25-Minute One Pan Picadillo (so flavorful!)
Are you short on time but still craving a delicious and flavorful meal? With a blend of ground beef, ground turkey, and a perfect combination of spices, this 25 Minute One Pan Picadillo is both easy to make and packed with flavor!
This Picadillo recipe starts out pretty similar to my Ground Taco Meat with Homemade Seasoning and my 30-Minute Fettuccine Turkey Bolognese but with just a couple of simple additions, it turns into something totally new and special.
The dish is then seasoned with a blend of spices, including chili powder, cumin, and paprika, which gives it a smoky, slightly spicy flavor. Finally, we add cherry tomatoes and green olives for a burst of freshness and acidity.
One of the best things about Picadillo is how easy it is to make. With just one pan and a handful of ingredients, you can have a flavorful and satisfying meal on the table in just 25 minutes.
It’s a great option for those who want to make something delicious without needing to be an experienced home cook. Whether you serve it over coconut rice, quinoa, lettuce cups, or on its own, this picadillo recipe is sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- It’s a one-pan wonder! With just one pan, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time and with minimal clean-up.
- From the smoky spices to the fresh burst of cherry tomatoes and green olives, every bite is packed with flavor.
- It’s versatile and customizable. Whether you’re serving it over rice, quinoa, or in lettuce cups, you can customize this recipe to your liking, making it perfect for picky eaters or those with dietary restrictions.
Ingredients you’ll need
- Olive Oil – Used to cook ground beef and turkey, ensuring that they cook evenly and don’t stick to the pan.
- Ground Beef and Ground Turkey – These are the star of the dish, providing a hearty and filling base for the other ingredients.
- Seasonings – The blend of spices adds a depth of flavor to the dish, with the salt and pepper providing a base, while the garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, and paprika add a smoky, slightly spicy flavor.
- Tomato Paste – Provides a concentrated tomato flavor that helps to thicken the sauce and bring all the flavors together.
- Marinara Sauce – Adds a touch of sweetness and acidity to the dish while also providing a tomato base for the sauce.
- Cherry Tomatoes – Add a burst of freshness and acidity to the dish while also providing a pop of color.
- Green Olives – Gives a salty and briny flavor to the dish, which pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
- Chili Flakes – Adds a bit of heat to the dish, which can be adjusted to your liking, making it the perfect option for those who love a bit of spice.
How to make Picadillo in 25 minutes
It’s actually super easy and comes together in less than 30 minutes all in one pan. (My favorite type of pan to use is stainless steel – here’s why, plus more tips on the best cookware for your kitchen!).
Cook the ground meat: Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then, add the ground beef, ground turkey, salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat and cook through – about 7-9 minutes.
Add remaining ingredients: To the cooked meat, add the tomato paste, marinara sauce, cherry tomatoes, olives, and chili flakes. Stir to combine and let simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve and enjoy: Serve over rice, quinoa, in lettuce cups, or on its own. Enjoy!
Watch how to make it
Recipe Tips
- Use a large pan to cook the meat and other ingredients to ensure everything cooks evenly and browns properly.
- To make this dish even lighter, swap out the ground beef and turkey for ground chicken or turkey. You could also use a vegetarian or vegan meat substitute for a plant-based option.
- Prep the cherry tomatoes and green olives while the meat is cooking to save time. Simply halve the cherry tomatoes and olives and set them aside until you’re ready to add them to the pan.
- If you’re serving this dish over rice or quinoa, be sure to start cooking it before you begin making the picadillo so that everything is ready at the same time. Alternatively, you could use a pre-cooked rice or quinoa packet to save even more time.
What’s the best salt to use for cooking?
The Home Cook’s Guide to Salt
Learn about the basics of salt, plus the best salt for cooking (hint: it’s Kosher salt!) with this easy-to-understand guide to salt for home cooks.
Ways to serve Picadillo
- Over Rice – This is the classic way to serve picadillo, with the flavorful meat and sauce poured over a bed of fluffy white rice.
- In Tacos – Fill taco shells with the picadillo and top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner.
- In Lettuce Wraps – Use lettuce leaves instead of taco shells to create a light and refreshing meal.
