Filipino Picadillo Recipe
If you’re searching for a dish that’s comfort in a bowl, hearty yet bursting with bright, homey flavors, Filipino Picadillo is the recipe you need in your life. This classic Filipino stew brings together ground beef, tender potatoes, colorful vegetables, and the unexpected sweetness of raisins, all simmered in a savory tomato sauce. Filipino Picadillo is that rare meal that pleases both picky eaters and adventurous palates, thanks to its sweet-savory balance and soul-warming aroma. Whether you grew up eating it or it’s brand new to your table, one spoonful will transport you straight to the heart of Filipino family kitchens.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Filipino Picadillo are refreshingly straightforward, but each one is absolutely essential. They all play a unique role to build layers of flavor, texture, and color—resulting in an irresistibly satisfying meal that looks just as good as it tastes.
- Vegetable oil: The smooth base for sautéing your aromatic essentials and giving everything a lovely, even cook.
- Onion: Adds a mellow sweetness and a depth of flavor that permeates the whole stew.
- Garlic: Brings that iconic, punchy Filipino aroma that makes this dish uniquely inviting.
- Ground beef: The main protein, providing substance and flavor as it absorbs the seasonings.
- Potatoes: Dice them small for velvety, tender bites that soak up the sauce.
- Carrot: Offers sweetness and a gentle, rustic crunch in every bite.
- Green bell pepper: Contributes freshness and a pop of color.
- Canned diced tomatoes: Introduces a rich tang and makes the sauce sing with brightness.
- Tomato sauce: Deepens the body of the broth and ties all the ingredients together.
- Beef broth: Adds umami and transforms the sauce into something you’ll want to eat by the spoonful.
- Raisins: The signature twist—these lift the dish, adding bursts of sweetness that contrast beautifully with the savory elements.
- Green peas: Little pops of color and fresh flavor, plus a hint of sweetness.
- Soy sauce: Lends saltiness and an unmistakable depth to the stew.
- Fish sauce (optional): For that distinctly Filipino boost of umami—totally worth it if you have it!
- Ground black pepper: Keeps the stew lively and gently spicy—never overpowering.
- Bay leaf: Infuses the dish with subtle aromatic complexity while it simmers.
- Salt to taste: Essential for rounding out and balancing all the flavors at the very end.
How to Make Filipino Picadillo
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Begin by heating the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the onions and garlic, letting them sizzle and soften until they’re fragrant and golden. This early step is where the beautiful flavors of your Filipino Picadillo really get started; it fills your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma that’s almost impossible to resist.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add your ground beef right into the skillet. Use a sturdy spoon to break it up as it cooks, ensuring every bit gets browned and infused with those onion and garlic notes. This is where the foundation of the stew is laid: juicy, flavorful meat cooked just right.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Stir in the diced potatoes, carrots, and bell pepper. Mixing these early will allow them to soak up flavor as the stew simmers later. They’ll also help create that iconic, rustic texture and heartiness that makes Filipino Picadillo so comforting.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. As soon as the liquids hit the pan, everything begins melding together. Stir in the soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), ground black pepper, raisins, green peas, and bay leaf. This is the magic moment where sweet, salty, tangy, and umami notes start to fuse into one beautiful sauce.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Bring your pan to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks. As it simmers, the vegetables become meltingly soft and the sauce thickens to a rich, glossy finish—all without losing any of the zingy, lively flavors of Filipino Picadillo.
Step 6: Final Touches
Once everything is tender and the sauce has reached a luscious consistency, fish out the bay leaf and give your stew a little taste. Adjust the salt as needed, then spoon your finished Filipino Picadillo into bowls or over steaming rice. Every bite should be both homey and exciting!
How to Serve Filipino Picadillo
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes are a joy to add! Sprinkle chopped cilantro or scallions over the top for brightness and color. If you love a little heat, a dash of chopped red chili or chili flakes works wonders. And for true Filipino flair, a wedge of calamansi (or lime) for squeezing over right before eating brings out all the flavors in your Filipino Picadillo.
Side Dishes
This dish is famous for needing nothing more than some fluffy, freshly steamed white rice. If you’re feeling extra generous, set it alongside a crisp vegetable side, a fried egg on top, or even some garlicky fried rice. Each pairing highlights the unique balance of sweet and savory in your Filipino Picadillo.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to think outside the bowl! Spoon the stew into individual ramekins and top with a little mashed potato for a Filipino twist on shepherd’s pie. Or fill warm bread rolls with Filipino Picadillo for a hearty merienda. Leftovers are also amazing tucked into empanadas or used as taco filling—you’re limited only by your cravings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Filipino Picadillo stores just beautifully. Let the stew cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen even more overnight, making reheated portions extra delicious.
Freezing
If you’d like to make a big batch for busy weeks, Filipino Picadillo is a freezer champion. Once cooled, portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. Make sure to leave a little space at the top of your container as the stew will expand when frozen.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if needed. You can also microwave single servings until steamy. Either way, give it a good stir—and your Filipino Picadillo will taste just as comforting as the day you made it.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground beef with another meat?
Absolutely! While beef is traditional, you can switch things up with ground pork, chicken, or even turkey. Just be mindful of cooking times, as leaner meats may cook a bit quicker and benefit from a splash more broth.
Why are raisins added to Filipino Picadillo?
The raisins are what set this stew apart—each one bursts with sweetness, beautifully balancing the savory meat and tangy tomato sauce. It’s a delicious nod to Spanish influence in Filipino cuisine, and you’ll be surprised how much character they add!
Is fish sauce necessary?
Fish sauce adds a distinctly Filipino umami punch, but if you don’t have any, you can absolutely skip it or use a bit more soy sauce instead. The dish will still be deeply flavorful and satisfying.
How can I make it spicier?
If you love heat, add a chopped chili pepper or a little chili sauce alongside the other seasonings. Filipino Picadillo is endlessly adaptable, so don’t hesitate to adjust the spice level to fit your family’s tastes.
Can I make Filipino Picadillo vegetarian?
Certainly! Simply swap the ground beef for a plant-based alternative or use extra veggies like mushrooms and eggplant. Substitute veggie broth for beef broth, and you’ll have a vegetarian version that still feels hearty and delicious.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly special about sharing a pot of Filipino Picadillo—warm, fragrant, and brimming with color and comfort. If you’ve never made it before, I hope you’ll give it a try and let its sweet-savory magic win you over. Grab some rice, gather your loved ones, and enjoy every soulful bite!
Print
Filipino Picadillo Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Filipino Picadillo recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring ground beef cooked with vegetables, raisins, and a blend of savory and sweet seasonings. Perfect for a satisfying meal with steamed rice.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
Vegetables:
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/3 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup green peas
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil in a skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Cook Beef: Add ground beef, cook until browned.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in potatoes, carrots, bell pepper.
- Simmer: Pour in tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, soy sauce, fish sauce, black pepper, raisins, peas, bay leaf. Simmer covered for 20-25 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning, serve hot with rice.
Notes
- This dish can be made with ground pork or turkey for variation.
- Some recipes include olives for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Simmering
- Cuisine: Filipino, Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 345
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 710 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
