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Looking for a flavorful weeknight dinner that’s easy, hearty, and family-approved? This Skillet Ground Beef Picadillo checks all the boxes. It’s a one-pan meal loaded with savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and briny green olives, all simmered together in a rich tomato sauce with warm spices. The best part? It’s quick to throw together in 30 minutes, budget friendly, and versatile. It’s comfort food with a fresh, wholesome twist that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Picadillo is a classic dish with roots across Latin America and Spain, each region having its own spin. It’s often made with ground beef, potatoes, tomatoes, and warm spices like cumin and oregano. Some variations even include raisins (optional, but recommended in this variation!)
This particular variation is one of my favorite weeknight meals and one that I can typically make on a whim with pantry staples. If you love quick, flavorful beef dinners, be sure to check out all my delicious beef recipes for more cozy, family-friendly meals!
Why You’ll Love this Picadillo!
- One-pan meal: less cleanup, more flavor, and perfect for a busy weeknight!
- Budget friendly: uses affordable lean ground beef and pantry staples.
- Customizable: Add extra veggies, raisins for sweetness, or swap beef for ground turkey.
- Family favorite: Mild spices make it approachable, but you can always turn up the heat with chili flakes or jalapeños!
How to make this Picadillo
- This recipe comes together in just a few easy steps in one pan.
- Start by browning the beef, then adding onions and bell pepper.
- Let that saute, then add the spices for a few minutes.
- Now add the potatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth. Let it simmer covered!
- Top with olives and cilantro for garnish and serve! You can also add raisins at this point.
Tips for Success!
- Dice the potatoes small: This helps them cook quickly and evenly, so dinner is ready in less time.
- Don’t skip the olives (or raisins!): The briny and slightly sweet flavors are what make Picadillo so unique and balanced.
- Make it ahead: Like most stews, this one gets even better the next day as the flavors come together. It’s perfect for meal prep!
- Adjust the heat: If your family likes things mild, leave out the chili powder. Want more kick? Add jalapeño, cayenne, or extra chili flakes.
- Extra veggies welcome: Toss in a handful of peas, corn, or carrots at the end for more color and nutrition.
Serving
This picadillo is so versatile to serve with whatever you have on hand! It works perfectly with my easy 10 minute rice, cauliflower rice, or even as meal prep bowls!
Look for more skillet recipes? You’ll love these 20-minute Ground Korean Beef Bowls or Skillet Lasagna.
30-Minute Skillet Ground Beef Picadillo
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp Olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 medium Yellow onion, , diced
- 1 Bell pepper (any color), , diced
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 2 tsp Cumin
- 2 tsp Paprika
- 1- 2 tsp Chili powder*
- 1 tsp Sea salt
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
- 2 medium Yukon gold potatoes, diced small
- 1 14oz Can of diced tomatoes
- 3/4 cup Beef broth
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 2 tbsp Red wine vinegar
- 2/3 cup Green olives,, sliced
- 1/4 cup Raisins, (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and chili powder (if using). Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Mix in the diced potatoes, tomato paste, canned tomatoes, broth, bay leaf, and vinegar. Stir well to combine.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let simmer 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and the mixture thickens. If it gets too thick, add a splash more broth.
- Stir in the olives and raisins (if using). Season to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Delicious! I didn’t have raisins, so added some chopped dates. Love how all the flavors taste together. We will be making this on repeat!
Love hearing this!!
Olives are missing from the ingredient list. What type do you recommend and how much?
Thanks for the catch! I just updated the recipe.