Beef Picadillo with Sweet Plantains
Slow-cooked ground beef simmered in a rich tomato-cumin sauce with caramelized plantains for a sweet- savory comfort dish. This cuban-inspired mexican ready in about 90 minutes pairs ground beef, tomato paste, cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2, sliced plantains
- 1/2 cup, chopped onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat; add 1/2 cup chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef and cook until browned, breaking into small pieces with a spoon, then stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and 1 tsp cumin.
- Step 3: Mix in 1/2 cup diced tomatoes, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; simmer for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Step 4: While sauce simmers, heat a separate skillet over medium-high; add 2 sliced plantains and cook 5 minutes per side until caramelized and golden.
- Step 5: Serve beef picadillo over caramelized plantains, spooning sauce over the top.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Beef Picadillo with Sweet Plantains take to make?
Total time is about 90 minutes (30 min prep + 60 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Beef Picadillo with Sweet Plantains?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Beef Picadillo with Sweet Plantains?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Beef Picadillo with Sweet Plantains for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Beef Picadillo with Sweet Plantains?
Cuban mexican like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Easy to follow and so flavorful! My husband, who usually doesn't like beef dishes, asked for seconds.
- ★★★★★
A delightful twist on traditional picadillo. The plantains added a wonderful sweetness that my whole family loved.
- ★★★★★
This recipe brought back memories of my abuela's kitchen! The sweet plantains were the perfect balance to the savory beef. Will make again and again.
