Healthy Picadillo Beef Mix (Print Version)
A quick, savory picadillo with lean beef, olives, capers, and cilantro, perfect served over rice or in tacos.
# Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Protein
01 -
2 lbs extra lean ground beef
→ Vegetables
02 -
1 medium onion, chopped
03 -
1 green bell pepper, chopped
04 -
2 teaspoons minced or pureed garlic
→ Sauce and Condiments
05 -
5.5 oz can tomato paste
06 -
1 cup water
07 -
1/4 cup chopped pitted green olives
08 -
2 tablespoons drained capers
09 -
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
10 -
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
11 -
1 tablespoon brown sugar
12 -
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
→ Garnish
13 -
Fresh lime wedges
14 -
Cilantro sprigs
15 -
Whole green olives
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 -
In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, cook the extra lean ground beef along with the chopped onion and green bell pepper until the beef is browned and vegetables are softened. Drain excess liquid and return to heat.
02 -
Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in tomato paste, water, minced garlic, chopped olives, capers, brown sugar, red wine vinegar, chopped cilantro, and Worcestershire sauce until combined.
03 -
Let the mixture simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and flavors have blended.
04 -
Serve the picadillo hot over cooked white, brown, or cauliflower rice, or use as a filling for tacos. Garnish with cilantro sprigs, whole green olives, and fresh lime wedges. Squeeze lime juice over before eating to enhance brightness.
# Extra Tips & Details:
01 -
For an intensified salty flavor, add 1 teaspoon of olive brine from the olive jar during cooking.
02 -
Avoid overcrowding the skillet when browning meat to ensure thorough caramelization and flavor development.
03 -
If the picadillo tastes flat after simmering, add a splash of red wine vinegar or an extra squeeze of lime juice.
04 -
Dice onions and peppers finely, matching the size of ground beef crumbles for uniform texture and even cooking.
05 -
Allow the dish to rest off heat for 5 to 10 minutes to deepen flavor and moisture absorption.
06 -
In case of tomato paste shortage, substitute with 1/2 cup tomato sauce and reduce the added water by half to maintain consistency.
07 -
If mixture thickens excessively during simmering, add small amounts of water or beef broth to keep it moist.