The Best Savory & Sweet Picadillo with Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Prepare to delight your taste buds with this incredible Picadillo with Sweet Potatoes recipe! This dish is a harmonious blend of savory and sweet, packed with rich flavors that will transport you straight to a Cuban kitchen. It’s not just delicious; it’s also incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and less than 30 minutes of cook time, making it a perfect weeknight meal solution.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of traditional Cuban picadillo or looking for a comforting, flavorful new recipe to add to your rotation, this sweet potato twist is a must-try. Its versatility allows it to be served in many ways, but for a truly authentic and complete Cuban dinner experience, pair it with fluffy garlic buttery rice and sweet, caramelized fried plantains. You won’t regret it!

A delicious skillet of Picadillo with Sweet Potatoes, ready to be served.

If you already adore classic Cuban picadillo and have a soft spot for the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes, then this recipe is tailor-made for you! For those eager to explore more vibrant Cuban flavors, be sure to check out these other favorites: hearty congri (Cuban black beans and rice), flavorful arroz con Pollo (chicken and rice), and comforting chicharos Cubanos (Cuban split pea soup). Each recipe offers a unique taste of Cuban culinary heritage.

What is Picadillo and Why Add Sweet Potatoes?

Picadillo is a traditional dish in many Latin American and Caribbean countries, often featuring ground meat (typically beef), tomatoes, and a medley of spices. Each region boasts its unique variation, incorporating different ingredients like potatoes, olives, raisins, capers, or hard-boiled eggs. Cuban picadillo, in particular, is known for its savory profile, often including olives and sometimes a touch of raisins for a subtle sweetness, balancing the rich tomato base and aromatic spices.

The addition of sweet potatoes to this picadillo recipe is a stroke of genius, enhancing the dish in several delightful ways. Sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness that beautifully complements the savory ground beef and zesty tomato sauce. Beyond flavor, they add a wonderfully creamy texture and a nutritional boost, rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They absorb the aromatic flavors of the picadillo while offering a wholesome, satisfying component that makes the meal more substantial and well-rounded. If you’re looking for a dish that is both comforting and a little unexpected, this sweet potato picadillo is your answer.

Key Ingredients for This Flavorful Picadillo

Crafting the perfect Picadillo with Sweet Potatoes starts with selecting high-quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is essential for achieving that authentic, irresistible flavor:

Ground Beef: I recommend using 90/10 lean ground beef to keep the dish lighter and prevent excessive grease. However, if you prefer a richer flavor, 80/20 works well; just remember to drain any excess fat after browning. For a lighter, poultry-based alternative, ground turkey or chicken can also be used.
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of this particular picadillo. Cubed sweet potatoes soften beautifully as they simmer, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the sauce. If you’re not a fan, you can easily omit them or substitute with regular russet or gold potatoes, cut into similar-sized cubes.
Aromatics (Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Garlic): These form the flavor foundation of the picadillo. Freshly diced onion and green bell pepper add a sweet and savory base, while freshly minced garlic provides a pungent aromatic kick. Always opt for fresh garlic for the best results, as its flavor is far superior to pre-minced versions.
Sazon: This essential seasoning blend is a cornerstone of Cuban and Latin American cuisine. Sazon typically contains a mix of coriander, cumin, annatto, garlic powder, and oregano, providing a vibrant color and a depth of flavor that is hard to replicate. Do not omit it, as it’s crucial for the authentic taste!
Spices (Garlic Powder, Cumin, Oregano): While Sazon contributes many of these, a bit extra garlic powder, cumin, and oregano amplify the traditional Cuban spice profile, ensuring every bite is rich and aromatic.
Dry White Wine (Vino Seco): A splash of dry white wine adds a sophisticated layer of acidity and depth to the sauce. The alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a subtle complexity that enhances the overall flavor. Any dry white wine you have on hand will work.
Tomato Sauce: It wouldn’t be Cuban picadillo without a rich tomato base. Tomato sauce provides the body and tanginess that defines this classic dish, melding all the other ingredients together.
Bay Leaf: (Optional) A single bay leaf infuses the picadillo with a subtle, aromatic herbal note as it simmers, adding another layer of traditional flavor.
Olives: (Optional) Green Spanish olives, often stuffed with pimentos, are a hallmark of Cuban picadillo. They add a briny, salty pop that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the potatoes and the richness of the meat. If you love them, don’t hesitate to add them!
Water: Used to create the perfect saucy consistency and ensure the sweet potatoes cook through evenly.
Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning the dish to perfection.

