School is back in session, and so are busy weeknights. If your schedule is anything like mine, you are always on the watch for great, healthy meals to feed your family when time is scarce. This Filipino picadillo combines ground beef potatoes, vegetables, and the perfect balance of sweet and salty for a hearty, cozy dinner. I
This Filipino dish is commonly known as my lola says " giniling " and is a perfect dinner as it is fast, easy, nutritious, and easy to make ahead. It's the ultimate comfort food dinner. You can make a big batch and freeze it for later. Refrigerated leftovers also taste just as great the next day. You would traditionally serve this dish over rice, but you could repurpose the leftovers atop pasta or on a bun.
Why You'll Love This Filipino Giniling
- 30-Minute Meal - This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
- One Pan Wonder - The dishes can wait! You only need one skillet to prepare this Filipino picadillo.
Ingredients for Filipino Picadillo
- Olive Oil - You will need 1 tbsp olive oil, or frying oil of your choice to keep your picadillo from sticking.
- Onion - Onion sets a delicious savory foundation for this picadillo. You want to small dice one whole onion.
- Garlic - Garlic paste works best to season this dish. You will need 1 tsp. Minced garlic may not bring quite as strong a flavor. If you are substituting minced garlic, be sure to use at least 1 clove.
- Ground Beef - You will need 1 pound of ground beef. The ground meat is the star of this dish, however, if you need to substitute it, ground pork or a meatless substitute can also work.
- Tomatoes - Full of potassium, fiber, and vitamin K, tomatoes are both tasty and healthy. You will need 1 cup of canned crushed tomatoes.
- Raisins - Raisins are one of the quintessential elements of any Filipino picadillo. They add a subtle touch of sweetness. You need ½ cup golden raisins.
- Potatoes - Potatoes round out this meal by providing textural variety, and keeping bellies full. Small dice 2 medium-sized potatoes.
- Carrots - Carrots contain vitamins B6, C and E. Something about cooked carrots feels so cozy to me. Small dice ¾ cup.
- Beef Broth - You will need 1 cup beef broth as the liquid for your Filipino picadillo.
- Fish Sauce - Fish sauce is a simple, yet complete way to season this dish. You will need 1 tbsp.
- Frozen Peas - Peas are great for digestion and blood sugar levels! You will need ¾ cup frozen peas.
- Green Olives - Olives are another part of what makes Filipino picadillo. You should opt for pitted green olives. Roughly chop ¼ cup.
- Salt - You will need 1 tsp of table salt to season this dish.
- Pepper - Prepare about ½ tsp ground black pepper.
- Optional Garnishes - You may wish to garnish your finished product with additional olives or fresh herbs. Filipino picadillo goes best over rice, so you may wish to have some rice cooking while you're making it.
Substitutions
- For other meat alternatives, I'd use ground turkey or ground chicken, but to me beef is the best tasting
- Fish sauce is usually gluten-free. However, if you are serving someone with a gluten intolerance, you may want to double-check the packaging for allergen warnings.
How to Make Filipino Picadillo
- Over medium-high heat, heat oil sauté the onion and garlic paste or minced garlic works too, until fragrant and translucent.
- Add tomato sauce and beef to the pan. Cook for around 5-8 minutes, or until ground beef browns.
- To the pan, stir in the carrots, potatoes and raisins. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and add salt, pepper, green peas, fish sauce and broth. Simmer with the lid on for an additional 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and serve over rice.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by heating 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add your onion and garlic paste. Saute until the garlic is fragrant and the onions are translucent.
Add your crushed tomatoes and beef to the pan. Cook for 5-8 minutes. You want the ground beef to get a good brown on it, so avoid stirring too much. Once you brown the beef, you’re ready to move on!
Add your carrots, potatoes and raisins to the pan and stir. Cook for 3-5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Next, lower your heat to medium-low. Add your salt, pepper, frozen peas, fish sauce and beef broth. Cover the pan with a lid and simmer your picadillo for 10 minutes.
Your Filipino picadillo is complete! Serve it atop rice. Garnish with additional olives and fresh herbs as desired, and enjoy.
Cook's Tips
• When you add your liquids to the pan, scrape the bottom and stir to really bring out the flavors in the beef.
• This dish cooks pretty quickly. If you are cooking rice, I recommend starting that first so that it can finish in the background while you focus on your picadillo.
Storage Instructions
- Filipino picadillo will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- You can freeze your picadillo for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve your Filipino picadillo with steamed rice, it's such a yummy traditional way to eat filipino food.
- Fried plantains make a great side with this dish.
FAQ:
Mexican and Filipino picadillos are pretty similar! The main difference comes in the seasoning. Mexican picadillo contains chili powder and other traditional Mexican spices, while Filipino picadillo leans into classic flavors like fish sauce.
What goes well with picadillo?
Most Filipino picadillos come atop a bed of rice. I mean that's my ultimate number one choice. If you are looking to switch it up, you could try it atop buttered egg noodles. Picadillo is also great with a fried egg on top. You may also wish to garnish it with fresh scallions or cilantro. Try it with a side of fried plantains, corn, salad, tortillas or bread.
Filipino picadillo makes a wonderful freezer meal. It holds up great in the freezer and thaws easily. Simply fill a freezer bag and lay it flat to freeze.
Looking for more delicious dinners? Try these recipes here. And if you do try it please give it a recipe rating.
Instant Pot Beef Stew Filipino Inspired
Filipino Picadillo
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Onion small diced
- 1 tsp Garlic Paste
- 1 lb. Ground Beef
- 1 cup Crushed Tomatoes
- ½ cup Golden Raisins
- 2 Medium Potatoes small diced
- ¾ cup Carrots small diced
- 1 cup Beef Broth
- 1 tbsp Fish Sauce
- ¾ cup Frozen Peas
- ¼ cup Green Olives pitted and rough chopped
- 1 tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Pepper
- Optional Garnish- Extra Olives Fresh Herbs
Instructions
- Over medium-high heat, sauté the onion and garlic paste until fragrant and translucent.
- Add tomato sauce and beef to the pan. Cook for around 5-8 minutes, or until ground beef has browned.
- To the pan stir in the carrots, potatoes and raisins. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and add salt, pepper, peas, fish sauce and broth. Simmer with lid for an additional 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and serve over rice.
Leave a Reply