Cuban Picadillo

Cuban Picadillo

Cuban Picadillo is a comforting, savory dish that brings bold, home-cooked flavor to your table with every bite. Ground beef is simmered with onions, garlic, bell peppers, and tomatoes, then infused with the signature sweetness of raisins and the briny bite of green olives for a perfectly balanced dish. Warm spices like cumin and oregano give it authentic depth, while a splash of vinegar adds a subtle tang. Traditionally served over fluffy white rice or alongside fried plantains, this one-pan wonder is both hearty and deeply satisfying — a taste of Cuba’s rich culinary soul.

Cuban Picadillo

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Ah, Picadillo! A classic Cuban dish that's as comforting as it is flavorful. It's basically a savory ground beef hash, simmered with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a touch of sweetness from raisins and olives.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Cuban
Calories: 411
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion diced
  • 1 Green Bell Pepper diced
  • 2 lg Garlic minced
  • 2 tsp Oregano dried
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • ¼ tsp Black pepper
  • 1½ lbs Ground Beef (ground chuck or ground sirloin)
  •  
    1 8 oz Tomato sauce can
  • ¼ cup White Wine
  • ¼ cup Water
  •  
    ½ cup Green Olives Pimento Stuffed, sliced in half crosswise
  •  
    â…“ cup Raisins

Method
 

  1. Place a medium-sized pot over medium heat and add the oil. Once hot, add the onion and green pepper, cooking and stirring them until they soften slightly (about 5 minutes). Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
    3 Tbsp Vegetable Oil, 1 medium Yellow Onion, 1 Green Bell Pepper, 2 lg Garlic
  2. Sprinkle in the oregano, salt, and pepper, and sauté for 30 seconds more, until fragrant. Add the ground beef to the pot. As it cooks, use the side of a spoon to break it down into very fine pieces. Continue cooking until the beef loses most of its pink color, about 5 minutes.
    2 tsp Oregano, 1 tsp Salt, ¼ tsp Black pepper, 1½ lbs Ground Beef
  3. It's time to add the remaining ingredients: tomato sauce, white wine, and water will create the sauce, while the olives and raisins bring a touch of sweetness and acidity. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer over low heat for 35-40 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen. Serve over rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
    1 8 oz Tomato sauce, ¼ cup White Wine, 1/4 cup Water, ½ cup Green Olives, ⅓ cup Raisins

Nutrition

Serving: 12ozCalories: 411kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 20gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 81mgSodium: 744mgPotassium: 457mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 131IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 48mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Flavor Boosters:
  • Toast the spices: Before adding them to the pot, toast your cumin and oregano in a dry skillet for a minute or two until fragrant. This intensifies their flavor and adds depth to the dish.
  • Don't be afraid of the sofrito: Take your time building a flavorful sofrito. Cook the onions, garlic, and peppers slowly over medium heat until they're softened and slightly caramelized. This creates a delicious foundation for the Picadillo.
  • Wine matters: Use a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for a bright acidity that complements the other flavors.
  • Tomato paste power: For a richer, more intense tomato flavor, add a tablespoon or two of tomato paste to the sofrito along with the garlic.
  • Adjust the sweetness: Taste the Picadillo as it simmers and adjust the sweetness by adding a pinch of sugar or a splash of dry sherry if needed.
Texture Tips:
  • Ground beef choice: Use ground beef with a higher fat content (like 80/20) for a juicier and more flavorful Picadillo.
  • Break it down: Make sure to break up the ground beef into very small pieces as it cooks. This creates a finer texture that's characteristic of Cuban Picadillo.
  • Simmer, simmer, simmer: Don't rush the simmering process. The longer the Picadillo simmers, the more the flavors will meld and deepen.
Serving Suggestions:
  • Rice is king: Serve your Picadillo over fluffy white rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.
  • Plantain perfection: Fried sweet plantains (maduros) are a classic accompaniment to Picadillo.
  • Add some crunch: For a textural contrast, top your Picadillo with some toasted almonds or chopped cilantro.
  • Get creative: Use Picadillo as a filling for empanadas, arepas, or even baked potatoes for a fun twist.
Bonus Tip:
  • Make it ahead: Picadillo tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy it for leftovers throughout the week.
With these tips and tricks, you'll be well on your way to making a truly delicious and authentic Cuban Picadillo. ¡Buen provecho! 😋

