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Crock Pot Picadillo

Crock Pot Picadillo: Easy Cuban Comfort for Busy Nights

Crock Pot Picadillo is a flavorful, high-protein dish that brings the essence of Cuban culture to your kitchen with effortless preparation and comforting taste.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cuban
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Base
  • 2.5 lbs Ground Beef (93% lean) provides the perfect protein-packed foundation
  • 1 cup Onion, minced adds sweetness
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced essential for flavor
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup Red Bell Peppers, diced or substitute with green/yellow
  • 1 medium Tomato, diced adds moisture
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro, minced or parsley substitute
For the Sauce
  • 8 oz Tomato Sauce or crushed tomatoes for chunkier
  • 1/4 cup Olives adds brininess
Seasonings
  • 1.5 teaspoons Ground Cumin essential for flavor
  • 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder optional if using fresh garlic
  • 2 pieces Bay Leaves remove before serving
  • to taste Kosher Salt
  • to taste Fresh Pepper

Equipment

  • skillet
  • slow cooker

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Brown the Beef: Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking into small pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 7-8 minutes until browned.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Drain excess fat. Add onions, garlic, and bell peppers to skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  3. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Move beef and vegetables to slow cooker. Add diced tomato, cilantro, tomato sauce, and olives. Stir well.
  4. Add Seasonings and Water: Mix in cumin, garlic powder, bay leaves, and water. Stir until combined.
  5. Set the Cooker: Cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or LOW for 6-8 hours.
  6. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Remove lid, taste, and adjust seasoning. Discard bay leaves. Serve over brown rice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 28gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Use leftovers in tacos or empanadas for creative meals.

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