Picadillo
This Picadillo recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Latin America straight to your kitchen! Imagine a delightful blend of seasoned ground beef, aromatic spices, and sweet raisins—yes, sweet! It’s a twist that makes this dish absolutely unforgettable. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a fun gathering with friends, Picadillo is comfort food wrapped in exotic vibes. Let’s explore how to whip up this deliciousness together!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or use ground turkey for a leaner alternative
- 1 onion diced (yellow or white works best)
- 1 bell pepper diced (red, green, or yellow—grab your favorite color!)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes, diced)
- 1/2 cup raisins trust me, they add magic!
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or omit if you like it milder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro sliced avocado, or a squeeze of lime!
Instructions
- Sizzle the Beef: Heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat in your skillet. Toss in the ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Veggie Party: Next, add in your diced onion and bell pepper. Stir it up and let it sauté for another 5 minutes until the veggies are nice and soft.
- Garlic Love: Now, it’s garlic time! Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Aromas should be filling your kitchen by now!
- Tomato Base: Pour in those glorious diced tomatoes with their juices, and stir everything together. Then, it’s time to add all those spices—cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix it up and let it simmer! A 10-minute simmer allows all those delicious flavors to mingle.
- Sweeten the Deal: Stir in the raisins and let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes. The sweetness from the raisins is the secret weapon here!
- Taste Test: Give it a taste and adjust the salt and pepper! Feel free to tweak anything according to your palate.
- Serve and Enjoy: Dish it out with your favorite sides like rice, black beans, or plantains. Don’t forget to top it with cilantro, avocado, or a squeeze of lime!