Sep 24 2026
Restaurants›Aqui Willow Glen›Tri-tip Beef Picadillo Recipe

Tri-tip Beef Picadillo Recipe

Inspired by Aqui Willow Glen
Time2h 30m
Serves4

Braised grass fed beef in a picadillo sauce with grilled onions and peppers, carrot-hominy salsa, mashed sweet potatoes, black beans, lime-avocado dressing and cotija cheese.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

Method

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare the Tri-Tip

    Season the tri-tip beef with salt, black pepper, and cumin. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

  2. 2

    Create Picadillo Sauce

    Add diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until vegetables are softened. Stir in canned tomatoes, oregano, and remaining spices. Bring to a simmer.

  3. 3

    Braise the Beef

    Cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Let the beef braise for about 2 hours or until tender. Add more water if necessary to keep the beef partially submerged.

  4. 4

    Make the Carrot-Hominy Salsa

    In a bowl, mix diced carrots and hominy. Add lime juice, chopped cilantro, and salt to taste. Set aside.

  5. 5

    Prepare Mashed Sweet Potatoes

    Boil sweet potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  6. 6

    Heat Black Beans

    Rinse the black beans and heat them in a small saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.

  7. 7

    Prepare Lime-Avocado Dressing

    In a blender, combine avocado, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.

  8. 8

    Serve

    Slice the braised tri-tip and serve over a bed of mashed sweet potatoes. Top with black beans, carrot-hominy salsa, a drizzle of lime-avocado dressing, and sprinkle with cotija cheese.

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