If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful dish that brings a beautiful blend of savory and subtly sweet notes, look no further than this Filipino Picadillo Recipe. This classic Filipino home-cooked meal is a hearty ground beef stew packed with tender vegetables, plump raisins, and a rich tomato-based sauce that will warm your soul and please your palate. Each bite delivers a perfect harmony of familiar and unique flavors that make it a true family favorite and a must-try for anyone exploring Filipino cuisine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Filipino Picadillo Recipe is delightfully simple because the ingredients are both straightforward and essential for capturing that authentic taste, texture, and vibrant color. Each component plays a key role—from the savory ground beef to the sweet raisins and the bright pops of peas that make every spoonful exciting.
- 1 lb ground beef: The star protein delivers rich, meaty flavor and hearty texture.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Ideal for sautéing and bringing everything together without overpowering flavors.
- 1 onion, finely chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth that forms the flavor base.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a fragrant warmth that enhances every ingredient.
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced: Contributes comforting softness and mild starchy goodness.
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced: Infuses a little natural sweetness and vibrant orange color.
- 1/2 cup peas (frozen or fresh): Brings in a fresh burst of color and a slight crispness.
- 1/4 cup raisins: Offers a sweet surprise that complements the savory elements beautifully.
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce: The rich, tangy base that ties the dish together.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds umami depth and a hint of saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Enhances the savory complexity with its unique flavor.
- 1/2 cup water or beef broth: Keeps the mixture moist and helps meld the flavors.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds warmth and subtle smoky undertones.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish): Provides a fresh, crisp finish that brightens the dish.
How to Make Filipino Picadillo Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking them gently until they become soft and fragrant, which usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is crucial because these aromatics form the flavorful backbone of your picadillo.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the pan and cook it thoroughly, making sure to break it into smaller pieces as it browns. This step ensures a nice, even cook and lets the meat absorb the flavors from the sautéed onions and garlic, elevating the overall taste of your dish.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Once your beef is beautifully browned, stir in the diced potatoes and carrots. Cook them together for about 5 minutes to begin softening the vegetables while mixing their flavors with the meat. This combination adds satisfying texture and balances the richness of the beef.
Step 4: Add Flavorful Ingredients and Simmer
Next, fold in the peas, raisins, tomato sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and your choice of water or beef broth. Stir everything well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This is where all the individual ingredients meld into that classic Filipino Picadillo magic.
Step 5: Let it Cook Slowly
Cover the pan and let it cook over low to medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes. This slow cooking allows the potatoes and carrots to become tender while intensifying the flavors. Be sure to stir occasionally and add a bit more water or broth if the sauce looks too thick or starts to stick to the bottom.
Step 6: Season to Perfection
Finally, season the dish with salt, pepper, and paprika according to your taste preferences. Adjusting these seasonings last ensures that the vibrant flavors each ingredient brings shine through beautifully.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped green onions over your hot picadillo just before serving. Their fresh crunch and bright flavor provide the perfect finishing touch to this rich, comforting dish.
How to Serve Filipino Picadillo Recipe
Garnishes
Adding chopped green onions as a garnish not only enhances the visual appeal but also introduces a lively bite that contrasts perfectly with the savory, tender picadillo. You can also offer a wedge of calamansi or lemon to brighten the flavors if you like a little tang.
Side Dishes
Filipino Picadillo is traditionally paired with steamed white rice, which is ideal for soaking up the flavorful sauce. For a more filling meal, consider serving it alongside garlic fried rice or even a simple egg fried rice. For extra veggies, a crisp cucumber salad or sautéed greens adds refreshing balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the picadillo inside warm tacos or lettuce cups for an easy-to-eat, hand-held meal. Another delicious idea is to spoon the picadillo over baked sweet potatoes or roasted plantains for a comforting fusion. This versatility makes the Filipino Picadillo Recipe a wonderful canvas for your culinary creativity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two, making the picadillo even more delicious. It should be good for up to three days, so plan your meals accordingly.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. When wrapped well, it can last in the freezer for up to three months, helping you save time on busy days without compromising flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen picadillo overnight in the refrigerator if possible. Warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If reheating from refrigerated leftovers, just warm through on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use ground pork instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground pork works wonderfully and provides a slightly different depth of flavor while maintaining the dish’s hearty texture. Feel free to use whichever ground meat you prefer or have on hand.
Is Filipino Picadillo spicy?
Traditional Filipino Picadillo is not spicy, as it leans more on savory and sweet flavors. If you like a bit of heat, you can always add chili flakes or fresh chopped chili peppers to kick things up a notch.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and adjust seasonings accordingly for a delicious meat-free version.
What’s the role of raisins in this dish?
Raisins lend a subtle sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory, salty notes in the sauce, creating a complex and balanced flavor profile that is signature to the Filipino Picadillo Recipe.
Can I prepare this dish in advance for a party?
Definitely! This dish develops more flavor after sitting for a while, so making it a day ahead is a great idea. Just reheat before serving, and it will be just as tasty, if not better.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Filipino Picadillo Recipe inspires you to bring a taste of the Philippines into your kitchen. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—rich, comforting, and simple to make. Whether it’s for a family dinner or impressing friends with something new, this picadillo will surely become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. Give it a try and enjoy every flavorful bite!
Print
Filipino Picadillo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Filipino
Description
Filipino Picadillo is a savory and hearty ground beef stew packed with tender potatoes, carrots, peas, and sweet raisins in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. This classic Filipino dish is a comforting, well-balanced meal that combines salty, sweet, and umami flavors, perfect served over steamed rice.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1/2 cup water or beef broth
Additional Ingredients
- 1/4 cup raisins
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat and Sauté Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan and cook it until browned thoroughly, breaking it into small pieces using a spatula to ensure even cooking.
- Add Root Vegetables: Stir in the diced potatoes and carrots, mixing well with the beef. Cook together for 5 minutes to allow the vegetables to start softening.
- Add Remaining Ingredients and Simmer: Pour in the peas, raisins, tomato sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and water or beef broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook Covered Until Tender: Cover the pan and let the picadillo cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender and the flavors meld. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, adding more liquid if necessary.
- Season: Adjust the seasoning by adding salt, pepper, and paprika to taste, ensuring a balanced flavor.
- Serve: Garnish the finished dish with chopped green onions and serve hot, ideally alongside steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground pork or a mix of both for a different flavor.
- Adjust the amount of soy and oyster sauce depending on desired saltiness and umami intensity.
- Adding raisins provides a subtle sweetness typical in Filipino-style picadillo.
- To make it spicier, add sliced chili peppers while sautéing the onions.
- Use fresh or frozen peas based on availability; if frozen, add directly without thawing.
- Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days refrigerated and reheat nicely.
