What is sofrito and can I make it myself?

Sofrito is a flavor base made from peppers, onions, garlic, and herbs. You can absolutely make it yourself by blending bell peppers, onions, cilantro, garlic, and culantro (if available). Alternatively, you can find prepared sofrito in jars in the international section of most grocery stores.

Can I make picadillo without sazon or adobo if I can't find them?

Yes! For sazon, substitute a mix of 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (for color), 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon cumin, and a pinch of coriander. For adobo, use a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.

Why are olives traditional in picadillo?

Olives provide a briny contrast to the savory meat and sweet tomato sauce, creating a balanced flavor profile that's characteristic of many Latin dishes. They're also part of the Spanish culinary influence in Latin American cuisine. If you're not an olive fan, you can omit them, but they really do make the dish special!

How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean ground beef (90/10) or substitute ground turkey. You can also add more vegetables like diced zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers along with the onions. Serve over cauliflower rice instead of white rice for a lower-carb option.

Beef Picadillo Recipe

Name: Beef Picadillo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium white onion, diced; 1 lb ground beef; ¼ cup sofrito; 1 tablespoon adobo seasoning; 1 packet sazon seasoning; 1 teaspoon cumin powder; 1 teaspoon dried, ground oregano; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 teaspoons finely minced garlic or garlic paste; 1 cup tomato sauce; 1 cup green olives with pimento; cilantro

This flavorful Beef Picadillo is a Latin American classic that transforms humble ground beef into a mouthwatering, savory delight in just 25 minutes! The combination of aromatic spices, tangy olives, and rich tomato sauce creates a perfect weeknight dinner that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. Serve it over fluffy white rice for a satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Fast: From start to finish in just 25 minutes – perfect for those hectic weeknights when you need dinner on the table quickly!
Flavor Explosion: The blend of sofrito, adobo, sazon, and fresh garlic creates layers of flavor that make this dish absolutely irresistible.
Versatile: Works beautifully as a main dish over rice, but can also fill tacos, stuff peppers, or top nachos for countless meal options.
Meal Prep Champion: Makes excellent leftovers that taste even better the next day, so you can cook once and enjoy twice!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef: The star of the show, providing a hearty base that soaks up all those amazing flavors. Choose 80/20 for the best flavor, or leaner if you prefer.
Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon helps brown the meat and onions to perfection while adding a subtle richness.
White Onion: Adds sweetness and texture when diced and sautéed until tender, forming the aromatic base of the dish.
Sofrito: This flavor powerhouse is key to authentic Latin flavor – a mixture of peppers, onions, garlic, and herbs that transforms ordinary dishes into something special.
Adobo Seasoning: This all-purpose seasoning blend brings depth with its perfect balance of garlic, oregano, and other spices.
Sazon Seasoning: Adds beautiful color and distinctive flavor that makes this picadillo taste authentic. Look for it in the international aisle!
Cumin: Provides that earthy, warm flavor that’s essential in picadillo.
Oregano: Adds a wonderful herbal note that complements the other spices beautifully.
Salt and Pepper: The most basic yet essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic or garlic paste brings punchy flavor that really wakes up the dish.
Tomato Sauce: Creates the rich, savory sauce that coats every bite perfectly.
Green Olives with Pimento: These add a briny, tangy pop of flavor and color that makes this dish special. Don’t skip them!
Cilantro: Optional but recommended for a fresh finish that brightens the whole dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Raisin Addition

Try adding ¼ cup of raisins along with the olives for a traditional sweet-and-savory contrast that many Cuban and Puerto Rican versions include.

Potato Picadillo

Add 1 cup of diced potatoes with the onions and cook until tender for extra heartiness.

Spicy Kick

Include 1-2 diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the onions for heat lovers.

Turkey Alternative

Substitute ground turkey for beef to create a lighter version that still packs all the flavor.

How to Make Beef Picadillo

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Onions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and ground beef, breaking the meat apart as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is evenly browned and onions are tender and translucent, about 7-8 minutes.

Step 2: Drain and Season

Drain excess grease from the pan – this prevents your picadillo from becoming greasy. Return to heat and add sofrito, adobo, sazon, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let cook for about a minute to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Add the minced garlic and cook for two more minutes, stirring frequently. The fragrant aroma will tell you when it’s ready – your kitchen should smell amazing!

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Reduce heat to low-medium and pour in the tomato sauce, stirring to combine all ingredients. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes so the flavors can meld together and the sauce can thicken slightly.

Step 5: Finish with Olives

Turn off the heat and stir in the green olives with pimento. The residual heat will warm them through without cooking out their bright flavor.

Step 6: Serve

Spoon the picadillo over rice and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Enjoy immediately while hot!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook: Once you add the tomato sauce, just a short simmer is needed. Too long and you’ll lose the fresh flavors and end up with a dried-out dish.
Season in Layers: Adding seasonings after browning the meat ensures they don’t burn and allows them to bloom in the oil.
Chop Consistently: Try to dice your onions to a similar size for even cooking and better texture in the final dish.
Quality Counts: Use fresh garlic rather than pre-minced jarred versions for the best flavor impact.
Make Extra Sofrito: If making homemade sofrito, prepare a large batch and freeze portions for future meals – it’s a time-saver!

How to Serve

Classic Pairing

Serve over white rice with a side of black beans for a traditional and satisfying meal. The rice soaks up the flavorful sauce beautifully!

Stuffed Peppers

Use your picadillo as a filling for bell peppers, top with cheese, and bake until peppers are tender for a complete meal.

Taco Night

Spoon into warm corn tortillas and top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sour cream for delicious picadillo tacos.

Bowl Style

Create a bowl with rice, picadillo, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime for a trendy dinner option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled picadillo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors actually improve after a day, making this perfect for meal prep!

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Perfect for quick future meals.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave until hot or warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water if it seems dry.

FAQs

What is sofrito and can I make it myself?

Sofrito is a flavor base made from peppers, onions, garlic, and herbs. You can absolutely make it yourself by blending bell peppers, onions, cilantro, garlic, and culantro (if available). Alternatively, you can find prepared sofrito in jars in the international section of most grocery stores.
Can I make picadillo without sazon or adobo if I can’t find them?

Yes! For sazon, substitute a mix of 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (for color), 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon cumin, and a pinch of coriander. For adobo, use a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.
Why are olives traditional in picadillo?

Olives provide a briny contrast to the savory meat and sweet tomato sauce, creating a balanced flavor profile that’s characteristic of many Latin dishes. They’re also part of the Spanish culinary influence in Latin American cuisine. If you’re not an olive fan, you can omit them, but they really do make the dish special!
How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean ground beef (90/10) or substitute ground turkey. You can also add more vegetables like diced zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers along with the onions. Serve over cauliflower rice instead of white rice for a lower-carb option.

Final Thoughts

This Beef Picadillo recipe brings vibrant Latin flavors to your table with minimal effort. It’s one of those magical dishes that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, yet comes together in less than 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for family on a busy weeknight or meal prepping for the days ahead, this picadillo delivers incredible flavor and satisfaction every time. Give it a try tonight – your taste buds will thank you!