Ground Beef Picadillo with Raisins and Olives is a classic, flavorful dish found in Latin American and Spanish cuisines. Picadillo literally means “minced” in Spanish, and this dish lives up to its name with finely ground beef simmered in a sweet-and-savory tomato-based sauce.

The combination of plump raisins, briny green olives, and aromatic spices creates a complex, comforting flavor profile that is both hearty and satisfying.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it transforms simple ingredients—ground beef, tomatoes, onions, and a few pantry staples—into a dish bursting with flavor. The sweetness of raisins complements the saltiness of olives, and the spices tie everything together into a comforting, satisfying meal.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavor profile
• Quick and easy to prepare
• Perfect for family meals or casual dinners
• Highly versatile—serves with rice, tortillas, or as a filling
• Showcases authentic Latin American flavors

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings, Calories, Course & Cuisine

• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~400 calories per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Latin American / Spanish

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium tomato, chopped (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)
• ½ cup raisins
• ½ cup green olives, sliced
• 1 small red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional, for depth)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup beef or chicken broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté onions and garlic until soft and fragrant.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up lumps.
4. Stir in chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and bell pepper.
5. Add cumin, paprika, cinnamon (if using), salt, and pepper.
6. Stir in raisins and olives, then pour in broth.
7. Reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
8. Adjust seasoning to taste.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro before serving.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prep ingredients: Chop onions, garlic, tomatoes, bell pepper, and olives.
2. Sauté aromatics: Heat oil and cook onion and garlic until fragrant.
3. Brown beef: Add ground beef and cook thoroughly.
4. Build sauce: Add tomatoes, tomato paste, bell pepper, and spices.
5. Add sweet & salty: Stir in raisins and olives.
6. Simmer: Pour in broth and simmer 10–15 minutes.
7. Finish: Taste, adjust seasoning, and garnish with fresh herbs.
8. Serve: Over rice, in tortillas, or as empanada filling.

How to Serve

Serve hot with steamed white or brown rice for a traditional meal. You can also use it as a filling for tortillas, empanadas, or even top baked potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for added color and freshness.

Recipe Tips

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat.
• For a deeper flavor, sauté the spices with onions before adding beef.
• Add a splash of white wine or vinegar for extra depth.
• Soak raisins in warm water for 5 minutes if you want them plumper.
• Adjust the sweetness or saltiness by varying the amount of raisins or olives.

Variations

• Turkey or Chicken Picadillo: Substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Vegetable Picadillo: Add diced zucchini, carrots, or peas for more veggies.
• Spicy Picadillo: Add chopped jalapeño or cayenne pepper.
• Sweet Potato Picadillo: Add small diced sweet potatoes for natural sweetness.
• Picadillo Empanadas: Use as filling for baked or fried empanadas.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if sauce thickens.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, picadillo tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.

Q: Can I use golden raisins instead of dark?
A: Yes, either works; dark raisins give a richer flavor.

Q: Can I omit olives?
A: Yes, but it will lose the salty balance; capers are a good substitute.

Q: What can I serve with picadillo?
A: Rice, tortillas, empanadas, roasted vegetables, or baked potatoes.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Picadillo with Raisins and Olives is a classic dish that combines sweet, salty, and savory flavors in every bite. Quick to prepare yet rich in flavor, it’s perfect for family dinners, casual entertaining, or meal prep. With its versatility, comfort factor, and authentic Latin-inspired taste, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to explore the delicious world of picadillo.