Beef Picadillo is one of the easiest and most comforting Filipino dishes — a homey, savory ground beef stew cooked with potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, and a gentle blend of seasonings. It’s warm, hearty, and delicious with rice, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or rainy afternoons. Its flavors are simple but deeply satisfying, the kind of dish Ate makes when she wants to feed the family something warm, filling, and full of love.

What makes Filipino Picadillo special is its versatility. In many Filipino households, this dish becomes whatever the cook has on hand — sometimes peas are added, sometimes bell peppers, sometimes a little sweetness from raisins or ketchup. Every version is different, reflecting the creativity and comfort of Filipino home cooking.

For beginner cooks, Picadillo is the perfect recipe to build confidence. It uses everyday ingredients, cooks in one pan, and develops rich flavor with minimal effort. As the ground beef browns, the potatoes soften, and the tomatoes simmer into a hearty sauce, your kitchen starts smelling like a warm Filipino home. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel proud — and hungry.

Ingredients List

Gather these simple, budget-friendly ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 medium potato, diced

• 1 medium carrot, diced

• 1 cup green peas (fresh, canned, or frozen)

• 1 cup tomato sauce or 1–2 fresh tomatoes, diced

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp cooking oil

• Salt & pepper, to taste

Optional Add-ins:

• Raisins for sweetness

• Bell pepper

• A dash of fish sauce for depth

• Chili flakes for heat

Prep and Cook Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
• Total Time: 30–35 minutes

A fast comfort meal perfect for busy cooks.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make a warm, delicious Beef Picadillo:

Step 1: Prepare your vegetables by dicing the potato, carrot, and onion. Mince the garlic. Set everything aside to make cooking smooth.

Step 2: In a large pan, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté the garlic and onion until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Add ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks to achieve a crumbly texture.

Step 4: Add soy sauce and stir to distribute flavor through the meat.

Step 5: Pour in tomato sauce (or fresh tomatoes). Mix well and let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 6: Add diced potatoes and carrots. Cover and let them cook for about 10–12 minutes, or until they soften.

Step 7: Add green peas and optional ingredients like bell peppers or raisins. Cook for another 3–5 minutes.

Step 8: Season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust sweetness, saltiness, or tomato tang based on your preference.

Your Beef Picadillo should now be hearty, saucy, and incredibly comforting!

Ate’s Helpful Tips

• Add a teaspoon of sugar for classic Filipino-style sweetness.

• Let the meat brown well — don’t rush this step for deeper flavor.

• Add a splash of broth if the dish becomes too dry.

• For richer flavor, try adding a bit of ketchup (a Filipino secret ingredient!).

• Frozen veggies work perfectly — no need to thaw.

• Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead?
Yes! Picadillo works with almost any ground meat.

Can I make it without tomato sauce?
You can use chopped tomatoes, ketchup, or even a mix of both.

Why add raisins?
They balance the savory flavors with a touch of sweetness — very Filipino style.

Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Corn, green beans, bell peppers, and even cabbage work great.