Instant Pot Picadillo
Picadillo is the dish I make the most in my home. It's the most requested by my kids and it's so easy to make. Great over rice, in tacos and more!
Picadillo is the dish I make the most in my home. It's the most requested by my kids and it's so easy to make. Great over rice, in tacos and more!
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp cilantro
- 1-2 bay leaf
- 1/2 large chopped onion
- 1 to mato (chopped)
- 2 tbsp alcaparrado (capers or green olives would work to
- 1-1/2â lb 93% lean ground beef
- 1/2 red bell pepper (finely chopped)
- 4 oz 1/2 can tomato sauce (i like goya)
- Carbohydrate 1.30368190624761 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.0922952604149081 g
- Fiber 0.246531672472741 g
- Protein 0.197639583333051 g
- Saturated Fat 0.012012045832077 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (34g)
- Sodium 202.621316666666 mg
- Sugar 1.05715023377487 g
- Trans Fat 0.015781183333004 g
- Calories 6 calories
Step-by-step
- Press saute button, when hot brown meat and season with salt and pepper.
- Use a wooden spoon to break the meat up into small pieces until no longer pink.
- Add onion, garlic, tomato, salt, pepper and cilantro and stir 1 minute.
- Add alcaparrado or olives and about 2 tbsp of the brine (the juice from the olives, this adds great flavor), cumin, and bay leaf.
- Add tomato sauce and 3 tablespoons of water and mix well.
- Cover and cook high pressure 15 minutes.
- Natural or quick release and enjoy!
My Go-To Weeknight Meal: Instant Pot Picadillo
As a busy mom of three, finding quick and easy meals that the whole family loves is a constant challenge. Let me tell you, there’s nothing worse than spending an hour in the kitchen only to have half the food go uneaten. That's why I've become completely obsessed with my Instant Pot. It's a lifesaver, and this Instant Pot Picadillo recipe is a perfect example of why. This dish is a staple in our home; it's flavorful, versatile, and comes together in a fraction of the time it would take to make on the stovetop.
Picadillo, for those unfamiliar, is a delicious Cuban-style ground beef stew. It's packed with flavor from onions, garlic, tomatoes, and spices. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. I can whip it up on a busy weeknight, knowing that I'll have a satisfying and nutritious meal ready in under 30 minutes. The kids absolutely devour it! We often serve it over rice, but it’s equally delicious stuffed into tacos, burritos, or even nestled inside baked potatoes. The leftovers are just as good, if not better, the next day – perfect for a quick lunch.
What sets my Instant Pot Picadillo apart? It's all about those little extra touches. I always add a splash of the brine from the olives or capers – it adds an incredible depth of flavor that elevates the dish beyond the ordinary. Using good quality ground beef is also crucial for a richer taste. And don't skimp on the cilantro! It’s that fresh, vibrant touch that makes this Picadillo truly sing. I've experimented with different variations over time, adding bell peppers for extra sweetness or adjusting the spices to suit my mood, but the basic recipe remains a consistent winner in our house.
Beyond its convenience and deliciousness, this recipe is also a great way to get creative in the kitchen. Want to add some heat? Toss in a jalapeño! Feeling adventurous? Try swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. The possibilities are endless! This isn't just a recipe; it's a starting point for culinary exploration. It's a testament to how even the simplest meals can bring joy and satisfaction, especially when shared with the people you love most.
The Instant Pot makes this recipe incredibly forgiving. Don't worry about precise measurements. Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand. The beauty of home cooking is the freedom to experiment and make it your own. This Picadillo is a reflection of that – a simple, flavorful, and adaptable dish that has become a cornerstone of our family meals, bringing us together around the table night after night.
Beyond the Recipe: This isn’t just about the food; it’s about the memories created. The aroma of the spices filling my kitchen, the sounds of happy chatter as the family gathers around the table, the feeling of satisfaction in providing a delicious and nutritious meal – these are the things that make cooking so rewarding. The Instant Pot Picadillo isn’t just a meal; it’s a symbol of home, family, and the simple joy of good food.
