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Crockpot Picadillo in a white bowl, garnished with cilantro and olives, served on a wooden table.

Crockpot Picadillo

This Crockpot Picadillo is an easy slow cooker picadillo that combines authentic Cuban flavors with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish delivers rich taste in every bite, making it the best picadillo with olives!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 11 servings
Course: Main Course

Ingredients
  

  • 2 1/2 lbs 93% lean ground beef
  • 1 cup minced onion
  • 1 cup diced red bell peppers
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup minced cilantro
  • 1 small tomato, diced
  • 8 oz can tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup alcaparrado, manzanilla olives, pimientos, capers or green olives
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 bay leaves
  • kosher salt and fresh pepper, to taste

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • large skillet
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Season generously with salt and pepper as it cooks.
  2. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon until no longer pink, then drain the excess liquid.
  3. Add the onions, red bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the veggies start to soften.
  4. Transfer the mixture to your slow cooker, then stir in the diced tomato, minced cilantro, tomato sauce, 1 1/4 cups water, and olives (plus a splash of brine, if you’d like).
  5. Sprinkle in the cumin, garlic powder, and toss in the bay leaves. Stir everything until evenly combined.
  6. Set the slow cooker to HIGH for 3-4 hours, or LOW for 6-8 hours. Walk away and let it do its thing!
  7. When cooking time is done, discard the bay leaves, taste, and adjust seasonings. I usually add a pinch more cumin and garlic powder.
  8. Serve it over brown rice, quinoa, or use it as a filling for tacos.

Notes

Pro tip: If you’re short on time, pre-minced garlic and frozen diced onions save you extra prep work without compromising flavor.