Include in Print View:

Picadillo Con Alcaparras (Picadillo With Cape

Picadillo Con Alcaparras (Picadillo With Cape recipe image
This Picadillo Con Alcaparras is a rich, savory Spanish-style dish that transforms simple ground beef into a deeply flavorful meal. The beef is browned until crisp, then simmered with a robust mixture of onions, garlic, tomatoes, and capers. Pimiento-stuffed olives and a splash of Burgundy wine add complex, briny notes, while a hint of nutmeg and brown sugar balances the acidity. The result is a tender, aromatic stew with a satisfying texture. It is perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Serve it over fluffy white rice or alongside fried plantains for a complete, hearty experience that brings warmth and home-style comfort to your table.
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 6
Calories: 700.1
Dietary: Gluten-free
Description
This Picadillo Con Alcaparras is a rich, savory Spanish-style dish that transforms simple ground beef into a deeply flavorful meal. The beef is browned until crisp, then simmered with a robust mixture of onions, garlic, tomatoes, and capers. Pimiento-stuffed olives and a splash of Burgundy wine add complex, briny notes, while a hint of nutmeg and brown sugar balances the acidity. The result is a tender, aromatic stew with a satisfying texture. It is perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Serve it over fluffy white rice or alongside fried plantains for a complete, hearty experience that brings warmth and home-style comfort to your table.
Ingredients
  • 1/4 cup Olive oil
  • 2 pound Ground beef
  • 1 small Onion, finely chopped
  • 1 large Ripe tomato, peeled, seeded, and finely chopped
  • 1 clove Garlic, minced
  • 1 Bay leaf
  • 1 tsp Crushed oregano
  • 3 oz Bottled capers
  • 8 Pimiento-stuffed olives
  • 2 tbsp Wine vinegar
  • 3 tbsp Tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup Burgundy wine
  • 2 dashes Hot sauce (more to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp Brown sugar
  • 1 dash Nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup Water
  • to taste Salt, if needed
Directions
  1. 1
    Heat the olive oil in a large skillet with a cover over medium-high heat.
  2. 2
    Add the ground beef and brown until the meat loses its red color and is well-seared.
  3. 3
    In a separate bowl, combine the chopped onion, tomato, minced garlic, bay leaf, crushed oregano, and capers.
  4. 4
    Add the vegetable and herb mixture to the browned beef in the skillet.
  5. 5
    Stir well to combine, cover the skillet, and cook for about 10 minutes on moderate heat.
  6. 6
    While the meat cooks, slice the pimiento-stuffed olives into thin rounds.
  7. 7
    Add the sliced olives, wine vinegar, tomato sauce, Burgundy wine, hot sauce, brown sugar, and nutmeg to the skillet.
  8. 8
    Stir everything together well and cook uncovered for 5 minutes.
  9. 9
    Add the water and mix thoroughly.
  10. 10
    Taste the mixture and add salt only if necessary, keeping in mind the saltiness from the olives and capers.
  11. 11
    Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Simmer for approximately 30 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed.
  12. 12
    If significant liquid remains after 30 minutes, remove the lid and continue cooking until the sauce reduces and thickens.
  13. 13
    Serve hot over long-grain white rice, optionally accompanied by ripe fried plantains.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 700.1kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 49.0g76%
Saturated Fat 15.7g79%
Cholesterol 177.1mg60%
Sodium 163.4mg7%
Total Carbohydrate 0.0g0%
Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
Sugars 0.0g
Protein 59.0g118%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen after a day. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Substitutions: If Burgundy wine is unavailable, you can substitute with beef broth or red wine vinegar for a similar depth of flavor. Green peppers can be added for extra crunch if desired, though they are not in the original ingredient list.

Tip: Ensure your ground beef is well-browned before adding the vegetables to develop a richer flavor base. Drain excess fat if necessary, but some fat helps carry the spices.

Keywords: picadillo, spanish, ground beef, capers, olives, stew, dinner, easy, comfort food, rice, plantains, garlic, onion, tomato, wine, nutmeg, herbs, weeknight meal
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/picadillo-con-alcaparras-picadillo-with-cape/