Name: Authentic Cuban Beef Picadillo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Cuban
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (80/20); 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 cup tomato sauce; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 bay leaf; 1/3 cup green olives, sliced; 1/4 cup raisins (optional); 1/2 cup black beans (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste; Cooked white rice, for serving

Cuban Beef Picadillo is a warm, savory comfort dish that brings the heart of Havana right to your kitchen. With its deeply seasoned ground beef, briny green olives, and sweet touches of raisins or red peppers, this dish is both bold and balanced. It pairs perfectly with fluffy white rice and a side of fried plantains or a fresh green salad. Every bite offers a taste of tradition, nostalgia, and Caribbean flair.

What makes picadillo so beloved is its flexibility and cultural richness. In Cuban households, it’s the kind of recipe that’s passed down from abuela to grandchildren with pride. The blend of sweet and savory, meaty and tangy, gives it a flavor that’s unforgettable. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder that comes together quickly, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

For an authentic texture and flavor, go with 80/20 ground beef. The fat content helps the beef caramelize and stay juicy as it simmers with tomatoes and spices. If you prefer a leaner option, 85/15 works well, but avoid anything too lean, as it can dry out during cooking.

Ingredients for the Authentic Cuban Beef Picadillo

Ground Beef (80/20): The foundation of the dish, offering richness and meaty flavor.

Yellow Onion: Provides a sweet aromatic base that enhances the sofrito flavor.

Garlic Cloves: Minced garlic adds depth and a traditional kick to the seasoning.

Red Bell Pepper: Adds a subtle sweetness and color that balances the savory ingredients.

Tomato Sauce: The saucy element that binds everything together with a bit of acidity.

Ground Cumin & Oregano: Essential spices that build the earthy Cuban profile.

Bay Leaf: Infuses a slow-building aromatic quality during the simmer.

Green Olives: Briny, salty bites that cut through the richness of the beef.

Raisins: Optional, but adds a mild sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the olives.

Black Beans (Optional): For a heartier dish or to stretch servings.

Salt & Pepper: Season to taste to bring all the ingredients to life.

Cooked White Rice: The classic base for serving this dish.

How To Make the Authentic Cuban Beef Picadillo

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, warm a bit of oil and sauté the chopped yellow onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and red bell pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add your ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Let it brown slightly to develop deeper flavor.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Spices

Stir in tomato sauce, ground cumin, oregano, and the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let everything simmer together for 10-15 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Stir in Olives and Raisins

Add the green olives and raisins (if using), and let it cook for another 5 minutes. The sweet and salty combo adds layers of flavor that make this dish so memorable.

Step 5: Optional Black Beans

If you want to add black beans for extra heartiness, fold them in gently at the end and cook just until heated through.

Serving and Storing Cuban Picadillo

Serve your beef picadillo over a generous scoop of white rice. It also pairs beautifully with tostones, fried plantains, or even crusty bread. For a light twist, serve it inside lettuce cups or in tacos.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This dish also freezes wonderfully—just reheat gently on the stove or microwave and add a splash of water if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. In fact, the flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.

What can I substitute for green olives?

Capers or chopped pickles work in a pinch if you don’t have green olives on hand.

Is picadillo spicy?

Traditionally, it’s not spicy. But you can add jalapeños or hot sauce if you like some heat.

Can I use ground turkey instead?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner option, just adjust the seasoning.

What kind of raisins are best?

Golden raisins are sweeter and plumper, but regular raisins work perfectly too.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Microwave in 30-second intervals or warm in a skillet with a splash of water to revive the sauce.

Want More Ground Beef Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Authentic Cuban Beef Picadillo, check out some other hearty favorites on Life with Jam:

Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce for pasta night done right.
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for a comforting weeknight winner.
Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef if you’re craving decadence.
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes for set-it-and-forget-it ease.
Dirty Rice with Ground Beef for a Southern twist.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go the traditional route or add your own flair? Did your family love it as much as mine?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Got questions? Ask away—we’re all in this flavor journey together.

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Authentic Cuban Beef Picadillo

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Description

This Authentic Cuban Beef Picadillo is a savory one-pan wonder loaded with flavor and tradition. Ground beef is simmered with onions, garlic, bell peppers, olives, and tomato sauce for a rich and satisfying meal. Sweet raisins and earthy spices make it uniquely Cuban, and it’s perfect served over white rice with plantains or tucked into tacos for a creative twist.