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image of ground beef onion bell pepper garlic tomato sauce green olives olive oil ground cumin dried oregano bay leaf paprika beef broth cilantro salt black pepper raisins
adam saha

Cuban Picadillo with Olives

A soul-satisfying Cuban comfort food classic featuring savory ground beef simmered with a holy trinity of onions, garlic, and bell peppers, studded with briny Spanish olives and bold spices, served over rice for an easy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Cuban
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil or another neutral cooking oil
  • 1.5 lbs Ground beef 85/15 or 90/10 lean blend
  • 1 large Onion yellow or white, finely diced
  • 1 medium Bell pepper green or red, finely diced
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 (8-ounce) can Tomato sauce thick, good quality
  • 1 cup Beef broth or water
  • 1/2 cup Green olives Spanish olives, sliced or chopped, preferably pimento-stuffed
Crucial Spices & Flavorings
  • 1 tsp Ground cumin
  • 1 tsp Dried oregano
  • 1 leaf Bay leaf
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp White wine vinegar or lime juice for finishing
Optional Add-Ons
  • 1/4 cup Raisins golden or dark, if desired
  • 1-2 tbsp Capers if desired

Equipment

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven

Method
 

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon behind in the pan.
  2. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
  3. Push the vegetables aside and add the minced garlic to the pan. Cook for 60 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in the ground cumin and dried oregano. Stir and cook for another minute until spices are fragrant.
  4. Return the browned beef to the pan. Stir in the tomato sauce, beef broth, chopped green olives, and bay leaf. Add raisins or capers if using.
  5. Bring to a slow simmer over medium-low heat. Reduce to low, cover partially, and simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
  6. Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning. Finish with a splash of white wine vinegar or lime juice. Serve hot over white rice.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 20g

Notes

For heartier version, add 1-2 diced potatoes during the simmer step. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on stovetop with a splash of broth to restore sauce.
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