Create a flavorful and comforting homemade picadillo with this easy recipe. Ground beef is browned and simmered with a robust mix of vegetables, spices, and a touch of red cooking wine, creating a hearty dish perfect for any weeknight dinner. The addition of Spanish-style olives and butternut squash adds unique textures and flavors that elevate this traditional dish.
Photos of Homemade Picadillo Recipe
Some ingredients in this recipe may not be commonly found in every household. For instance, sazon seasoning is a Latin spice blend that can be found in the international aisle of most supermarkets. Spanish-style olives add a distinct briny flavor that regular olives might not provide. Additionally, butternut squash might require a trip to the produce section to find a fresh, small squash.
Ingredients for Homemade Picadillo Recipe
Lean ground beef: Provides the base protein for the dish, offering a hearty and savory flavor.
Olive oil: Used to sauté vegetables, adding richness and depth.
Onion: Adds sweetness and a foundational flavor to the dish.
Green bell pepper: Contributes a mild, slightly sweet peppery flavor.
Garlic: Provides a pungent, aromatic quality.
Tomato sauce: Adds acidity and helps create a rich sauce.
Water: Used to adjust the consistency of the dish.
Red cooking wine: Adds depth and a subtle sweetness.
Hot sauce: Brings a touch of heat and tanginess.
Sazon seasoning: A blend of spices that adds a burst of flavor.
Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal note.
Garlic powder: Enhances the overall garlic flavor.
Onion powder: Complements the fresh onion with additional depth.
Ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor.
Ground black pepper: Provides a slight kick and enhances other flavors.
Ground bay leaf: Adds a subtle, aromatic depth.
Spanish-style olives: Provide a briny, tangy contrast.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
Butternut squash: Adds a sweet, nutty flavor and a unique texture.
One reader, Danette Sanderson says:
This homemade picadillo recipe is fantastic! The flavors blend perfectly, and the butternut squash adds a unique twist. It's easy to make and absolutely delicious. My family loved it, and it's now a regular in our meal rotation. Highly recommend!
Mastering the Techniques for Authentic Picadillo
How to cook ground beef: Cook and stir the ground beef in a large stockpot for 5 to 10 minutes until browned. Drain the grease. How to heat olive oil: Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. How to cook vegetables: Add the onion, green bell pepper, and garlic, then cook and stir for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant. How to split olives: Split the olives in half with the fingers. How to simmer: Simmer for 45 to 60 minutes until the liquid reduces, but picadillo is not dry.
How To Make Homemade Picadillo
This easy-to-make picadillo recipe yields a savory and rich dish, made of ground beef, bell pepper, and onions in a smooth and well-spiced tomato sauce.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2lbslean ground beef
- ¼cupolive oil
- ½onion,chopped
- ½green bell pepper,chopped
- 2tbspgarlic,minced
- 8oztomato sauce,(2 cans)
- 2cupswater
- ½cupred cooking wine
- 3tbsphot sauce,such as Louisiana®
- 1.41ozsazon seasoning,(1 package), such as Badia® Tropical®
- 1tbspfresh parsley,chopped
- ½tspgarlic powder
- ½tsponion powder
- ½tspground cumin
- ½tspground black pepper
- ¼tspground bay leaf
- 3ozSpanish style olives
- 1tspsalt,or to taste
- 1small butternut squash,peeled, cut into cubes
Instructions
-
Cook and stir the ground beef in a large stockpot for 5 to 10 minutes until browned. Drain the grease.
-
Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, green bell pepper, and garlic, then cook and stir for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant.
-
Stir into the beef in the stockpot. Pour the tomato sauce, water, cooking wine, and hot sauce into the stockpot.
-
Stir in the sazon seasoning, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, pepper, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer picadillo, uncovered for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
-
Split the olives in half with the fingers and stir into the picadillo. Add the squash.
-
Simmer for 45 to 60 minutes until the liquid reduces, but picadillo is not dry. Season with salt.
-
Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- Use another type of squash if butternut is not available.
- Substitute a pinch of saffron or a dash of yellow food coloring for the sazon packet, if preferred.
