Instant Pot Picadillo Recipe: Family-Friendly Favorite!

This Mexican picadillo may not win a beauty contest, but its taste is five-star! The secret lies in charred veggies that add superb flavor to the sauce. No need to fire up the oven—all you need is your trusty Instant Pot for this recipe. Start by charring tomatoes, jalapeno, bell pepper, and garlic right in the pot with a bit of oil. Then blend them into a puree.

Next, add ground beef, onions, potatoes, and rice to the pot. Pressure cook everything together to blend the flavors and cook the rice and potatoes quickly. The result? A hearty dish with meat and potatoes that’s truly unique and delicious.

Serve it with beans like pintos, black beans, or refried beans. Fresh tortillas are a great side too. Add a few drops of hot sauce and a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.

This recipe is gluten-free, making it a versatile option for many diets. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Instant Pot Picadillo Recipe

This Instant Pot Picadillo is a quick and easy dinner made with ground beef, onion, bell pepper, and tomato sauce. It's a flavorful Cuban recipe that pairs perfectly with rice for a complete meal. I grew up eating this dish, and it's always on rotation in my house because it's my kids' favorite and so simple to make.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 5

Calories 410 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1-1/2 lb 93% Lean ground beef
• 1/2 Large onion chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic minced
• 1 Tomato chopped
• 1 tsp Kosher salt
• 1/2 Red bell pepper finely chopped
• 2 tbsp Cilantro chopped
• 4 oz 1/2 can Tomato sauce (I like Goya)
• 1 tsp ground Cumin
• 1-2 Bay leaves
• 2 tbsp Alcaparrado or use capers or green olives

Instructions

 

• Sauté the Beef: Press the sauté button on your Instant Pot. Once hot, add the ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small pieces and cook until it's no longer pink.
• Add Vegetables and Spices: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped tomato, salt, pepper, and cilantro to the pot. Stir for about 1 minute. Then add the alcaparrado (or olives) along with about 2 tablespoons of the brine (this adds great flavor), cumin, and bay leaves.
• Add Sauce and Cook: Pour in the tomato sauce and 3 tablespoons of water. Mix everything well. Cover the Instant Pot and set it to high pressure for 15 minutes.
• Release and Serve: Once cooking is complete, you can either use natural or quick pressure release. Open the lid and enjoy your delicious Picadillo! Serve it over rice for a complete meal.

Notes

• For the best flavor, use fresh garlic, onions, and cilantro.
• Adding a bit of olive brine enhances the dish’s overall flavor.
• Let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for a few minutes before quick release to keep the meat tender.

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Nutrition Facts:

Can I Use a Different Type of Meat Instead of Ground Beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork. Just be mindful that different meats might have varying cooking times and flavors. Ground turkey and chicken are leaner, so you might want to add a bit more seasoning or a splash of olive oil to enhance the flavor.

What Can I Serve With Instant Pot Picadillo?

Instant Pot Picadillo pairs wonderfully with white or brown rice. You can also serve it with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even use it as a filling for tacos or empanadas. A side of black beans or a simple green salad complements the dish nicely.