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Ingredients

  • 3 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion, diced
  • 1 Green Bell Pepper, diced
  • 2 large cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp dried Oregano
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • ¼ tsp Black Pepper
  • 1 ½ lbs Ground Beef (ground chuck or ground sirloin)
  • 1 (8 oz) can Tomato Sauce
  • ¼ cup White Wine
  • ¼ cup Water
  • ½ cup Green Olives (pimento-stuffed), sliced in half crosswise
  • â…“ cup Raisins

Image Gallery Cuban Picadillo

Storage & Leftovers

Table of Contents

  1. Storage & Leftovers
  2. List of Ingredients
  3. Images
  4. Recipe
  5. Related Recipes

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Cottage Pie Baked Potato

Cottage Pie Baked Potato

The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup: Cottage Pie Baked Potato

Forget everything you thought you knew about cottage pie and baked potatoes! This dish takes two classic comfort foods and mashes them up into one incredible culinary creation.

Imagine this: a fluffy baked potato, its skin crispy from the oven, becomes a vessel for a savory and satisfying cottage pie filling. Think seasoned ground beef simmered with vegetables in a rich gravy, all nestled inside that warm potato. But wait, there’s more! Melted cheese oozes over the filling, and a generous dollop of creamy mashed potato tops it all off.

This is pure comfort food bliss, perfect for a cozy night in or a fun and satisfying family meal. It’s hearty, flavorful, and oh-so-easy to make. Get ready to take your taste buds on a wild ride with the Cottage Pie Baked Potato – it’s a flavor explosion you won’t want to miss!

Cottage Pie Baked Potato

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A cottage pie baked potato is a delicious twist on two classic comfort foods. It takes the savory, meaty filling of a traditional cottage pie (ground beef simmered with vegetables in a rich gravy) and uses a fluffy baked potato as the base instead of a pastry crust.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 4 People
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, British-American
Calories: 568
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Ground beef
  • 1 Yellow Onion Fine Dice
  • 1 cup Carrots Sliced thin
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • ½ tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • ¼ cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 2 Tbsp Tomato paste
  • 2½ cups Beef broth Low sodium
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ tsp Oregano
  • ¼ tsp Thyme
  • ½ cup Peas Frozen
  • ½ cup Corn Frozen
  • 2 cups Cheddar cheese Shredded
  • 8 Russet potatoes
  • 4 Tbsp Olive oil
  • ¼ cup Milk

Equipment

1 Chef's knife
1 Large skillet with high sides
1 Baking pan
1 Potato masher

Method
 

  1. First, gather all the ingredients for your cottage pie baked potatoes. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash your potatoes and pat them dry. Line a baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper, then place the potatoes on the sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil, rubbing it all over, and season with salt and pepper. Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
    8 Russet potatoes, 4 Tbsp Olive oil
  2. To make the cottage pie filling, start by setting a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat, onion, carrots, garlic, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until it's browned and no longer pink; make sure the carrots are tender. If there's a lot of fat in the pan, carefully drain it off. Then, sprinkle the flour over the meat and vegetables. Stir well to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes. This will create a roux and help thicken the sauce for your cottage pie filling.
    1 lb Ground beef, 1 Yellow Onion, 1 cup Carrots, 2 cloves Garlic, 1 tsp Salt, ½ tsp Ground Black Pepper
  3. After adding the flour, stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, and thyme. Make sure everything is well combined, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 25-30 minutes, allowing the filling to thicken nicely.
    2 Tbsp Tomato paste, 2½ cups Beef broth, 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, ¼ tsp Oregano, ¼ tsp Thyme
  4. Once the cottage pie filling has thickened, stir in the peas and corn. Continue to simmer for another 5-8 minutes, just until the vegetables are heated through.
    ½ cup Peas, ½ cup Corn
  5. Once the filling is thickened and the vegetables are heated through, your cottage pie filling is complete. By this time, your potatoes should also be baked and ready. To fill the potatoes, carefully cut a small opening in the top of each potato. Scoop out the inside flesh, leaving about a ¼-inch thick shell. Save the scooped-out potato for later use, perhaps to mash and add to the filling or to make a potato side dish.
  6. Take the fluffy potato centers you scooped out and place them in a bowl. Add a splash of whole milk – just enough to help with the mashing. Now, using a fork or a potato masher, mash the potatoes until you have a chunky consistency. You don't want it completely smooth; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
    ¼ cup Milk
  7. To assemble your cottage pie baked potatoes, start by sprinkling the bottom of each potato shell with shredded cheddar cheese. Next, carefully fill the shells with the savory cottage pie filling, being mindful not to overfill. Top the filling with another layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Finally, dollop the mashed potato mixture over the cheese, covering the filling completely. For an extra cheesy touch, sprinkle a little more cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes.
    2 cups Cheddar cheese
  8. Once the potatoes are filled and topped with cheese and mashed potato, place the baking sheet back in the oven for about 15 minutes. This will allow the cheese to melt completely and the mashed potato topping to brown slightly. Serve your cottage pie baked potatoes hot. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a simple side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Nutrition

