Go Back
+ servings
Budget-friendly-Picadillo

EASY PICADILLO ( BUDGET-FRIENDLY RECIPE)

Easy Picadillo Recipe. This beef picadillo recipe is budget-friendly, and comes together quickly, in one pan, and in under 30 minutes. I don’t know any other way to say it: You need to make it!
No ratings yet
Print Pin
Course: Dinner,, Main Course, Quick Dinner
Cuisine: Latin American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 SERVINGS
Calories: 311kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pound of ground beef 70-80% lean
  • 1 teaspoon oil I use avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon Adobo all-purpose seasoning
  • 1 packet of sazon I use the culantro & achiote packet
  • Salt & black pepper I use about a teaspoon of each
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 8oz. can tomato sauce
  • ½ small onion chopped
  • ½ cup red pepper finely chopped
  • ½ cup green pepper finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Jalapeño peppers optional
  • 2 tablespoons pitted green olives or alcaparrado capers would work too ( and 1 teaspoon of the juice)
  • Fresh cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon of homemade Sofrito (link on Notes)

Instructions

  • The first step is to season the ground beef. Add adobo (all-purpose seasoning), sazon ( I use the culantro & achiote packet), salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
  • Next, heat up some oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Then, sauté half of the peppers and onions until they are soft. Add garlic and stir well to combine all the ingredients.
  • Then, add the meat to the pan and use a wooden spoon to break it up into small pieces. Add sofrito to the pan to add extra flavor to the meat.
  • Add the rest of the peppers and onions along with the olives and some of the juice. Add tomato sauce to the pan and use the same can to add about two tablespoons of water. Stir everything together to combine.
  • Reduce the heat and let everything simmer covered for about 15-20 minutes.

Notes

When preparing Picadillo for storage, it's important to use airtight containers to keep it fresh. You can refrigerate it for up to three days or freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then heat it in the microwave or stove.
Preparing and storing Picadillo can be a great time-saver when you need a quick and easy meal. This versatile dish can be used in several ways, such as a filling for tacos, a topping for rice, or mixed with eggs for a delicious breakfast scramble. Therefore, the next time you make Picadillo, consider preparing a larger batch and storing it for later use. It's an excellent option for stuffed bell peppers or any other recipe that calls for this flavorful dish.
What should I serve Picadillo with?
I love it served on a bed of white rice. That is essential. I also love to serve it with maduros (sweet plantains) or tostones (fried green plantain).
 
My Homemade Sofrito Recipe 

Nutrition

Calories: 311kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 278mg | Potassium: 378mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 475IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 2mg