Cuban Picadillo with Rice

Ingredients

• For the Picadillo:
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 0.5 small onion, diced
• 0.5 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 0.5 tsp cumin
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp oregano
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 0.5 cup pimiento-stuffed green olives, sliced
• 2 tbsp raisins
• 1 tbsp capers (optional, for extra depth)
• 0.5 cup beef broth or water
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• For the Rice:
• 2 cups white rice, rinsed
• 4 cups water or chicken broth
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. 11️⃣ Cook the Rice:
2. 21️⃣ In a pot, bring water or broth, salt, and olive oil to a boil.
3. 32️⃣ Add the rinsed rice, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes or until fluffy. Set aside. 🍚🔥
4. 42️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics:
5. 51️⃣ Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
6. 62️⃣ Add onions, bell pepper, and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. 🧅🌿
7. 73️⃣ Brown the Beef:
8. 81️⃣ Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon.
9. 92️⃣ Cook until browned, about 5 minutes, then drain any excess grease. 🥩🔥
10. 104️⃣ Build the Flavor:
11. 111️⃣ Stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper, and salt.
12. 122️⃣ Mix well to coat the beef and let it cook for 2-3 minutes. 🍅🌿
13. 135️⃣ Simmer for Perfection:
14. 141️⃣ Add olives, raisins, capers (if using), and beef broth.
15. 152️⃣ Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together.
16. 163️⃣ Finish with a splash of red wine vinegar for depth. 🍷🔥
17. 176️⃣ Serve & Enjoy:
18. 181️⃣ Spoon the Picadillo over a plate of fluffy white rice.
19. 192️⃣ Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with tostones or avocado slices for the perfect finishing touch! 🍚🥑✨