. Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir well and bring the stew to a gentle simmer.
  6. Add Olives and Raisins: Add olives and raisins to bring that classic salty-sweet balance to the stew.
  7. Simmer Until Tender: Cover the pot and let the stew simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and flavors have melded.
  8. Final Taste and Adjustments: Taste the stew and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as needed before serving.

Notes

  • Brown the beef well: Develop a nice crust to enhance flavor and depth.
  • Don’t skip the potatoes: They naturally thicken the stew and soak up juices.
  • Use fresh spices: Freshly ground cumin and paprika improve aroma and taste.
  • Adjust sweetness carefully: Raisins balance flavors but too many can overpower savory notes.
  • Let it rest: Picadillo tastes better the next day after flavors meld further.

Nutrition

Keywords: Picadillo, Latin Ground Beef Stew, one-pot meal, comforting stew, Latin recipe, ground beef stew, easy dinner, meal prep