Season 02 - Dinner / S02D05
Beef Picadillo with Roasted Vegetables
Story
As Don Luis stirs the simmering picadillo, the rich aroma of seasoned ground beef, olives, and tomatoes fills the kitchen. This dish is a classic—hearty, simple, and full of flavor,” he says, roasting colorful vegetables in the oven. The blend of sweet and savory in the picadillo pairs perfectly with the crispy edges of the roasted veggies. This is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug,” he grins, plating it up. One forkful, and you’re instantly home. 🏡✨ Prep & Cook Time
Don Luis tips
- Ground beef 80/20 — leaner goes dry. The fat is flavor in picadillo.
- Sofrito + cumin + oregano + a touch of tomato sauce + green olives and raisins (yes, raisins). That sweet-salty contrast is the signature.
- Cook until the liquid reduces and the meat is juicy but not soupy. 15-20 minutes on medium heat.
- Roasted vegetables on the side: potatoes, carrots, onions. Sweet from roasting, perfect balance against the picadillo.
Ingredients
- For the Beef Picadillo:
- 1 lb ground beef 🥩
- 1 tablespoon olive oil 🫒
- 0.5 small onion, finely diced 🧅
- 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 0.5 teaspoon salt 🧂
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper ⚫
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin ✨
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 🌶️
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano 🌿
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) 🔥
- 0.5 cup tomato sauce 🍅
- 0.5 cup beef broth 🍲
- 0.25 cup green olives, sliced 🫒
- 1 tablespoon capers (optional) ✨
- 1 small potato, diced 🥔
- 0.25 cup raisins (for a touch of sweetness) 🍇
- 1 bay leaf 🍃
- For the Roasted Vegetables:
- 1 large zucchini, sliced 🥒
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped 🌶️
- 1 carrot, sliced 🥕
- 1 tablespoon olive oil 🫒
- 0.5 teaspoon salt 🧂
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper ⚫
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder 🧄
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika 🌶️
Instructions
- 1Cook the Picadillo
- 21️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant (about 2 minutes). 🧄🧅
- 32️⃣ Brown the Beef – Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with salt, black pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes. 🥩✨
- 43️⃣ Simmer to Perfection – Stir in tomato sauce, beef broth, diced potatoes, olives, capers, raisins, and the bay leaf. Cover and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and the sauce thickens. 🍅🔥
- 5Roast the Vegetables
- 64️⃣ Preheat & Season – Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- 75️⃣ Bake Until Golden – Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness. 🔥🥕
- 8Serve & Enjoy
- 96️⃣ Plate the Dish – Serve beef picadillo alongside the roasted vegetables, garnish with fresh cilantro, and enjoy a comforting, home-style meal. 🍽️🌿
Frequently asked questions
- Cuban or Puerto Rican picadillo?
- Cuban: with raisins and olives, more sweet-savory. Puerto Rican: similar but sometimes no raisins, more sofrito. This recipe takes the best of both.
- Raisins, really?
- Really. Sounds weird but the concentrated sweetness balances the salty olives and the fat in the meat. Trust and taste.
- Hold for meal prep?
- Excellent meal prep. Holds 5 days refrigerated, 3 months frozen. Flavor improves the next day.
- Where else can I use picadillo?
- Empanada filling, stuffed potatoes, tacos, over white rice, in Puerto Rican pasteles. Versatile Caribbean cooking base.
About the narrator
Don Luis · A character for three generations
Don Luis is the brand character and narrator for this catalog: a warm voice for Puerto Rican family recipes tested by the real creator behind the brand. The project carries three generations of flavor and writes each recipe step by step so any kid can follow it.
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