Filipino Picadillo

Filipino Picadillo is a hearty, comforting dish that brings together the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and a little bit of spice. It’s one of those classic Filipino recipes you’ll find on family tables, especially during festive occasions or simple weeknight dinners. Made with ground meat (usually beef), potatoes, carrots, and peas, all cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce, this dish is a true Filipino comfort food. It’s perfect when served with a side of steamed rice, making it a complete and satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love Filipino Picadillo

Flavors that Pop: The blend of ground beef, vegetables, and a sweet-savory sauce makes every bite burst with flavor. The addition of olives or raisins can bring an unexpected hint of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the richness of the beef.

Simple and Wholesome: This dish is easy to make with everyday ingredients, yet it delivers a comforting meal that tastes like home. It’s a fantastic way to use pantry staples and turn them into something memorable.

Versatile: You can easily adjust the recipe to your taste. Add more vegetables, skip the raisins for a more savory version, or even make it with ground chicken or pork. It’s a dish that can be tailored to any preference.

Ingredients

For a classic Filipino picadillo, you’ll need:

Ground Beef: The base of the dish, providing a savory, hearty flavor.

Potatoes: Peeled and diced, these add texture and substance to the dish.

Carrots: A perfect pairing with potatoes, they bring both color and sweetness.

Green Peas: These add a pop of color and a touch of sweetness to the dish.

Onions and Garlic: The essential aromatics to kick off the flavor base.

Tomato Sauce: The heart of the sauce that holds all the flavors together.

Tomato Paste: Adds a deep, rich tomato flavor to the sauce.

Soy Sauce: Adds umami and depth to the sauce, rounding out the flavors.

Bay Leaves: For an aromatic, earthy flavor.

Raisins (optional): Some like a little sweetness in their picadillo, and raisins add that perfect balance.

Green Olives (optional): For a slightly tangy and briny contrast.

Salt and Pepper: To taste, seasoning the dish and enhancing all the flavors.

Oil: For sautéing the aromatics and cooking the meat.

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

• Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté until they become soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

Cook the Ground Beef:

• Add the ground beef to the pan and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Add the Vegetables:

• Add the diced potatoes, carrots, and peas to the pan. Stir everything together so the vegetables are well coated with the beef mixture.

Make the Sauce:

• Stir in the tomato sauce and tomato paste. Add the soy sauce, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer over medium-low heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.

Optional Ingredients:

• If you’re using raisins, add them in at this stage. Stir them into the mixture to let them soften and blend with the other ingredients. If you’re using green olives, add them in as well and cook for another 5 minutes.

Adjust the Seasoning:

• Taste the picadillo and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or soy sauce if needed. If you prefer it a little sweeter, add a teaspoon of sugar.

Serve:

• Once the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened, remove the bay leaves and serve the picadillo hot with a side of steamed rice.

Nutrition Facts

(Approximate per serving, based on 4 servings)
Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Filipino Picadillo

• With Steamed Rice: This is the classic way to serve Filipino picadillo. The savory sauce pairs perfectly with fluffy white rice.
• As a Filling: You can use picadillo as a filling for empanadas or pastries, making a delicious snack or appetizer.
• With a Side Salad: Serve the picadillo with a fresh cucumber or tomato salad to add some crunch and balance out the richness of the dish.

Additional Tips

• Substitute Ground Meat: If you’re not a fan of beef, you can substitute ground chicken, pork, or turkey.
• Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some chopped chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce to the picadillo.
• Make Ahead: Picadillo actually tastes even better the next day! It’s perfect for meal prep and leftovers.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make picadillo with pork instead of beef?
A1: Yes! Pork picadillo is also delicious and very popular. You can use ground pork or even a combination of beef and pork for added flavor.

Q2: Can I freeze Filipino Picadillo?
A2: Yes, picadillo freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Q3: Is Filipino Picadillo spicy?
A3: Filipino picadillo is not traditionally spicy, but you can easily add chili peppers or hot sauce if you prefer some heat.

Q4: Can I skip the raisins?
A4: Yes! The raisins are optional and add a touch of sweetness. If you don’t like them, feel free to leave them out.

Q5: How do I know when the potatoes and carrots are done?
A5: The potatoes and carrots should be fork-tender. Check by poking them with a fork—if it goes in easily, they’re done!

Q6: Can I add more vegetables?
A6: Absolutely! Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or even corn to make it more colorful and nutritious.

Q7: Can I make picadillo ahead of time?
A7: Yes! Picadillo stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors deepen after a day or two. It’s perfect for meal prep.

Q8: What kind of rice should I serve with picadillo?
A8: Steamed jasmine rice or white rice is perfect for pairing with Filipino picadillo. You can also use brown rice for a healthier twist.

Q9: Can I add olives to the picadillo?
A9: Yes! Green olives add a lovely briny contrast to the sweet and savory picadillo. They’re optional, but they bring extra flavor to the dish.

Q10: What can I serve with Filipino Picadillo?
A10: Picadillo is great served with steamed rice and a simple salad. You can also enjoy it with bread or tortillas for a different take.

Conclusion

Filipino Picadillo is a perfect combination of savory, sweet, and comforting flavors that will make you feel right at home. Whether you’re enjoying it with family or cooking up something special for yourself, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a favorite. It’s easy to make, packed with delicious ingredients, and versatile enough to suit any occasion. Enjoy every bite!

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