Healthy Picadillo Lean Beef (Printer-Friendly)
Lean ground beef simmered with olives, capers, and fresh cilantro for a quick, wholesome dinner.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Meat
01 -
2 pounds extra lean ground beef
→ Vegetables and Aromatics
02 -
1 medium onion, chopped
03 -
1 green bell pepper, chopped
04 -
2 teaspoons minced or pureed garlic
→ Sauce and Condiments
05 -
5.5 ounces tomato paste (one small can)
06 -
1 cup water
07 -
1/4 cup chopped pitted green olives
08 -
2 tablespoons drained capers
09 -
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
10 -
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
11 -
1 tablespoon brown sugar
12 -
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
→ Garnishes
13 -
Fresh lime wedges
14 -
Cilantro sprigs
15 -
Whole green olives
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef with chopped onion and green bell pepper until the beef is browned. Drain excess liquid and return skillet to heat.
02 -
Reduce heat to medium-low, then incorporate tomato paste, water, garlic, olives, capers, brown sugar, red wine vinegar, cilantro, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine evenly.
03 -
Simmer the mixture gently for 10 to 15 minutes until vegetables soften and flavors meld.
04 -
Serve hot over brown or white rice, cauliflower rice, or in taco shells. Garnish with cilantro sprigs, lime wedges, whole green olives, and squeeze fresh lime over the dish before eating.
# Helpful Hints:
01 -
For enhanced flavor, add a teaspoon of olive brine with the olives. Avoid overcrowding the pan when browning ground beef to promote proper caramelization and flavor development. Let picadillo rest off heat for 5-10 minutes before serving to intensify moisture and taste.
02 -
If tomato paste is unavailable, substitute with 1/2 cup tomato sauce and reduce water by half. Add extra water or broth during simmering if mixture thickens too much.