There’s something magical about a one-pan dish that fills your kitchen with warm, savory aromas and promises total comfort in every bite. Enter: Filipino Picadillo. This humble yet deeply flavorful dish is a cozy classic that takes ground beef, potatoes, and a handful of pantry staples and turns them into a saucy, slightly sweet, and wholly satisfying meal. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug simple, hearty, and so easy to fall in love with. Whether you’re new to Filipino cuisine or grew up with this simmering on the stove, trust me, this one’s a keeper.

Why You’ll Love Filipino Picadillo

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Serve it over rice, tuck it into empanadas, or pair it with bread there are so many ways to enjoy it.

Budget-Friendly: Made with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, it’s proof that you don’t need to spend big to eat well.

Quick and Easy: This comes together in under 40 minutes and only needs one pan—hello, weeknight win!

Customizable: Swap out the meat, add more veggies, make it spicy or keep it sweet—it’s totally up to you.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Filipino Picadillo

This dish is made with a comforting combo of savory, sweet, and subtly tangy flavors. Here’s what brings it all together:

Ground Beef: The heart of the dish. Savory, juicy, and super satisfying.

Onion & Garlic: Classic aromatics that form the flavorful foundation.

Tomatoes: Canned or fresh, they add brightness and depth to the stew.

Potatoes: Hearty and tender, they soak up all that delicious sauce.

Carrots: A sweet, colorful addition that adds balance and texture.

Raisins: They bring a little sweetness that surprises and delights.

Bay Leaf: A touch of earthy aroma that rounds out the stew.

Soy Sauce & Fish Sauce: For saltiness and that rich umami punch.

Green Peas (optional): A pop of color and freshness to finish things off.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment

Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat with a splash of oil. You want it hot enough to brown the meat without steaming it.

Sauté the Aromatics

Add chopped onion and cook until translucent and slightly golden. Then add minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until no longer pink and slightly browned this adds so much flavor.

Add Tomatoes and Sauces

Pour in the tomatoes, soy sauce, fish sauce, and throw in the bay leaf. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes so the flavors can start blending beautifully.

Stir in Potatoes, Carrots, and Raisins

Add the diced potatoes, carrots, and raisins. Cover and simmer until the veggies are tender and the sauce thickens, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Finish with Green Peas

Add the peas toward the end of cooking to keep them bright and tender. Stir well and let everything come together in the pan.

Serve and Enjoy

Remove the bay leaf, spoon it all over warm rice or pair with a crusty roll, and dig in to your new favorite comfort food.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: 375 calories

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Filipino Picadillo

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

Serve it over steamy white rice for a traditional Filipino meal.

Stuff it into empanadas or hand pies for a fun twist.

Scoop it onto toasted bread for a hearty open-faced sandwich.

Top with a fried egg for a breakfast-style version that’s ultra satisfying.

Pair it with sautéed greens or a side salad to lighten things up.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Dice your veggies small so they cook quickly and evenly.

Make a double batch and freeze half it reheats like a dream.

Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice at the end if you want more tang.

Use golden raisins for an extra pop of sweetness.

If you want it saucier, add a little beef broth or water as it cooks.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great if you prefer a lighter option.

2. What if I don’t like raisins?
You can leave them out or replace them with diced apples or a touch of brown sugar for sweetness.

3. Can I make this in advance?
Yes, it’s even better the next day. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

4. Does this freeze well?
Totally! Let it cool, portion it out, and freeze for up to 3 months.

5. What’s the best type of tomato to use?
Crushed canned tomatoes work best, but fresh diced tomatoes will also do the trick.

6. Can I make it spicy?
For sure! Add chopped chili or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like some heat.

7. Do I need to peel the potatoes?
It’s up to you! Peeling gives a softer bite, but keeping the skin adds texture and nutrients.

8. What rice goes best with this?
Classic white rice is traditional, but brown rice or garlic fried rice are amazing too.

9. Is it gluten-free?
Just make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and double-check your fish sauce brand.

10. Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely. Bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans would all be delicious additions.

Conclusion

Filipino Picadillo is the ultimate comfort dish hearty, flavorful, and so easy to love. With its perfect balance of savory, sweet, and saucy, it’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make on repeat. Whether you’re serving it up for family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers big satisfaction with minimal effort. So go ahead, grab a spoon, and dig into this warm and cozy bowl of goodness you’re going to be hooked!

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