Picture this: a cozy family dinner on a weeknight, and you’re looking for something hearty yet simple to make. That’s when I first whipped up my Cuban-style turkey picadillo recipe. It was a hit! The warm, savory flavors paired with just the right amount of spice had my family asking for seconds. If you’re searching for a dish that’s both comforting and easy to prepare, this ground turkey picadillo with potatoes is a must-try.

picadillo recipe cuban ground turkey
picadillo recipe cuban ground turkey

What Makes My Picadillo Recipe Unique?

Picadillo is a traditional dish in Cuban cuisine, known for its vibrant flavors and versatility. While the classic recipe often calls for ground beef, I’ve swapped it for lean ground turkey to create a lighter yet equally delicious version. My take on Cuban-style picadillo features rich, tangy tomato sauce, briny green olives, and a touch of sweetness from raisins. Adding a pinch of cinnamon gives it a subtle warmth that makes this dish stand out from other Cuban recipes.

Ingredients List For Picadillo Recipe Cuban Ground Turkey

  • 1 pound ground turkey (ensure it’s 100% halal)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup green olives, sliced
  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth or water (adjust for desired consistency)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Substitutions and Variations

  • Swap ground turkey with ground beef for a traditional Cuban beef picadillo.
  • Substitute the raisins with chopped dried apricots for a unique twist.
  • Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for added sweetness.
  • For a low-carb option, skip the potatoes and serve with cauliflower rice.
  • Add a touch of heat with diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Picadillo Recipe Cuban Ground Turkey Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and bell pepper, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey

Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, cumin, cinnamon, and smoked paprika.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Stir in the tomato paste, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth, mixing everything thoroughly. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 4: Add the Potatoes and Raisins

Toss in the diced potatoes and raisins, stirring to combine. Cover the skillet and let the picadillo simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and adjust the liquid if needed.

Step 5: Incorporate the Olives

Stir in the sliced green olives and cook for another 5 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top. Your Cuban turkey picadillo is ready to enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing Picadillo

  • Overcooking the turkey: Lean turkey can dry out quickly, so keep an eye on it while browning.
  • Skipping the simmering time: Letting the dish simmer is key to melding the flavors.
  • Overloading with liquid: Add broth or water sparingly to maintain a thick consistency.

Picadillo Serving and Presentation Tips

Serve your picadillo in a shallow, wide dish to highlight the vibrant colors of the olives, raisins, and peppers. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of green. Pair it with sides like fluffy white rice or crispy plantains for a true Cuban-style presentation.

How to Serve Picadillo

Picadillo is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with many accompaniments. For a complete Cuban meal, serve it with black beans and rice. You can also use it as a filling for tacos, empanadas, or stuffed peppers.

Extra Recipe Tips For Picadillo

  • Prep ahead: Chop the vegetables and measure out spices in advance to streamline cooking.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: This dish freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe bags and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! To make this picadillo recipe Cuban ground turkey slow cooker version, brown the turkey and sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

What if I don’t have raisins?
Raisins add sweetness, but you can substitute them with dried cranberries or leave them out altogether.

Can I use canned potatoes?
Fresh potatoes are best, but canned potatoes can be used for convenience. Just add them later in the cooking process to avoid overcooking.

Final Thoughts

This Cuban turkey picadillo recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that brings a taste of the Caribbean to your dinner table. It’s an easy, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Give it a try and watch your loved ones savor every bite. Trust me—this might just become one of your favorite Cuban dishes!

Picadillo Recipe: The Ultimate Cuban Ground Turkey Dish

Recipe by Ava Harper
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

35

minutes
Calories

320

kcal

A hearty and flavorful Cuban ground turkey picadillo recipe made with potatoes, raisins, green olives, and aromatic spices. This easy dish is perfect for family dinners and offers a lighter twist on traditional Cuban recipes.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground turkey

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped

  • 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup tomato sauce

  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1/2 cup green olives, sliced

  • 1/4 cup raisins

  • 1 medium potato, peeled and diced

  • 1/4 cup chicken broth or water

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Directions

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions and diced bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  • Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, cumin, cinnamon, and smoked paprika.
  • Stir in tomato paste and mix well. Add tomato sauce and chicken broth. Simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
  • Toss in diced potatoes and raisins. Cover the skillet and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender. Adjust liquid if needed.
  • Add sliced green olives and cook for 5 more minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  • Remove from heat, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot.

Notes

  • – You can substitute ground turkey with ground beef for a classic Cuban beef picadillo.
    – For a unique twist, use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes.
    – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

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