Easy Filipino Beef Picadillo (Giniling)

The holidays are nuts, right? There’s always something — a party, a last-minute gift exchange, or someone volunteering you to bring a dish. When I’m running on coffee and gift wrap fumes, this Easy Filipino Beef Picadillo saves dinner.

If you’re all about keeping dinner simple, check out my easy ground meat recipes for busy weeknights— because nobody’s got time for fussy recipes on a Tuesday.

Picadillo is a Filipino classic, and it's one of the easiest recipes to whip up when you’re short on time. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special family gathering, picadillo always delivers comforting, hearty flavors.

It’s often served at parties alongside other beloved dishes like pork menudo, beef kare kare, pancit guisado, crispy lumpiang shanghai, and pork caldereta.

If you happen to have extra ground beef, why not check out my ground beef recipes - burger steak, shanghai fried rice, or even beef kimchi fried rice? These are perfect for using up any leftovers!

What is Picadillo?

Picadillo (pronounced pee-kah-DEE-yo) is a traditional dish found in several Latin American and Filipino kitchens. The Filipino version is called "giniling," meaning ground meat, usually beef or pork.

It originated from Spain but has been embraced by Filipino cuisine and culture. It’s a savory-sweet dish that’s packed with veggies, tender ground beef, and flavored with a combination of sauces and seasonings. Each region or household may have its own spin, but Filipino picadillo is always a crowd-pleaser!

📖What is the Difference Between Mexican and Filipino Picadillo?

The main difference between Mexican and Filipino picadillo lies in their ingredients and flavor profiles. Mexican picadillo typically features ground beef cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices like cumin and chili powder, often including ingredients such as potatoes, carrots, raisins, and olives.

Filipino picadillo, on the other hand, is seasoned with soy sauce and fish sauce, and may include ingredients like bell peppers and green peas, reflecting Spanish and Chinese culinary influences. While both share the same name, they showcase unique combinations of flavors and ingredients that reflect their respective cultural backgrounds.

🥘Filipino Picadillo Ingredients

• Giniling / Ground Beef: Alternatively, ground chicken, pork, or turkey can be used as substitutes.
• Onion and Garlic: The aromatic duo in Filipino cuisine.
• Tomato Paste and Tomatoes: They add a touch of acidity that balances out the richness of the beef.
• Potatoes and Carrots: These humble veggies are here to add some wholesome goodness and hearty texture to our picadillo.
• Frozen Sweet Green Peas: For pop of sweetness and color!
• Sugar: Just a touch of sweetness to balance out the flavors and enhance the natural sweetness of our tomatoes and veggies. It's the secret ingredient that ties everything together beautifully.
• Raisins: Raisins add a delightful sweetness and a hint of chewiness to our picadillo.
• Green Olives: They bring a delightful zing that cuts through the richness of the beef.
• Beef Powder: A sprinkle of beefy goodness to amp up the flavor of our dish!
• Oyster Sauce: For umami flavor to our dish!

Substitution and Addition

• Ground pork or chicken or turkey can replace ground beef for a lighter version.
• Swap raisins for dried cranberries if you want a tangier twist.
• Replace olives with capers for a stronger, briny flavor.
• Add bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
• For more spice, sprinkle in some chili flakes or add a chopped fresh chili.

🔪How to Cook Filipino Picadillo?

1. Heat up a generous splash of neutral oil, like avocado or olive oil, in a large skillet over medium heat. We want it nice and hot!
2. Add your chopped potatoes to the skillet and let them sizzle away until they're beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Once they're done, scoop them out and set them aside.
3. Now, toss in your chopped carrots into the same skillet. Fry them up until they're golden brown and tender. Once they're cooked to perfection, set them aside alongside the potatoes.
4. In that same skillet, throw in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Let them dance around in the fragrant oil until they're soft, translucent, and oh-so-fragrant.
5. Time to add in our star ingredient – the ground beef! Pop it into the skillet and cook it up until it's beautifully browned and cooked through. Don't forget to break it apart as it cooks.
6. Stir in your tomato paste and let it mingle with the beef for a minute or so. This will really amp up the flavor and give our dish that rich tomatoey goodness we love.
7. Add in your cubed tomatoes, water, beef powder, and oyster sauce. Give everything a good stir to combine all those delicious flavors.
8. Toss in your frozen sweet green peas, sugar, raisins, and green olives. These little additions add a wonderful sweetness and tanginess to our dish.
9. Now, it's time to reunite our cooked potatoes and carrots with the beefy mixture in the skillet. Let them all get cozy together and soak up those savory flavors.
10. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes until the veggies are tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully. Then, serve up your Filipino Picadillo hot over steamed rice. It's time to dig in and enjoy the deliciousness!

🥗What Do You Eat with Picadillo

Filipino picadillo is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides to create a balanced and satisfying meal. Here are some traditional and complementary options to serve alongside Filipino picadillo:

1. Steamed Rice: White rice or garlic fried rice is a classic accompaniment that helps soak up the flavors of the picadillo.
2. Fresh Vegetables: Serve a side of steamed or sautéed vegetables such as green beans, carrots, or bok choy for added nutrition and texture.
3. Atchara: This Filipino pickled green papaya or vegetable relish adds a tangy and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the picadillo.
4. Fried Plantains (Saba): Sweet and caramelized fried plantains complement the savory taste of the picadillo and add a touch of sweetness to the meal.
5. Fried Egg (Itlog): A sunny-side-up or over-easy fried egg on top of the picadillo adds richness and creaminess, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
6. 7- Minute Egg: A perfect addition to elevate your rice bowls, ramen bowls, or porridge with its rich and indulgent texture.
7. Pan de Sal: This traditional Filipino bread roll is perfect for mopping up the sauce from the picadillo and adding a comforting element to the meal.
8. Ensaladang Talong: Grilled or roasted eggplant salad with tomatoes, onions, and vinegar dressing provides a fresh and light contrast to the richness of the picadillo.
9. Soup: A clear broth soup such as tinola (chicken soup with ginger and green papaya) or sinigang (sour soup with tamarind or other souring agents) can serve as a starter or side dish to balance the meal.
10. Pancit Bihon: A serving of pancit, a Filipino noodle dish, can complement the picadillo with its savory flavors and satisfying texture.
11. Fresh Fruit: End the meal with a refreshing serving of tropical fruits such as mangoes, pineapples, or papayas for a sweet and light finish.

How to Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover picadillo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat it in a pan over medium heat or microwave until warmed through.

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