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Savory Cuban Picadillo Recipe with Olives and Raisins

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A hearty and flavorful Cuban picadillo featuring ground beef simmered with sweet raisins, briny olives, and warming spices. This easy recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory, ideal for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce (unsweetened)
  • 1/2 cup green olives with pimentos, sliced
  • 1/4 cup golden raisins
  • 1/2 cup beef broth or water
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lime juice
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Finely chop the onion and dice the green bell pepper. Mince the garlic. Soak the golden raisins in warm water for 10 minutes if you prefer them plumper, then drain.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and green bell pepper and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Push the vegetables to the side and add the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired.
  4. Stir in ground cumin, dried oregano, and bay leaf. Pour in tomato sauce and beef broth or water. Mix well to combine.
  5. Add sliced green olives and drained golden raisins. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in white vinegar or lime juice.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
  7. Remove the bay leaf. Adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
  8. Serve warm over white rice, black beans, or use as a filling for peppers or empanadas.

Notes

If the mixture seems dry during simmering, add a splash more beef broth. If too wet, cook uncovered for a few minutes to thicken. Browning the beef properly adds deep flavor. The vinegar or lime juice brightens the dish and balances richness. Flavors deepen if made ahead and reheated.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cuban picadillo, ground beef recipe, olives and raisins, savory beef dish, easy Cuban dinner, comfort food, quick weeknight meal

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/savory-cuban-picadillo-recipe-with-olives-and-raisins-easy-guide/