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0 from 12 votes

Best Picadillo Recipe

This Picadillo Recipe is a true family favorite. It's perfectly seasoned ground beef, garlic, and onions simmered in a light tomato sauce. You are going to love how easy this dish is to make. ♡

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 315 kcal
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup onion finely chopped
  • 1 cup of carrots peeled, medium dice or diagonal-cut
  • 1 tsp kosher salt divided* you will add ½ tsp to the onions and the other ½ tsp to the ground beef
  • ¼ tsp coarse black pepper
  • 4 cloves finely chopped
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika or one chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup green pitted olives
  • ½ cup tomato sauce or 2 tbsp tomato paste + 4 tsp water
  • 1 Tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 1 lime juiced
  • ¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, onions, and carrots. Season with ½ tsp kosher salt and black pepper. Sautee until the onions have softened. 
  2. Next, add the garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Stir-fry just until aromatic, about 30 seconds. 
  3. When ready, add the ground beef, the other ½ tsp kosher salt, and stir-fry until the meat gets crispy and brown. Then, add the frozen peas, olives, and tomato sauce. Mix to combine. Then, cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 10 minutes on low heat. 
  4. Finally, open the lid, give a quick stir, add the maple syrup, squeeze lime juice all over the seasoned meat, sprinkle in the chopped cilantro, and enjoy immediately. 

Notes

  • SERVE: You can keep this out for about 2 hours before it needs to be stored and refrigerated.
  • STORE: Place the Picadillo in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • FREEZE: Once cooled, place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for 1-2 months.
  • DEFROST: Defrost at room temperature for 3-4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
  • REHEAT: Add the mixture to a medium saucepan and stir in ¼ cup of water. Heat over medium heat until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Serving 0.75cup Calories 315kcal (16%) Carbohydrates 11g (4%) Protein 15g (30%) Fat 24g (37%) Saturated Fat 7g (35%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 13g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 54mg (18%) Sodium 914mg (38%) Potassium 475mg (14%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 5g (10%) Vitamin A 4139IU (83%) Vitamin C 15mg (17%) Calcium 64mg (6%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 315

% Daily Value*

Serving 0.75cup
Calories 315kcal 16%
Carbohydrates 11g 4%
Protein 15g 30%
Fat 24g 37%
Saturated Fat 7g 35%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 13g 65%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 54mg 18%
Sodium 914mg 38%
Potassium 475mg 10%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 5g 10%
Vitamin A 4139IU 83%
Vitamin C 15mg 17%
Calcium 64mg 6%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.