The Recipe · No.1033 · Cuban Picadillo

Cuban Picadillo, and where to source it

Cuban Picadillo — Worth The Hunt WORTH THE HUNT Cuban Picadillo Cuban 5best2buy.com

The sweet-salty tension is the whole dish: briny green olives and their brine against plump raisins. Skimp on either and it flattens into taco meat. Cook the sofrito down until the onions go translucent before the beef ever hits the pan.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep15 min
Cook30 min
Makesserves 4
CuisineCuban
Cost$$$
Gluten-freeDairy-free
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 servings
Ground beef
An 80/20 chuck gives the fat that carries the spice. Drain excess after browning.
1.5 lb
Source it →
Yellow onion
The base of the sofrito. Dice fine so it melts into the sauce.
1 large
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Green bell pepper
The Cuban cachucha stand-in. Dice and soften with the onion.
1 medium
Local / market
Garlic
Four cloves, minced. Non-negotiable in a sofrito.
4 cloves
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Manzanilla olives
Pimiento-stuffed green olives plus a splash of their brine for the salt-tang.
1/2 cup
Local / market
Raisins
They plump in the sauce and balance the brine. Golden or dark both work.
1/3 cup
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Tomato sauce
Plain canned sauce binds it; a spoon of paste deepens it.
8 oz
Local / market
Ground cumin
The backbone spice. Toast it a few seconds in the sofrito oil.
1 tsp
Local / market
White rice
Long-grain, cooked separately. Picadillo is always served over rice.
2 cups dry
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Air fryerOne-pot
The Method
  1. Build the sofritoSoften onion and pepper in oil until translucent, then add garlic and cumin for a minute.
  2. Brown the beefAdd ground beef, breaking it up, and cook until no pink remains; drain excess fat.
  3. Add the tomatoStir in tomato sauce and a splash of olive brine; simmer to marry.
  4. Fold in the sweet and saltyAdd olives and raisins and simmer 15 minutes until thick and glossy.
  5. ServeSpoon over white rice, with fried sweet plantains alongside if you have them.
The Toolkit

Deep skillet · Wooden spoon · Rice pot

Straight Answers
Can you make Cuban Picadillo in an air fryer? — Yes

Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.

Can you freeze Cuban Picadillo? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Cuban Picadillo ahead of time? — Prep ahead

Best fried to order — the crunch fades if it sits. Do the breading or shaping ahead and cook it fresh when you serve.

Is Cuban Picadillo gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Cuban Picadillo vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

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© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.1033