Homemade Picadillo is a delicious Latin American and Spanish dish made with ground meat (usually beef or pork), tomatoes, onions, garlic, and various seasonings. It’s typically served with flour tortillas, making for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Here’s a simple recipe for Homemade Picadillo with Flour Tortillas:
Ingredients:
For the Picadillo:
- 1 pound ground beef (you can also use ground pork, turkey, or a mix)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup pimento-stuffed olives, sliced
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional for a touch of sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup beef or vegetable broth
- Flour tortillas for serving
For the Tortillas:
- You can either make your own flour tortillas or buy them pre-made at the store.
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and garlic and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until they become translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula as it browns. Cook until it’s no longer pink and has started to brown.
- Stir in the chopped bell peppers and continue to cook for about 5 minutes, or until they soften.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Pour in the beef or vegetable broth and allow the mixture to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until it thickens and the flavors meld.
- Add the olives, capers, and raisins (if using). Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the picadillo mixture cool slightly.
- While the picadillo is cooling, warm the flour tortillas according to the package instructions or make your own by heating them in a dry skillet for about 20-30 seconds on each side.
- Serve the picadillo alongside the warm flour tortillas, allowing everyone to fill their tortillas with the picadillo mixture and enjoy!
Feel free to garnish your Homemade Picadillo with a bit of fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, or some grated cheese, depending on your preferences. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or rice. Enjoy your Homemade Picadillo with Flour Tortillas!
