Ground Beef Picadillo

Ground Beef Picadillo is a comforting, flavor-packed classic that brings bold, savory, and slightly sweet elements to the table. This one-pan dish combines tender ground beef with hearty diced potatoes, sweet raisins, briny green olives, and a medley of warm spices like cumin, paprika, and optional cinnamon for a rich, aromatic profile. Simmered in a tangy tomato-based sauce, it’s a versatile recipe perfect for serving over fluffy white rice, tucked into tacos, or folded into empanadas. With simple prep and wholesome ingredients, this 30-minute meal is a family-friendly weeknight favorite that captures the essence of Latin comfort food. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced into small cubes
• 1 medium green pepper, chopped
• 0.5 cup green olives, sliced
• 0.25 cup raisins
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 cup chicken or beef broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease if necessary.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and chicken or beef broth. Mix until well combined.

Step 6

Add the diced potato, chopped green pepper, green olives, raisins, ground cumin, paprika, cinnamon (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the mixture simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and the flavors are well combined. Add more broth a tablespoon at a time if the mixture becomes too dry.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 9

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley before serving.

Step 10

Serve hot over steamed rice, or use the mixture as a filling for tacos or empanadas.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1684.2 grams (1684.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1885

Total Fat 127.00g	163%
Saturated Fat 39.10g	196%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 321mg	107%
Sodium 5073mg	221%
Total Carbohydrate 119.20g	43%
Dietary Fiber 21.80g	78%
Total Sugars 55.40g
Protein 84.70g	169%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 346mg	27%
Iron 16mg	91%
Potassium 3803mg	81%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 58.4%

Protein: 17.3%

Carbs: 24.3%