1. Recipes

How to Make Chef John's Picadillo - A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to hearty, flavorful dishes with a touch of Latin American flair, Chef John's Picadillo is the perfect go-to recipe. This traditional dish hails from various Latin American countries, and each region has its own unique twist on this classic recipe. Chef John's version combines ground beef, onions, peppers, and a variety of aromatic spices to create a comforting and delicious meal that's sure to become a family favorite.

What sets Chef John's Picadillo apart is the perfect ba...

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Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 cup diced yellow onions
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 bay leaves
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
  • 3 cups crushed tomatoes
  • ¼ cup water
  • ¼ cup currants or raisins
  • ½ cup sliced pimiento-stuffed green olives, or to taste

Information

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 45 mins
  • Total Time: 55 mins
  • Servings: 4
  • Yield: 4 servings

  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break up into small pieces with a spoon or spatula as it browns. Cook until meat completely loses its pink color, 8 to 10 minutes. Add diced onion and salt. Cook until onions turn translucent, about 5 minutes. Add pepper, cumin, cinnamon, bay leaves, and cayenne pepper. Cook 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
  • Stir in red wine vinegar, crushed tomatoes, and water. Cook a few minutes while deglazing pan. Add currants; bring back to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and cook until meat is tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Gently stir in sliced olives; cover and cook another 10 to 15 minutes.

    • Nutrition

    485 cal.

    • Total Fat: 27g
    • Saturated Fat: 9g
    • Cholesterol: 111mg
    • Sodium: 1510mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 26g
    • Dietary Fiber: 6g
    • Total Sugars: 8g
    • Protein: 37g
    • Vitamin C: 25mg
    • Calcium: 128mg
    • Iron: 7mg
    • Potassium: 1131mg

    Categories

    Beef recipes
    Main recipes
    Mexican recipes
    Easy recipes
    Ground beef recipes