Filipino Picadillo is the kind of hearty, homey dish that instantly transports you to the heart of a Filipino family kitchen—richly aromatic, brimming with colorful vegetables, tender ground beef, and just a hint of sweetness from raisins. This savory stew is a comfort food staple across the Philippines, prized for its ease and flexibility. Every spoonful is a perfect balance of salty-sweet flavors, making it the ultimate rice companion and a recipe you’ll want in your weekly rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be delighted to see how Filipino Picadillo uses everyday pantry staples and fresh veggies to turn out such a flavorful, satisfying meal. Each ingredient has a special role, whether it’s building a savory base, adding a pop of sweetness, or lending that hint of color every bowl deserves.
- Vegetable oil: The fat that gets everything sizzling and golden in your pan.
- Onion: Brings out a subtle sweetness and depth for the base flavors.
- Garlic: Essential aromatics for bold, warm flavor in every bite.
- Ground beef: The hearty core of the stew, soaking up all the seasonings.
- Potatoes: They soak up the broth and give a cozy, tender bite.
- Carrot: Adds color, a slight crunch, and natural sweetness.
- Frozen green peas: Quick to cook and give a pop of green freshness.
- Raisins: Just a handful adds the signature touch of sweetness that sets Filipino Picadillo apart.
- Tomato paste: Delivers deep umami and a gorgeous red hue to the stew.
- Beef broth or water: Builds the flavorful sauce and keeps everything delicately simmering.
- Soy sauce: Brings umami and savoriness that perfectly balances the sweet notes.
- Fish sauce (optional): Adds a punch of Filipino authenticity and brininess, but skip it if you prefer.
- Sugar: Balances the acidity and rounds out the tomato and soy notes.
- Salt and pepper: Rounds out and amplifies all the yummy flavors.
How to Make Filipino Picadillo
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle in your vegetable oil and let it warm up. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté just until fragrant and translucent. You’ll know it’s perfect when your kitchen smells inviting, about 2–3 minutes—this is the flavor foundation for your Filipino Picadillo.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef straight into your skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as you go. Cook until it’s nicely browned and crumbly, letting all the savory flavors penetrate. Don’t rush this part—the depth of flavor in Filipino Picadillo really starts to come alive here!
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Stir in the tomato paste, soy sauce, fish sauce (if you’re using it), sugar, and your choice of beef broth or water. Mix thoroughly so that every bit of beef is coated and the sauce is blended beautifully. The tomato paste thickens the sauce and melds with the sauces to create that signature flavor.
Step 4: Simmer the Vegetables
It’s time to add the diced potatoes and carrots, which soak up all those delicious juices as they cook. Set your skillet to simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll start to notice the sauce thickening slightly, and the vegetables will become tender but not mushy.
Step 5: Finish with Peas and Raisins
Once your potatoes and carrots are nearly done, toss in the raisins and green peas. Let everything cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, just until the peas are warmed through and the raisins plump up slightly. Now season to taste with salt and pepper, and your Filipino Picadillo is ready for its moment in the spotlight.
How to Serve Filipino Picadillo
Garnishes
Bring your Filipino Picadillo to life with a sprinkling of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, which provides a fresh contrast to the savory sweetness of the stew. For extra color and flair, a fan of hard-boiled egg slices on top is a classic Filipino touch that adds creaminess and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This stew loves a simple backdrop, so serve Filipino Picadillo generously over hot steamed white rice—there’s nothing quite like how rice soaks up the rich sauce. If you want to expand your Filipino feast, offer a side of pickled papaya (atchara) or a light cucumber salad to cut through the richness and refresh your palate between bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Try spooning Filipino Picadillo into hollowed-out bell peppers and baking them until the peppers are soft and slightly caramelized. You can also serve it over toasted bread or inside a crusty roll for a Filipino-inspired sloppy joe. Even taco shells work for a hands-on family dinner that’ll earn rave reviews!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Filipino Picadillo in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors are known to deepen and intensify overnight, making your second day servings arguably even tastier than day one. It will stay fresh for up to three days.
Freezing
Filipino Picadillo freezes beautifully, making it a perfect meal prep candidate. Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Label and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or gently reheat from frozen.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pour your Filipino Picadillo into a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it’s thickened, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. Alternatively, a microwave works for individual portions—just cover and stir halfway through heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Filipino Picadillo is extremely versatile—swap in ground pork, chicken, or even turkey. The flavor will shift slightly, but the dish will still be every bit as comforting and satisfying.
Is it necessary to use raisins?
Traditional Filipino Picadillo always includes raisins for their gentle sweetness, but if you aren’t a fan, you can skip them or substitute with chopped dried apricots or leave out the sweet element entirely.
Do I have to add fish sauce?
Fish sauce is optional and brings deep umami and a distinct Filipino flair. If you prefer to keep things mild or don’t have fish sauce on hand, simply leave it out—the stew will still be delicious and full of flavor.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, zucchini, or even corn can be mixed in for extra color and nutrients. Filipino Picadillo is all about using what you have and making it your own.
What’s the best way to make this dish ahead?
Filipino Picadillo can be made a day or two in advance; just let it cool completely before storing. The flavors will marry beautifully as it sits, making your advance prep absolutely worthwhile.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a new go-to comfort food that’s easy, colorful, and bursting with flavor, give Filipino Picadillo a try! Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or saving leftovers for busy evenings, it’s a dish that always brings warmth and a gentle taste of home to your table.
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Filipino Picadillo Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Filipino Picadillo is a hearty and flavorful dish made with ground beef, potatoes, carrots, peas, and raisins, simmered in a savory tomato sauce. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup frozen green peas
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add ground beef, brown it, then mix in tomato paste, soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and broth.
- Add Vegetables: Add potatoes and carrots, simmer until tender. Stir in raisins and peas, cook until heated through.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with rice.
Notes
- This dish is versatile and can be made with ground pork or chicken.
- Try adding bell peppers or hard-boiled eggs for a twist.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Filipino
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
