Crockpot Cuban Picadillo

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork is often less expensive.

green olives

🥗Healthier: capers

💰Cheaper: black olives

Capers provide a similar briny flavor, while black olives are more affordable.

raisin

🥗Healthier: dried cranberries

💰Cheaper: dried figs

Dried cranberries offer a tartness, while figs are often cheaper.

tomato sauce

🥗Healthier: pureed tomatoes

💰Cheaper: canned tomatoes

Pureed tomatoes are lower in sodium, and canned tomatoes are budget-friendly.

Brown 1 lb ground beef in a pot with 1 tablespoon beef tallow over medium heat.

Season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.

Chop 1 white onion and 1 red bell pepper; add to the pot and cook until softened.

Chop cilantro and add to the pot.

Add 8 oz tomato sauce and swish with 1 cup water to get all the sauce out.

Add 1/4 cup green olives and some of their juice to the pot.

Add 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1.5 teaspoons cumin, and 2 bay leaves.

Drain excess fat from the beef and mix everything together in the pot.

Transfer to a crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: