Picadillo from a Crock-Pot
Adapted from a recipe in the Cooking Light Slow Cooker Cookbook. This uses pitted dates and dried apricots instead of raisins, but raisins could be substituted. For more heat, use hotter peppers, increase cayenne, or add red pepper flakes/hot sauce. It can be made with ground beef and pork, or ground turkey. I use no-salt-added tomatoes and tomato sauce. Serve it over rice, in tortillas, stuff peppers/zucchini, or use as a dip.
Adapted from a recipe in the Cooking Light Slow Cooker Cookbook. This uses pitted dates and dried apricots instead of raisins, but raisins could be substituted. For more heat, use hotter peppers, increase cayenne, or add red pepper flakes/hot sauce. It can be made with ground beef and pork, or ground turkey. I use no-salt-added tomatoes and tomato sauce. Serve it over rice, in tortillas, stuff peppers/zucchini, or use as a dip.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 can diced tomatoes undrained
- 1 1/2 cups chopped green bell peppers
- 1 cup sliced scallion
- 1/3 cup chopped pitted dates
- 1/3 cup chopped dried apricot
- 1/4 cup sliced pimento stuffed olive (optional)
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds toasted (optional)
- Carbohydrate 7.84398641543449 g
- Cholesterol 73.708760125 mg
- Fat 13.3827096234082 g
- Fiber 2.36474409111898 g
- Protein 24.8681038663828 g
- Saturated Fat 4.78281796716844 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -10 serving(s) (232g)
- Sodium 336.420814232076 mg
- Sugar 5.47924232431551 g
- Trans Fat 1.59347236071374 g
- Calories 251 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large nonstick skillet, brown the beef, stirring and breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
- As the meat browns, add the bell pepper through garlic. Cook until meat is browned and vegetables are softened.
- Drain off the fat and place the meat in a 4-quart crock-pot.
- Add the tomatoes through black pepper and stir well.
- Cover, set the crock-pot on high, and cook for 3 hours.
- If desired, stir in almonds.
My Favorite Weeknight Crock-Pot Picadillo
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and the endless to-do list, the kitchen often takes a backseat. But let me tell you, this Crock-Pot Picadillo recipe has become my saving grace. It’s incredibly versatile, flavorful, and best of all, requires minimal hands-on time. I discovered this recipe adapted from a Cooking Light cookbook, and I’ve tweaked it to suit my family's tastes.
What sets this picadillo apart is the unique blend of sweet and savory flavors. Instead of traditional raisins, I use pitted dates and dried apricots, which add a delightful sweetness that perfectly complements the savory spices. The combination of ground beef (though you could easily substitute ground turkey or a blend of beef and pork), onions, bell peppers, and aromatic spices creates a rich and complex flavor profile. The slow cooking process in the Crock-Pot ensures that the meat is incredibly tender and the flavors have time to meld beautifully.
The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability. On a busy weeknight, I simply serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice. It's a complete and satisfying meal that the whole family enjoys. But on the weekends, when I have a little more time, I love to get creative. I’ve used this picadillo to stuff bell peppers, creating a vibrant and colorful meal. It also makes fantastic tacos, the filling perfectly complementing warm tortillas. Another favorite is to use it as a hearty dip with tortilla chips, perfect for a casual get-together or a cozy night in.
One of the things I appreciate most about this recipe is its inherent flexibility. If you prefer a spicier kick, you can easily adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or even add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Feel free to experiment with different types of peppers as well; using a combination of poblanos and jalapeños would add a wonderful smoky heat. The optional addition of toasted almonds provides a delightful textural contrast and adds a touch of nutty richness. And don't be afraid to get creative with the additions! A handful of chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, or even a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can elevate this dish to new heights.
The secret ingredient, however, is the slow cooker itself. It allows the flavors to meld seamlessly, resulting in a dish that’s far superior to anything you could achieve with quick stovetop cooking. The slow cooking process not only tenderizes the meat but also allows the vegetables to soften and release their natural sweetness. This is a perfect dish for meal prepping, as it tastes even better the next day! You can make a big batch on Sunday and have delicious, healthy meals ready to go throughout the week. For those short on time (aren't we all?), this is an absolute winner.
This Crock-Pot Picadillo is more than just a recipe; it's a testament to the power of simple ingredients, clever preparation, and the magic of a slow cooker. It’s a dish that embodies comfort, convenience, and incredible flavor – everything a busy mom could wish for. So, the next time you’re faced with a hectic weeknight schedule, reach for this recipe. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave your family asking for more.
This recipe is easy to scale up or down, making it perfect for both small families and larger gatherings. Whether you're feeding a family of four or hosting a party, this versatile dish is sure to be a hit. Its adaptability makes it a true culinary chameleon, easily adapting to your dietary needs and preferences. So go ahead, give it a try, and experience the joy of a flavorful, convenient, and effortlessly delicious meal.
Beyond its convenience and deliciousness, this recipe is a reminder of the importance of finding time for ourselves amidst the chaos of daily life. Cooking can be a meditative practice, a way to de-stress and reconnect with ourselves. And with this simple, yet rewarding recipe, even the busiest among us can find a moment of culinary peace.
So, embrace the ease and deliciousness of this Crock-Pot Picadillo. It's a recipe that's as versatile as it is comforting, offering a delicious escape from the pressures of daily life, one delicious bite at a time.