- In Burritos – Roll up the picadillo with some refried beans, cheese, and avocado for a filling and satisfying meal.
- With Tortilla Chips – Serve the picadillo as a dip with some tortilla chips for an easy and delicious snack.
- In Stuffed Peppers – Fill bell peppers with the picadillo and bake until tender for a flavorful and easy dinner.
- Over Pasta – For a fusion twist, serve the picadillo over your favorite pasta for a hearty and flavorful meal.
Storing and Freezing
Storing: To store the leftover picadillo, allow it to cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: Transfer leftover picadillo to a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing the container or bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: When ready to use the frozen picadillo, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it in a pan over medium heat until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave or in the oven, but be sure to stir it occasionally to ensure even heating.
Print25-Minute One Pan Picadillo (so flavorful!)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stove Top
Description
Are you short on time but still craving a delicious and flavorful meal? With a blend of ground beef, ground turkey, and a perfect combination of spices, this 25 Minute One Pan Picadillo is both easy to make and packed with flavor!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground turkey (can use any ground meat you like)
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ¾ cup marinara sauce (your favorite kind)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 can green olives, halved
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
Instructions
- Heat a large pan over medium/high heat. Add the olive oil, ground beef, ground turkey, salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin and paprika. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat and cook through – about 7-9 minutes.
- Add the tomato paste, marinara sauce, cherry tomatoes, olives and chili flakes. Stir to combine and let simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve over rice, quinoa, in lettuce cups or on it’s own!
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Delicious and comforting! My entire family loved this — and that’s saying something as a mom of 4 somewhat picky kids. Easy, hearty… make it!!
Oh what a compliment!!! Thank you Rachel!
Delish!!! And so easy and fast to make… got me out of my “taco night” rut ☺️
That’s the best when you finally break through!
This was okay. I added a handful of raisins as many Cubans do and because I like raisins. I only had a pound of ground beef and no cherry tomatoes, so I opened a can of whole tomatoes and a small can of tomato sauce to make up for the missing cherry tomatoes. The finished product needed something tho, so I added a TB of lemon juice and a TB of brown sugar, which seemed to help round out things. I served it over brown rice.
Hopefully you’ll try it again with the correct ingredients and maybe you’ll enjoy it more 🙂
Just made this recipe tonight! Put it over coconut rice. It was a HUGE hit!! Everyone in my family, including my two kids (6 and 7) gobbled it up, even my super picky son! He said numerous times how yummy it was! Super easy and quick to make and most ingredients were already in my house. I have made this before but now it’s going to be part of our dinner rotation…and leftovers for lunch! Thank you!! ☺️
Love that so much! Thanks Estee for leaving this review!
I love this recipe for many reasons.
It comes together easily , it’s so versatile also ! It is a great meal prep , it’s dare I say, even better as leftovers !
I love these leftovers too!
I would love to add raisins to this. How many? What variety please?
I think you could add whatever variety you like and as much as you like as well! Maybe about 1/2 cup?
I’ve made this recipe several times as-is but recently changed a couple of things last-minute due to limited ingredients on hand. I used one pound of ground turkey and one half of Trader Joe’s ready-made lentils (from the refrigerator section). As I was cooking along, I realized I didn’t have enough marinara, so I added in a can of diced fire-roasted tomatoes. YUM! Also, TJ’s recently discontinued their green olives, so I used the organic 365 brand from Whole Foods – they taste exactly the same! I ate it all week for lunches and either served it over Laney’s coconut rice or a bed of greens. SO GOOD!
Ooooo I love the lentil idea!! How cool!
This is my favorite Life is But a Dish recipe. It pairs great with the coconut rice.
Thank you Julie!
This is always a winner when you don’t know what to make for dinner. This recipe is so versatile and as an olive lover, I could not be happier to enjoy that briney goodness!
Yes! A great go-to!
How many oz is your jar of green olives you use?
I think 15 oz?
