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.
- Author: Barbara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Latin American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Meat and Protein
- 1 lb 80/20 lean ground beef
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2–3 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Vegetables and Spices: Stir in bell peppers, potatoes, cumin, paprika, and oregano, allowing flavors to develop for about 2 minutes.
- Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir well and bring the stew to a gentle simmer.
- Add Olives and Raisins: Add olives and raisins to bring that classic salty-sweet balance to the stew.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Picadillo, Latin Ground Beef Stew, one-pot meal, comforting stew, Latin recipe, ground beef stew, easy dinner, meal prep