Beef Picadillo with Sweet Plantains

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 60 min Serves 4 Cuban cuisine 450 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Step 5: Serve beef picadillo over caramelized plantains, spooning sauce over the top.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

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

Related recipes