I just made this recipe mostly to pack for lunch at the office this week. I am not a fan of raisins but when I saw that it’s traditionally made with them I decided to add some sweetness by mixing in a couple spoonfuls of brown sugar at the end while it was simmering. I used to never go rogue with recipes until I started following you a few years ago. You’ve inspired me to trust myself in the kitchen! This recipe is delicious & so easy to prepare! Thank you 🙂
Oooooh I love that so much Linda!!
This recipe was super easy and my whole family ate it no questions asked, despite the fact that the kids have never eaten olives before in their life! I will definitely add this into the rotation.
Well isn’t that the best compliment!!
This recipe is as delicious as it is easy. I made with ground turkey and ground chicken because we don’t eat beef. We served it over ready-made rice, keeping the easy-factor high. My family loved it. I will definitely make this recipe again and again.
SO happy the whole family loved it! Thanks for leaving a review
I keep portions of this Picadillo in my freezer at all times! I’m obsessed with it!
Makes me so happy!
Delicious! Definitely a hit- I used a little less beef, more tomato sauce and served with a dollop of Greek yogurt and crusty bread. Would also be yummy on nachos, I bet.
Oh delicious!! Yes, would be great on nachos!
A dinner favorite that the kids request weekly. Depending on timing, I make it in the IP or slow cooker. I serve it over rice and shredded cabbage for added texture. The heat of the picadillo slightly wilts the cabbage and it’s so good!
Omg, I have cabbage in my fridge I gotta try that!
Love this recipe! I was skeptical but my whole family loves it. We always serve it with your coconut rice. Yummy!
I love when it’s a hit with the whole fam!
FINALLY made this for the 1st time last evening – SO YUMMY! We ate it over Coconut Rice & was so delicious.
So yummy!! Thank you for leaving a review!
I love this recipe and think it goes beautifully with your coconut rice recipe!! Absolutely delicious and super quick and easy for busy weeknights!! Thanks, Laney for all your wonderful recipes!
Thank you Lauren! SO happy you love it as much as I do!
Good recipe but it’s missing one crucial element. The unique contrast between olives and raisins is what gives picadillo its special taste.
You can totally add raisins! I’m not a raisin fan so I choose not to but I can see how the sweet and salty would be lovely!
Love this easy recipe! The whole family enjoyed! We even made tacos from it.
Love that you turned it into tacos!
Love this recipe! I’ve made it as-is and with some substitutions with different things I’ve had on hand and it always comes out great!!
It’s one of my favorite as well. I’m so happy you love it! Thanks for the great review!
Love this! I’ve been wanting to try this dish but the teaditional recipie was really intimidating me! This is so yummy and so much easier!
I did use spanish olives not the Trader Joes ones. Those tasted like regular olives to me which wouldnt give the briney kick the Spanish olives do
So tasty and easy to pull together! Thank you for a stupidly delicious recipe!
Just made it for the first time.
Yummy ! Definitely Will make it again. I served it over spaghetti squash with avocado on top and my husband had it with coconut rice and a salad. Adding this to the dinner rotation. 😊
Do I need to drain the ground beef?
If there’s a ton of fat you can, I never need to
I love this recipe. I agree about leftovers the more it sits the better it gets
I love this recipe so much and will keep this in rotation! Thanks Laney!
Love this! I’ve made it twice and it’s always great, especially on top of Laney’s coconut rice!
That’s my favorite way to eat it as well!
A favorite that I make at least every two weeks! Quick to throw together, too. Thanks Laney!
So yummy!
Laney this was so delish! I love when I can find a recipe that I have all the items for already. What I love about your recipes is that they are easy to follow, to the point and even my husband can do it! Lol! I also want to bathe in it, so i don’t think that’s gross at all! I served with rice and lettuce cups on the side. Even my toddler at it all up!
Thank you so much! I’m so glad you all enjoyed it!
This was so good!! I am not a big olive lover but I bought the Lindsay brand listed in a previous comment and they were really mild and tasty. Can’t wait to take the leftovers to work for lunch. Thank you for sharing this recipe!!!!
do you think I could freeze and re-heat?
Absolutely!
For anyone that doesn’t have access to Trader Joe’s, the Lindsay brand ripe green olives (in a red can) are exactly the same and I find them at both Kroger and Publix!
Good to know!