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Cuban-Style Picadillo

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 17 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This Cuban-style picadillo is a deeply aromatic and savoury beef hash that perfectly balances sweet and salty notes. A staple of Caribbean home cooking, the dish combines lean minced beef with juicy raisins, pimiento-stuffed olives and a hint of warming spices. The acidity from the tomatoes and red wine vinegar cuts through the richness of the meat, creating a complex flavour profile that feels indulgent yet remains light and wholesome.

As a diabetes-friendly option, this recipe focuses on high protein and rich seasonings to provide satisfaction without the need for added sugars. It is an excellent choice for a quick midweek dinner, offering a nutritious meal that the whole family will enjoy. Serve it alongside cauliflower rice or a crisp green salad for a balanced, low-carbohydrate feast that brings a taste of Havana to your kitchen.

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Ingredients for Cuban-Style Picadillo

  • 60ml olive oil

  • 1 large white onion, chopped

  • 8 garlic cloves, minced

  • 6 Turkish bay leaves

  • 900g beef mince (15 to 20 percent fat)

  • 1 14 1/60g can diced tomatoes in juice

  • 180ml raisins

  • 110g sliced drained pimiento-stuffed green olives (from 140g jar)

  • 60ml tomato paste

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon chilli powder

  • 1/4 teaspoons cayenne pepper

How to make Cuban-Style Picadillo

Heat oil in large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, and bay leaves; sauté until onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Add beef; sauté until cooked, breaking up with back of fork, about 7 minutes. Add all remaining ingredients. Simmer until picadillo thickens, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Discard bay leaves. Serve picadillo warm.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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