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Puerto Rican Picadillo

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Puerto Rican Picadillo is a savory, comforting ground beef dish simmered in sofrito, tomato sauce, and spices with briny olives and a hint of sweetness. Perfect with rice or as a filling for empanadas, it’s a flavorful, authentic taste of Puerto Rico that’s easy to make and endlessly versatile.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup sofrito (onions, peppers, garlic, herbs)
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup green olives, sliced
  • 1 tbsp capers (optional)
  • 2 tbsp raisins (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp adobo seasoning or salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup diced potatoes (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add sofrito and sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Stir in ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink.
  4. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, cumin, oregano, and bay leaf. Mix well.
  5. Stir in olives, capers, and raisins (if using). Simmer for 10–15 minutes to let flavors meld.
  6. If using potatoes, add them now, cover, and cook until tender, about 10–12 minutes.
  7. Season with adobo, salt, or pepper to taste. Remove bay leaf.
  8. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

  • For a thicker texture, simmer uncovered for a few minutes longer.
  • Skip the potatoes if using the Picadillo as empanada filling.
  • Add diced sweet plantains for a sweet-and-savory touch.
  • Use lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors develop.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/puerto-rican-picadillo/