Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsMr Empanada - St. PetersburgGround Beef (picadillo) Recipe

Ground Beef (picadillo) Recipe

Time45m
Serves4

Make Ground Beef (picadillo) Recipe in just 45m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Base Ingredients

Flavoring Ingredients

Liquid Ingredients

Method

Preparation

  1. 1

    Cook the Aromatics

    In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and sauté for about 5 minutes until they are soft.

  2. 2

    Add Garlic

    Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Cooking the Beef

  1. 3

    Brown the Beef

    Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.

  2. 4

    Season the Mixture

    Sprinkle in the cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and add the bay leaf. Stir well to combine.

Adding the Sauce

  1. 5

    Incorporate Tomato Sauce

    Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.

  2. 6

    Add Olives and Raisins

    Mix in the sliced green olives and raisins, ensuring they are well distributed throughout the mixture.

Simmering

  1. 7

    Simmer the Picadillo

    Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Serving

  1. 8

    Serve

    Remove the bay leaf before serving. Picadillo can be served warm with rice, tortillas, or as a filling for tacos.

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