Description
A quick, one-pan Mexican picadillo featuring ground beef, raisins, and olives that delivers bold, authentic flavor in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 1/3 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup green olives, sliced
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep aromatics by dicing the onion and mincing the garlic. Place raisins and sliced olives in small bowls nearby.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains, then drain excess grease if necessary.
- Push beef to the sides or create a well in the center. Add diced onion and cook until translucent and soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the beef and onions. Stir constantly for one minute to toast the spices.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release browned bits. Add diced tomatoes with juice and the bay leaf. Stir to combine.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. Stir in raisins and green olives. Continue simmering for another 5 minutes until the sauce reduces to a rich consistency.
- Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.
Notes
Use 80/20 ground beef for best flavor and juiciness. Toasting the spices releases their essential oils. Simmer gently to allow raisins to plump without bursting. The dish tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. Can be made in a slow cooker by browning beef first, then cooking on low for 4-6 hours.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 28
Keywords: Mexican picadillo, one pan dinner, ground beef recipe, quick weeknight meals, family friendly dinner, healthy ground beef, meal prep