Nutrition
- Calories: 416.76kcal
- Fat: 31.16g
- Saturated Fat: 9.88g
- Trans Fat: 1.34g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 15.90g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.57g
- Carbohydrates: 13.06g
- Fiber: 2.51g
- Sugar: 2.77g
- Protein: 21.24g
- Cholesterol: 80.51mg
- Sodium: 695.27mg
- Calcium: 114.95mg
- Potassium: 621.30mg
- Iron: 5.20mg
- Vitamin A: 222.91µg
- Vitamin C: 22.28mg
Elevate Your Picadillo with This Simple Technique
To enhance the flavor of your picadillo, make sure to finely dice the onion and green bell pepper so they blend seamlessly into the dish. Additionally, when browning the ground beef, avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure it browns evenly and develops a rich, deep flavor.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Homemade Picadillo
Pre-chop vegetables: Chop the onion, green bell pepper, and garlic in advance and store them in the fridge.
Use pre-cut squash: Buy pre-cut butternut squash to save time on peeling and chopping.
Batch cook the beef: Cook and drain the ground beef in bulk, then freeze portions for future use.
Measure spices ahead: Pre-measure the sazon seasoning, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, pepper, and bay leaf.
Use a food processor: Quickly mince the onion, bell pepper, and garlic using a food processor.
Substitute Ingredients For Homemade Picadillo Recipe
lean ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions.
green bell pepper - Substitute with red bell pepper: Red bell peppers are sweeter and add a vibrant color to the dish.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic, though the flavor will be less intense.
tomato sauce - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes provide a similar consistency and rich tomato flavor.
water - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth adds more depth and flavor to the dish.
red cooking wine - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides acidity and a slight sweetness.
hot sauce - Substitute with crushed red pepper flakes: Crushed red pepper flakes add heat without altering the liquid content.
sazon seasoning - Substitute with taco seasoning: Taco seasoning has a similar blend of spices and can be used as a replacement.
fresh parsley - Substitute with dried parsley: Dried parsley can be used in place of fresh, though the flavor will be less vibrant.
garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder can provide a similar depth of flavor in the absence of garlic powder.
onion powder - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder offers a similar savory note if onion powder is unavailable.
ground cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander has a slightly different flavor but can complement the dish well.
ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor without altering the color.
ground bay leaf - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme offers a different but complementary herbal note.
spanish style olives - Substitute with kalamata olives: Kalamata olives have a similar briny flavor and can be used interchangeably.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with umami depth.
butternut squash - Substitute with sweet potato: Sweet potato provides a similar sweetness and texture.
Presenting Homemade Picadillo for Maximum Appeal
Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the picadillo in a small, elegant bowl to highlight its rich flavors without overwhelming the palate.
Use decoration: Garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley and a few whole spanish style olives to add a touch of color and sophistication.
Highlight textures: Place a few cubes of roasted butternut squash on the side to contrast with the soft texture of the ground beef mixture.
Add a side element: Serve with a small portion of white rice or plantains to complement the flavors and provide a traditional touch.
Use a stylish plate: Choose a sleek, modern plate with a wide rim to frame the dish beautifully and make it visually appealing.
Drizzle with sauce: Lightly drizzle some of the reduced tomato sauce from the picadillo around the plate for added flavor and visual interest.
Incorporate height: Stack the picadillo slightly in the center of the plate to create a sense of height and dimension.
Add a fresh element: Include a small side salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the picadillo.
Use microgreens: Sprinkle a few microgreens on top of the dish for a touch of elegance and a burst of freshness.
Finish with a touch of spice: Add a light dusting of ground black pepper on the rim of the plate for a subtle hint of spice and a professional finish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Picadillo
Large stockpot: Essential for cooking and combining all the ingredients, ensuring even heat distribution.
Small skillet: Used for sautéing the onion, green bell pepper, and garlic to bring out their flavors.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients without scratching the cookware.
Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the water, cooking wine, and other liquid ingredients.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities of ingredients like hot sauce, sazon seasoning, and spices.
Chef's knife: Essential for chopping the onion, green bell pepper, and butternut squash.
Cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for chopping vegetables.
Can opener: Needed to open the can of tomato sauce.
Colander: Useful for draining the grease from the cooked ground beef.
Mixing bowl: Handy for holding chopped vegetables before they are added to the skillet.
Stirring spoon: Useful for mixing the ingredients together in the stockpot.
Timer: Helps keep track of the cooking and simmering times to ensure the picadillo is cooked perfectly.
