Delicious and Easy Chef John's Picadillo Recipe

Experience the bold flavors of Latin American cuisine with Chef John's Picadillo recipe. This classic dish combines ground beef with a medley of aromatic ingredients like onions, peppers, garlic, and spices. The result is a savory and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed on its own or served with rice, tortillas, or even as a filling for tacos. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your guests with a taste of authentic Latin American cuisine.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup sliced green olives
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles with a spoon.
3. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook until vegetables are softened.
4. Stir in ground cumin, dried oregano, ground cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add diced tomatoes, raisins, sliced green olives, and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, until the flavors meld together.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro.

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