Chef John's Picadillo

Other

Ingredients

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 1/2 pounds ground beef (85% lean)

1 cup diced yellow onions

1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 teaspoons cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 bay leaves

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

4 cloves garlic, minced

3 tablespoons red-wine vinegar

3 cups crushed tomatoes

1/4 cup water

1/4 cup currants or raisins

1/2 cup sliced pimiento-stuffed green olives, or to taste

Directions

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break up into small pieces with a spoon or spatula as it browns. Cook until meat completely loses its pink color, 8 to 10 minutes. Add diced onion and salt. Cook until onions turn translucent, about 5 minutes. Add pepper, cumin, cinnamon, bay leaves, and cayenne pepper. Cook 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.

Stir in red wine vinegar, crushed tomatoes, and water. Cook a few minutes while deglazing pan. Add currants; bring back to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and cook until meat is tender, 15 to 20 minutes.

Gently stir in sliced olives; cover and cook another 10 to 15 minutes.

Nutrition

Per Serving: 485 calories; 27 g fat; 26.3 g carbohydrates; 37 g protein; 111 mg cholesterol; 1510 mg sodium. Full nutrition