All the fresh and flavorful ingredients you’ll need for this delicious picadillo.

Top Tips for the Best Picadillo with Sweet Potatoes

To ensure your Picadillo with Sweet Potatoes turns out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:

Manage Excess Fat: If you opt for 80/20 ground beef, which has a higher fat content, it’s crucial to discard any excess oil after browning the meat. This step prevents your picadillo from becoming greasy and ensures a cleaner, more balanced flavor profile.
Season Generously at the End: While you’ll add spices throughout, a final seasoning with Kosher salt right before serving is key. Taste your picadillo and adjust the salt to your preference, as this final touch truly brings out all the flavors.
Boost Flavor with Sofrito: For an extra layer of authentic Cuban flavor, consider adding 2-3 tablespoons of homemade sofrito. Sofrito is a fragrant base made from sautéed aromatic vegetables like onions, peppers, garlic, and sometimes tomatoes, creating a rich foundation for many Latin dishes.
Adjust Saucy-ness: If you prefer your picadillo to be extra saucy, simply add a little more water (or even chicken broth) during the simmering phase. Let it cook for a few extra minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Don’t Overcook Sweet Potatoes: Keep an eye on the sweet potatoes during simmering. You want them tender, but not mushy. They should hold their shape, offering a pleasant bite.

Browning the ground beef with onions and peppers is the first step to a flavorful picadillo.

How Long Does It Take to Cook Picadillo with Sweet Potatoes?

One of the best features of this recipe is its efficiency. This savory and sweet picadillo with sweet potatoes typically takes less than 30 minutes to cook from start to finish, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights when you crave a homemade, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The quick cooking time ensures that the sweet potatoes remain tender yet firm, and the ground beef absorbs all the rich spices and tomato flavors perfectly.

The sweet potatoes perfectly integrated with the seasoned ground beef, simmering to perfection.

Storage and Reheating

Picadillo with Sweet Potatoes makes fantastic leftovers! If you happen to have any, allow them to cool completely at room temperature before transferring them to an air-tight container. You can refrigerate the picadillo for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat until it’s thoroughly warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems a bit dry during reheating.

This dish also freezes well. For longer storage, transfer cooled picadillo to freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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★★★★★ (5 from 2 votes)

Picadillo with Sweet Potatoes

By Julie Maestre

This picadillo with sweet potatoes is savory, sweet, and loaded with flavor. I make this once a week because it’s super easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.

Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 25 mins
Total: 30 mins
Servings: 4

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Ingredients

1 lb ground beef, 90/10 (or ground turkey)
1 cup sweet potatoes, cubed (about 1 medium sweet potato)
½ onion, diced
½ green bell pepper, diced
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
8 ounces tomato sauce
1 teaspoon sazon (e.g., Goya Sazon con Culantro y Achiote)
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon oregano
1 bay leaf, optional
1 tablespoon dry white wine, (vino seco)
¼ cup olives, optional (green Spanish olives with pimentos)
½ cup water
Kosher salt to taste

Instructions

Add the ground beef to a large skillet, break it up with a spoon, and cook over medium-high heat until completely browned. If using 80/20 beef, drain any excess fat.
Stir in the diced onions and green bell peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 20 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the remaining ingredients: sweet potatoes, tomato sauce, sazon, granulated garlic, cumin, oregano, bay leaf (if using), dry white wine, olives (if using), and water. Mix everything well to combine.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Remove the bay leaf. Season with Kosher salt to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

If you use 80/20 ground beef, make sure to discard any excess oil so the picadillo doesn’t turn out greasy.
Make sure to season generously with Kosher salt right before serving for optimal flavor.
If you like picadillo extra saucy, add a bit more water or broth and cook for a few extra minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author: Julie Maestre

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Course: Entree

Cuisine: Cuban

Servings: 4

Calories: 360

Keyword: Cuban Picadillo, Picadillo, picadillo with sweet potatoes

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