Cuban Style Beef Picadillo

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner while ground pork can be more economical.

green olives

🥗Healthier: kalamata olives

💰Cheaper: canned black olives

Kalamata olives are more flavorful, while canned black olives are often less expensive.

red wine vinegar

🥗Healthier: apple cider vinegar

💰Cheaper: white vinegar

Apple cider vinegar offers a milder flavor, while white vinegar is often cheaper.

raisins

🥗Healthier: dried cranberries

💰Cheaper: sugar-free dried fruit

Dried cranberries provide a tart flavor, while sugar-free options can reduce calories.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.

Add chopped onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart, about 6-8 minutes.

Mix in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, sliced olives, brine from olives, cumin, bay leaves, and cayenne pepper.

Pour in red wine vinegar and stir to combine all ingredients well.

Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove bay leaves before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro if desired.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: