Carne Mechada with Sweet Plantains

Ingredients

• For the Picadillo:
• 1 lb ground beef
• 0.5 cup onion, finely chopped
• 0.5 cup bell pepper, diced (red or green)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 0.5 cup green olives, sliced
• 0.25 cup raisins (optional, for sweetness)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 0.5 tsp oregano
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 0.25 cup dry white wine (optional)
• For the White Rice:
• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 4 cups water
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. 11️⃣ Cook the Rice – In a pot, bring water, salt, and olive oil to a boil. Add rice, lower heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 18 minutes until fluffy. 🍚✨
2. 22️⃣ Sauté the Sofrito – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, and bell peppers, cooking until fragrant. 🫑🧄🔥
3. 33️⃣ Brown the Beef – Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns. Season with cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. 🥩🌿
4. 44️⃣ Simmer the Sauce – Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, olives, raisins (if using), and white wine. Let simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. 🍅🍷✨
5. 55️⃣ Serve & Enjoy – Spoon the Cuban Picadillo over a plate of fluffy white rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired! 🌿🍚