Mexican Picadillo
A savory blend of seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and a sweet-savory combination of raisins and olives, this traditional Mexican recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup sliced green olives
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the lean ground beef into the pan, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks until browned.
- Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper. Stir and cook until the vegetables soften, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped tomato, ground cumin, chili powder, oregano, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add the raisins, sliced green olives, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir until well combined.
Cooking
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure flavors meld.
Finishing Touches
- Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
- Enjoy the Mexican Picadillo hot, accompanied by rice or tortillas.
Notes
To avoid common mistakes, cook the beef on medium heat and always taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. For healthier options, substitute with ground turkey, add extra vegetables, or use lentils for a vegetarian variant.