Serving: 12ozCalories: 568kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 24gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 877mgPotassium: 1292mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 3166IUVitamin C: 19mgCalcium: 282mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Potato Perfection:
  • Choose the right potato: Russet potatoes are ideal for baking because of their fluffy interior and sturdy skin.
  • Even baking: Choose potatoes that are roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
  • Prick before baking: Prick the potatoes with a fork before baking to allow steam to escape and prevent them from bursting.
  • Don't overbake: Overbaked potatoes will be dry and crumbly. Bake until tender when pierced with a fork.
Flavorful Filling:
  • Quality ingredients: Use good quality ground beef, fresh vegetables, and flavorful broth for the best results.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan: Brown the meat in batches to ensure it browns properly and doesn't steam.
  • Build the flavor: Sauté the onions and carrots until softened to develop their sweetness.
  • Season generously: Don't be shy with the salt and pepper, and feel free to add other herbs and spices to your liking.
Assembly and Baking:
  • Don't overfill: Leave some space at the top of the potato for the mashed topping.
  • Cheese variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyère, cheddar, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan.
  • Broil for extra crispness: For a crispy mashed potato topping, broil the potatoes for the last few minutes of baking.
  • Garnish: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
Make it your own:
  • Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for some heat.
  • Veggie boost: Include other vegetables in the filling, such as diced celery, mushrooms, or leeks.
  • Make it a meal: Serve with a side salad or your favorite vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.
Enjoy experimenting and creating your own perfect cottage pie baked potato!

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Ingredients

For the Baked Potatoes:

  • 8 Russet potatoes
  • 4 Tbsp olive oil

For the Cottage Pie Filling:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup carrots, sliced thin
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp ground pepper
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 ½ cups low sodium beef broth
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ tsp dried oregano
  • ¼ tsp dried thyme
  • ½ cup frozen peas
  • ½ cup frozen corn

For the Toppings:

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup milk

Image Gallery Cottage Pie Baked Potato

Cottage Pie Baked Potato

Cottage Pie Baked Potato

Cottage Pie Baked Potato

Cottage Pie Baked Potato

Storage & Leftovers

Storing Leftovers:

  • Cool it down: Before storing, allow the cottage pie baked potatoes to cool completely at room temperature. This prevents condensation from forming and making them soggy.
  • Separate components: If possible, store the potato shells, filling, and mashed potato topping separately. This helps maintain their textures and prevents the filling from making the potatoes soggy.
  • Airtight containers: Store leftovers in airtight containers to keep them fresh and prevent them from absorbing odors from other foods in your fridge.  
  • Refrigerate promptly: Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.  
     

Reheating:

  • Oven for best results: Reheat individual potatoes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This helps maintain their texture and crispness.
  • Microwave in a pinch: You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be aware that the potato skin may become slightly soft.
  • Add moisture: If reheating the filling separately, add a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out.

Freezing:

  • Fully cooked: Ensure the potatoes are fully cooked before freezing.
  • Wrap tightly: Wrap individual potatoes tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil or freezer bags. This helps prevent freezer burn.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months: For best quality, freeze cottage pie baked potatoes for up to 3 months.

Tips for using leftover filling:

  • Shepherd’s pie: Use leftover filling to make a traditional shepherd’s pie with a mashed potato topping.
  • Pasties: Fill pastry dough with leftover filling to make savory hand pies. 
  • Stuffed vegetables: Use the filling to stuff bell peppers, zucchini boats, or mushrooms.
  • Nachos: Top tortilla chips with leftover filling, cheese, and your favorite nacho toppings.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your cottage pie baked potatoes are just as delicious the second time around!

Table of Contents

  1. Storage & Leftovers
  2. List of Ingredients
  3. Images
  4. Recipe
  5. Related Recipes

Please follow and like us:
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