Authentic Brazilian Picadillo (Picadinho) Recipe for Dinner

This easy, flavorful Brazilian picadillo is a perfect weeknight meal. Made with simple pantry spices and the bright tang of green olives, this dish comes together quickly and requires minimal effort. Serve it over Brazilian rice or your favorite pasta for an economical, family-friendly dinner everyone will enjoy.

Oi Gente!

In Brazil we usually call this simple preparation ensopado de carninha moída com azeitona — essentially juicy ground beef stewed with green olives. While it isn’t formally called “picadillo” in Portuguese, the idea is familiar across Latin America: seasoned ground meat simmered with tomatoes, olives and spices.

It’s a popular everyday recipe in Brazilian homes because it’s quick, economical and deeply satisfying. The olives add a pleasant salty-tang that lifts the dish and keeps it interesting bite after bite. Add it to your weekly rotation for an easy way out of the weeknight dinner rut.

Beijinhos xx

What is picadillo, then?

Picadillo—pronounced pee-kuh-dee-yoh—is a ground meat stew common throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Ingredients and seasonings vary by country: some versions include raisins for sweetness, others add potatoes or different spices. The Cuban style, for example, often pairs olives with raisins. No matter the variation, picadillo is versatile and comforting.

You can serve it over rice (as is common in Brazil), in tacos, over short pasta, inside savory pastries, or even shaped into croquettes. It’s a flexible recipe that adapts to what you have on hand.

Brazilian Picadillo Ingredients

• 

• 

Many of these ingredients are pantry staples you likely already have.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ground beef
• Olive oil
• Onion
• Red or yellow bell pepper
• Brazilian sofrito or garlic cloves
• Ground cumin
• Dried oregano
• Paprika
• Bay leaf
• Green olives
• Red wine vinegar
• One can diced tomatoes with juice
• Tomato paste
• Water or stock
• Fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper

Variations

To change things up, consider these additions:

• Shredded carrots
• Frozen peas
• Green beans, fresh or frozen
• Zucchini, diced or shredded
• Diced pumpkin with a pinch of nutmeg

How to Make Picadillo Brazilian Style

You’ll need a large skillet, Dutch oven or braiser. Begin by heating a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the diced onion and bell pepper until soft, about 2–3 minutes. Add garlic or Brazilian sofrito and cook until fragrant, another 1–2 minutes.

Lower the heat to medium-low before adding the ground beef. Cooking the meat gently at lower heat prevents large clumps and helps it brown evenly. Stir occasionally until the meat is cooked through, about 5 minutes.

When the meat is cooked, raise the heat to medium-high, season with salt and pepper, then add cumin, oregano and paprika and stir to combine. Add the halved green olives and the red wine vinegar to deglaze the pan and introduce a bright, acidic note.

Stir in the tomato paste, water or stock, and bay leaf, then add the canned diced tomatoes with their juice. Cover the pan and simmer on medium heat for about 10 minutes to develop the flavors. Remove the lid and simmer uncovered for another 5–10 minutes to thicken the sauce to your liking.

Finish with chopped parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

• 

• 

What to Serve with Picadillo

This dish is traditionally served over rice in Brazil and pairs beautifully with beans when available. It also works well over any short pasta. It’s a great, affordable meal that appeals to kids and adults alike.

Side ideas:

• Brazilian white rice
• Carrot rice
• Brown rice
• Black beans
• Your favorite pasta

Frequently Asked Questions

Who invented picadillo?

The exact origin of picadillo is unclear. It evolved across Spanish-speaking regions and the Caribbean, with each area adapting ingredients and seasonings to local tastes.

How do you fry ground beef?

Cook ground beef over lower heat initially so it cooks gently and breaks into smaller, more even pieces. Once cooked through, increase heat to brown and add salt near the end so the meat doesn’t release excess moisture and steam instead of browning.

What can I add to ground beef for flavor?

For this Brazilian-style version, onion, bell pepper, garlic or sofrito, cumin, oregano, paprika, bay leaf and a splash of red wine vinegar give the meat deep, balanced flavor. Green olives add a distinctive tang.

Other Picadillo Recipes from Around the World

• Mexican-style picadillo
• Cuban picadillo
• Puerto Rican variations, including stuffed fritters

Other ground beef recipes you’ll love

• Tamale pie-style casseroles
• Regional meat pies and savory hand pies

Follow the author on social media for more Brazilian food inspiration.