Ofelia’s Cuban Picadillo

Ofelia's Delicious Authentic Cuban Picadillo is to die for! This is one recipe everyone needs to try at least once in their life.

My best friend’s mom Ofelia makes this authentic Cuban dish called Picadillo. The first time I had it I just had to have her recipe. And now I am here to share Ofelia’s Cuban Picadillo recipe.

Contrary to popular belief, Cuban food is not spicy. Unlike Mexican food. Very rarely will you find a Cuban recipe that uses Hot Peppers.

But don’t let that fool you. Cuban food is packed full of flavor. And this Picadillo dish is one of the best authentic Cuban dishes you will ever have! Trust me, this one comes from a Chef of Cuban descent. I just wish I had more of her recipes to try and share!

This particular beef dish is great over rice but you can also serve is over diced roasted potatoes. This meat is so versatile you can use it as a filling in tacos (ok maybe not authentic Cuban) or savory pastries like Cuban Papas Rellenas which I hope to make real soon!

Now while this is my absolute favorite Picadillo recipe, I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you about my Turkey Picadillo or Mexican Chicken Picadillo recipes. For another awesome Cuban based dish, you have to try my Turkey Ropa Vieja. Delicious!

A Quick Note about Handling Raw Beef

Thaw raw ground beef on a plate on the lowest shelf of the refrigerator, to avoid drip onto other foods.
Keep raw and ready-to-eat meats separate.
Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling raw ground beef. Wash cutting boards, bowls, and utensils used to prepare raw ground beef with hot soapy water and rinse well.
Use separate plates to carry raw ground beef patties to the cooking area and cooked patties to the serving area.
Use a Thermometer to Insure Ground Beef Reaches the Safely Cooked Internal Temperature of 160°F.

Please take into consideration that some of the alcohol in this recipe may not completely burn off and the remains could be of significant concern to recovering alcoholics, parents, and others who have ethical or religious reasons for avoiding alcohol.

📋 What Ingredients do I need to Make this Picadillo?

You will need the following ingredients to make this delicious Cuban Picadillo: Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Garlic Cloves, Green Bell Pepper, Tomatoes, Tomato Paste, White Wine, Raisins, Lean Ground Beef, Spanish Green Olives and Capers.

🥣 How do I make Ofelia’s Cuban Picadillo?

In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, bell peppers, tomatoes and garlic and cook until onions become soft (about 4 to 7 minutes). This is called “sofrito” and is the base of the dish.
Add the lean ground beef and cook until browned.
Add the tomato paste, dry white wine, olives + 1 Tablespoon of brine, capers + 1 Tablespoon of brine, and raisins and cook covered over medium heat for 20 minutes.
Uncover, stir and simmer uncovered for an additional 15 to 20.
Best served over fluffy white rice. Garnish with chopped red pimientos and le Sueur Petit Pois (optional).

Print Recipe

5 from 2 votes

 

Ofelia’s Cuban Picadillo

Ofelia's Delicious Authentic Cuban Picadillo is to die for! This is one recipe everyone needs to try at least once in their life.

Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time45 mins

Total Time1 hr

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Cuban

Keyword: olives, picadillo, raisins, white wine

Servings: 8

Calories: 290kcal

Author: Chef Rodney

Ingredients

• 4 Tbsp Olive Oil, Extra Virgin
• 1 Yellow Onion, Chopped
• 8 Garlic Cloves, Minced
• 1 Green Bell Pepper, Finely Diced
• 3 Tomatoes, Diced
• 2 Tbsp Tomato Paste
• 1/3 Cup White Wine
• 1/2 Cup Raisins
• 2 lbs Lean Ground Beef
• 1/2 Cup Spanish Green Olives, Chopped
• 1/3 Cup Capers, Chopped

how to make this recipe

• In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, bell peppers, tomatoes and garlic and cook until onions become soft (about 4 to 7 minutes). This is called “sofrito” and is the base of the dish.
• Add the lean ground beef and cook until browned.
• Add the tomato paste, dry white wine, olives + 1 Tablespoon of brine, capers + 1 Tablespoon of brine, and raisins and cook covered over medium heat for 20 minutes.
• Uncover, stir and simmer uncovered for an additional 15 to 20.
• Best served over fluffy white rice. Garnish with chopped red pimientos and le sueur petit pois (optional).

Notes

→ Make sure you use LEAN Ground Beef for the best flavor.

→ Can also be served with a fried egg on top or with crispy fried cubed potatoes.

→ If you can’t find Stuffed Green Olives you can substitute with “Manzanilla Olives” stuffed with minced pimiento.

→ You can substitute the Ground Beef for Ground Turkey.

→ Please take into consideration that some of the alcohol in this recipe may not completely burn off and the remains could be of significant concern to recovering alcoholics, parents, and others who have ethical or religious reasons for avoiding alcohol.

Nutrition

Calories: 290kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 446mg | Potassium: 682mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 545IU | Vitamin C: 21.9mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 3.5mg

Any nutritional information provided on this site is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used. If nutritional information is important to you and your diet, please verify this recipe with your nutritionist.

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