What Is Picadillo?

Picadillo is a flavorful, homey dish popular across Latin America, Spain, and the Philippines. The name comes from the Spanish word “picar,” which means “to mince” or “to chop.”

At its core, Picadillo is a savory ground meat hash — typically made with beef, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and a blend of aromatic spices. But depending on the region, it can also include raisins, olives, potatoes, or even boiled eggs.

The Origins of Picadillo

Picadillo’s roots trace back to Spain, where it began as a humble peasant dish (Source: Tasting Table). As Spanish explorers traveled to the Caribbean and the Americas, the recipe evolved — picking up regional twists and ingredients along the way.

Here’s how Picadillo varies around the world:

  • 🇨🇺 Cuban Picadillo: Includes olives, capers, and raisins for a sweet-salty balance. Often served with white rice and fried plantains.

  • 🇲🇽 Mexican Picadillo: Spicier, featuring chipotle or jalapeños. Commonly used as a filling for tacos, empanadas, or chiles rellenos.

  • 🇵🇭 Filipino Picadillo (Giniling): Sweeter, with soy sauce, potatoes, and carrots — often eaten with steamed rice.

  • 🇩🇴 Dominican Picadillo: Uses bell peppers and sometimes a splash of vinegar for tang.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make classic Picadillo, gather these simple ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 bell pepper, diced

  • 2 medium tomatoes (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)

  • 1 medium potato, peeled and diced

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Seasonings:

  • 1 tsp cumin

  • 1 tsp oregano

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Optional: ¼ cup raisins + ¼ cup green olives

Step-by-Step: How to Make Picadillo

  • Sauté the base: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper — cook until fragrant.

  • Add the beef: Brown the ground meat, breaking it apart with a spoon.

  • Season well: Sprinkle cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat evenly.

  • Add tomatoes and potatoes: Simmer until the potatoes are tender and the sauce thickens.

  • Finish with extras: Mix in raisins and olives (optional) for that signature Latin flavor.

  • Serve hot: Pair with white rice, tortillas, or fried plantains.

Why You’ll Love Picadillo

  • One-pan meal — easy cleanup.
  • Budget-friendly and family-approved.
  • Can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
  • Perfect for meal prep — tastes even better the next day!

Serving Ideas

  • Over steamed white rice or brown rice

  • As a filling for empanadas, tacos, or stuffed peppers

  • Alongside fried eggs or plantains for a hearty breakfast

Tips for the Best Picadillo

  • Use lean ground beef (85/15) for a juicy but not greasy result.

  • Add a splash of beef broth or tomato sauce for extra richness.

  • For a spicy kick, toss in a jalapeño or hot sauce.

Final Thoughts

Picadillo is more than just a recipe — it’s a story of cultural fusion and family tradition. Whether you’re cooking it Cuban-style with olives or Mexican-style with spice, this dish captures the heart of Latin home cooking.

So grab your skillet, turn up some salsa music, and bring the warmth of Picadillo to your table tonight! 🌶️

You can try this with our most famous drinks mojito or margarita. 

Categorized in:

Kitchen Basics & Recipes,