If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful dish that brings together the best of sweet, savory, and a little bit tangy, this One Pan Picadillo Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s a vibrant, comforting meal that combines tender ground beef with colorful bell peppers, bold fire-roasted tomatoes, and briny pimento-stuffed olives—all cooked effortlessly in a single skillet. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want to impress family and friends without fussing over multiple pots and pans. Let’s dive into making a truly unforgettable One Pan Picadillo Recipe that’s bursting with flavor and texture in every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this One Pan Picadillo Recipe so satisfying is the perfect balance of simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one adds its own unique kick—whether it’s the rich savoriness from the ground beef, the sweet crunch of bell peppers, or the vibrant tang of olives and tomatoes. Here’s what you’ll gather for an effortlessly delicious meal:
- 1 lb lean ground beef: Provides a hearty, protein-packed base that’s juicy and flavorful.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a tender bite once sautéed.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced: Brings a subtle sweetness and striking color to the dish.
- 1 green bell pepper, diced: Adds freshness and a mild crunch balancing the red pepper’s sweetness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic depth.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Delivers smoky, robust flavor and juicy texture.
- 1/2 cup pimento-stuffed olives, chopped: Offers a briny punch and a welcome surprise in every bite.
- 1 tsp ground cumin: Brings a warm, earthy undertone that ties all ingredients together.
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce: Adds umami richness while keeping the salt balanced.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all flavors without overpowering them.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing veggies and adding a silky finish.
How to Make One Pan Picadillo Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring occasionally. Let them cook gently until the onion becomes translucent and soft—this step builds a flavorful foundation that infuses the whole dish.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Use your spatula to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Continue sautéing until the beef is nicely browned all over and no longer pink. This browning adds richness and that satisfying meaty taste you’re after.
Step 3: Add the Bell Peppers
Now it’s time to stir in the diced red and green bell peppers. Toss them with the meat and cook for a few more minutes until the peppers soften just enough to keep a bit of their crunch and vibrant color—a delicious contrast in both texture and appearance.
Step 4: Mix in Tomatoes, Olives, and Seasonings
Pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes along with their juices—they bring smoky, juicy brightness that ties the dish together. Scatter in the chopped pimento-stuffed olives, ground cumin, low-sodium soy sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything thoroughly until the ingredients meld into a colorful, aromatic mixture.
Step 5: Simmer to Blend Flavors
Reduce the heat to low and let your picadillo simmer gently for about 10 minutes. Allowing the flavors to mingle slowly turns this into a harmonious, deeply satisfying dish. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks, and watch that magical mingling happen right before your eyes.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once your One Pan Picadillo Recipe has simmered to perfection, scoop it generously over fluffy white rice or pile it into warm tortillas. The vibrant mix of flavors and textures is guaranteed to delight every bite.
How to Serve One Pan Picadillo Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or a dollop of cool sour cream can elevate this dish beautifully. Adding a squeeze of lime brightens the flavors further and balances the richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like steamed white rice or warm corn tortillas work wonderfully here, soaking up all those delicious juices. For a veggie boost, serve alongside a crisp green salad or simple sautéed greens to add freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this dish into a fun taco night treat by placing the picadillo in small tortillas topped with avocado slices and shredded cheese. Or try stuffing roasted bell peppers with the picadillo mixture for a colorful, comforting presentation that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got some picadillo left over? Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier when reheated.
Freezing
This One Pan Picadillo Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. It will keep for up to 3 months, perfect for quick meals down the line.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the picadillo in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can add a splash of water or broth if it seems a bit dry. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve the texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will work just fine, though the flavor will be a bit lighter. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and adjust seasonings to your taste.
What can I substitute for the pimento-stuffed olives?
If you don’t have pimento-stuffed olives, green olives or even capers make a great substitute to offer that briny, salty kick.
Is this dish spicy?
This One Pan Picadillo Recipe is mild by default. To add heat, consider tossing in some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the peppers.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils. Adjust cooking times accordingly, and consider adding extra spices to enhance depth.
What is the best way to serve picadillo?
Picadillo is incredibly versatile—served over rice, inside tortillas as a taco filling, or even spooned onto crispy tostadas. Pick your favorite presentation and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
This One Pan Picadillo Recipe is truly a celebration of bold, comforting flavors made easy and accessible for any home cook. Whether you’re new to picadillo or a longtime fan, it’s a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it a beloved part of your weekly rotation. Trust me, you’ll be coming back for seconds!
Print
One Pan Picadillo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Latin American
Description
This One Pan Picadillo recipe features a savory blend of lean ground beef, fire-roasted tomatoes, colorful bell peppers, and pimento-stuffed olives simmered together in a single skillet. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal, it’s a classic Latin-inspired dish that can be served over rice or wrapped in tortillas for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup pimento-stuffed olives, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Heat oil and sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Brown the ground beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add the bell peppers: Stir in the diced red and green bell peppers. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften slightly but still maintain some texture.
- Combine tomatoes and seasonings: Pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes along with their juices. Add the chopped pimento-stuffed olives, ground cumin, low-sodium soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to combine all flavors.
- Simmer to meld flavors: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve: Serve the picadillo warm over cooked rice or wrapped inside tortillas. Garnish as desired with fresh herbs or additional toppings of your choice.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño along with the bell peppers.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of black beans or a fresh green salad.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for a few additional minutes.
