Cuban picadillo with green beans, prepared in the traditional Cuban style.

 

Picadillo with Green Beans: A Traditional Cuban Dish

Picadillo with green beans is a typical preparation that has been part of Cuban tables for generations. Its combination of meat, vegetables, and Creole seasoning makes it an essential dish to enjoy on any occasion.

🥩 Main Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ pounds of ground beef (premium quality)
  • 1 pound of fresh green beans, chopped and pre-cooked
  • 1 medium white onion
  • ½ red bell pepper
  • ½ green bell pepper
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 2 bay leaves
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
  • Black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup tomato sauce
  • ¾ cup dry wine
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt to taste

 

 

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Preparation:

Finely chop the onion and peppers. Mash the garlic in a mortar with a pinch of salt.

Heat two tablespoons of oil in a large skillet and sauté the onion with the peppers until softened. Add the garlic, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, and a pinch of salt, stirring for a few minutes to release the aromas.

Add the remaining oil and the ground beef. Cook over medium-high heat until the meat loses its red color, breaking it up well so it cooks evenly.

Stir in the tomato sauce and dry wine. Raise the heat slightly to allow the alcohol to evaporate, then lower the heat, letting the flavors blend slowly. Adjust the salt and add black pepper to taste.

Finally, add the pre-cooked green beans, mix well, and cover the skillet. Cook for a few more minutes until everything is perfectly combined. Turn off the heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

ℹ️ Additional Information:

  • Servings: 8
  • Total time: 45 minutes (including preparation and cooking) + 5 minutes resting time
  • Category: Meat
  • Cuisine: Cuban

💡 Tip:

This picadillo tastes even better when served with freshly cooked white rice, some malanga fritters, and a fresh salad. A combination that always delights!

Have you tried it yet? Share your version of this recipe in the comments and tell us what memories it brings you. We’d love to hear from you!

🏷️ Tags: picadillo with green beans, Cuban recipes, ground beef, Creole food, traditional Cuban cuisine, Cuban stews, flavors of Cuba

For the Spanish version, visit: Picadillo con Habichuelas: Una Delicia Cubana de Tradición y Sabor.