Preserving the Flavors: Storing and Freezing Picadillo
Let the picadillo cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and minimize the risk of spoilage.
For short-term storage, transfer the cooled picadillo to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Press out as much air as possible before sealing to maintain freshness. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
When reheating refrigerated picadillo, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
For long-term storage, freeze the picadillo in portion-sized airtight containers or resealable plastic bags. Label the containers with the date and contents for easy identification.
To minimize freezer burn, remove as much air as possible from the containers or bags before sealing. Lay the bags flat in the freezer for more efficient storage and quicker thawing.
Frozen picadillo can be stored for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality. However, it is best to consume within 1-2 months for optimal flavor and texture.
To thaw frozen picadillo, transfer the container from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. Alternatively, you can thaw it in the microwave using the defrost setting, stirring occasionally to ensure even thawing.
Once thawed, reheat the picadillo in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Add a splash of water or broth if needed to maintain the desired consistency.
Do not refreeze previously frozen and thawed picadillo, as this can compromise its quality and safety. Only thaw the amount you plan to consume within a few days.
The Best Methods for Reheating Leftover Picadillo
Reheat picadillo in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of water or broth to help moisten it.
For a quick and easy method, reheat individual portions of picadillo in the microwave. Place the desired amount in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until heated through.
To reheat larger quantities, transfer the picadillo to a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating to allow any excess moisture to evaporate.
For a crispy twist, use leftover picadillo as a filling for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas. Spoon the mixture into tortillas, top with shredded cheese, and bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.
Transform leftover picadillo into a hearty breakfast by serving it alongside scrambled eggs and warm tortillas. The flavors will meld together beautifully, creating a satisfying and flavorful morning meal.
Fascinating Facts About the Origins of Picadillo
A unique aspect of this picadillo recipe is the inclusion of butternut squash, which adds a subtle sweetness and a rich texture to the dish, setting it apart from traditional versions that typically use potatoes.
Homemade Picadillo: A Budget-Friendly Family Meal
This homemade picadillo recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Utilizing lean ground beef, onion, green bell pepper, and butternut squash ensures a hearty meal without breaking the bank. The inclusion of pantry staples like tomato sauce, garlic powder, and cumin further enhances its affordability. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost in USD for a household of 4 people: $20.
Is Picadillo a Healthy or Unhealthy Dish?
The homemade picadillo recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes lean ground beef, which is a good source of protein, and vegetables like onion, bell pepper, and butternut squash, which provide essential vitamins and minerals. The use of olive oil is also a healthier choice compared to other cooking oils.
However, the recipe also contains some less healthy ingredients:
- High sodium content from the sazon seasoning, olives, and added salt
- Significant amount of added sugar from the tomato sauce and cooking wine
- High fat content from the ground beef and olive oil
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of sazon seasoning, olives, and added salt to lower the sodium content
- Use low-sodium tomato sauce and replace the cooking wine with low-sodium beef broth to reduce added sugars
- Opt for extra-lean ground beef or replace half of the beef with ground turkey to decrease the fat content
- Increase the amount of vegetables, such as adding diced carrots or peas, to boost the nutrient density of the dish
- Serve the picadillo with a side of brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice to increase the fiber content
An Editor's Take on the Delightful Flavors of Picadillo
This homemade picadillo recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of lean ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and a rich tomato base creates a hearty and satisfying dish. The addition of butternut squash adds a unique sweetness that balances the savory elements. The use of sazon seasoning and Spanish-style olives introduces a depth of flavor that is both complex and comforting. Simmering the picadillo allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, resulting in a dish that is both flavorful and aromatic. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful choice for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Enhance Your Homemade Picadillo Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Exploring Dishes Similar to Traditional Picadillo
Appetizers and Desserts: Complementing Your Picadillo Meal
Why trust this Homemade Picadillo Recipe:
This homemade picadillo recipe is a trusted favorite, combining the rich flavors of lean ground beef, tomato sauce, and Spanish-style olives. The addition of butternut squash adds a unique twist, making it both hearty and nutritious. The blend of sazon seasoning, garlic, and fresh parsley ensures a depth of flavor that will impress any palate. With clear instructions and easily accessible ingredients, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. Enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal that brings a taste of tradition to your table.
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