Step 1: Cook the Beef
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
Step 3: Build the Flavor
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, ground cinnamon, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes start to break down.
- Mix in Tomato Paste: Add the tomato paste and stir to combine with the beef and vegetables.
Step 4: Simmer
- Add Liquids and Potatoes: Pour in the beef broth and add the diced potatoes. Stir to combine.
- Simmer the Mixture: Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
- Add Olives, Raisins, and Capers: Stir in the sliced olives, raisins, and capers. Continue to cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Season to Taste: Adjust the seasoning with salt and additional black pepper if needed.
Step 6: Serve
- Garnish: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve hot with rice, beans, or your favorite side dishes.
Serving Suggestions
- With Rice: Serve Picadillo Con Papa over a bed of fluffy white rice for a traditional and filling meal.
- With Beans: Complement the dish with a side of black beans or kidney beans for added protein and flavor.
- With Plantains: Sweet fried plantains (tostones or maduros) make a delicious and complementary side dish.
Tips and Tricks
- Choosing Potatoes: Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for best results, as they hold their shape well during cooking.
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter picadillo, you can adjust the amount of raisins or add a touch of sugar to taste.
- Make Ahead: Picadillo Con Papa can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day.
Conclusion
Picadillo Con Papa is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines ground beef, potatoes, and a medley of savory and sweet ingredients. This detailed recipe guides you through each step to ensure a delicious result, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the rich flavors and satisfying texture of this classic dish, and share it with family and friends for a truly memorable meal. ¡Buen provecho!