Brazilian Picadillo Recipe

This easy, meaty Brazilian picadillo recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners. Made with simple spices and the delicious tang from green olives, this recipe makes for an easy-to-make, no-fuss meal. Serve it over Brazilian rice or noodles for a terrific and economical meal your familia will love!

📝 Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 large onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 1/2 small red or yellow bell pepper, diced (about 1/2 cup)
• 1 tablespoon Brazilian sofrito (or 3 cloves of garlic, minced)
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup of green olives, halved (about a whole 6oz jar)
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 14oz can of diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/2 cup water or stock
• 1/4 cup parsley, minced
• salt and pepper to taste

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Place a large heavy bottomed pan or dutch oven over medium to high heat. Add the olive oil, and when the oil is hot, add in the onions and the bell pepper. Saute until they are soft - about 2-3 minutes.
2. 2Add the garlic, and sauté until fragrant – about 1-2 minutes.
3. 3Reduce the heat to medium-low, and add in the ground beef. Cook the meat through, stirring occasionally - about 5 minutes.
4. 4Once the meat is cooked through, increase the heat back to medium high, then, season with salt and pepper, and add in the cumin, the oregano, the paprika and stir.
5. 5Next, add in the olives, and the vinegar, and stir to combine.
6. 6Add in the tomato paste, the water/stock, and the bay leaf, and stir to combine.
7. 7Add in the diced tomatoes, stir, cover and let it simmer on medium heat for about 10 minutes.
8. 8Remove the lid from the pan, and let it simmer uncovered another 5-10 minutes.
9. 9Finish with the parsley and serve!