Kid-Friendly

Delicious Cuban Picadillo Tacos

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Delicious Cuban Picadillo Tacos
Colorful Cuban picadillo served in soft tortillas, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

Cuban cuisine is full of vibrant flavors and rich history. One dish that captures this spirit beautifully is picadillo—a beloved Cuban meat mixture typically served with rice or as a filling for empanadas. In this recipe, we take a fun twist by serving it in soft tacos, making it perfect for kids who love to build their own meals.

“Cuban cuisine is the heart of our culture, bringing people together around the table.”

Highlights

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Calories: 450kcal

Ingredients

For Picadillo:
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes (undrained)
  • 3 ounces pimento-stuffed olives, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons capers
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Tacos:
  • 8 soft corn tortillas
  • Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and brown the ground beef or turkey until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.

  2. Sauté Vegetables: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked meat. Sauté for about 5 minutes until onions are translucent. Stir in diced green and red bell peppers and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes.

  3. Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (with juice), sliced olives, capers, and ground cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.

  4. Warm Tortillas: While the picadillo simmers, warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium-low heat or microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel for 30 seconds.

  5. Assemble Tacos: Spoon a generous amount of picadillo onto each warmed tortilla. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for this recipe, keep in mind that it may vary based on ingredients selected or substituted:

  • Serving: 2 tacos
  • Calories: 450kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Fat: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 6g

Enjoy these Cuban picadillo tacos as a delightful meal that’s both easy to prepare and full of authentic flavors. They’re perfect for family dinners, allowing everyone to customize their own tacos with fresh garnishes. Pair it with a refreshing fruit salad or rice and beans for a complete Cuban feast!

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