Craving something hearty, flavorful, and easy to make for dinner? Enter the Cuban Picadillo Rice Bake, a vibrant twist on the traditional Cuban picadillo. This dish takes the comforting flavors of ground beef, savory spices, and sweet raisins, combines them with perfectly cooked rice, and transforms them into a one-bake wonder. It's an ideal recipe for busy weeknights or gatherings when you want to impress with minimal effort.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor – The combination of briny olives, sweet raisins, and aromatic spices creates a mouthwatering balance.
- One-Dish Wonder – All components bake together, making cleanup a breeze.
- A Modern Classic – This version puts a fun, baked twist on the traditional Cuban picadillo.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it great for weekly meal planning.
Now, let's get started on this irresistible Cuban-inspired rice bake.
Ingredients
Here’s what you'll need to make your Cuban Picadillo Rice Bake:
For the Picadillo Filling
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1/3 cup green olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Rice Bake
- 2 cups cooked white or yellow rice (leftover rice works perfectly!)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly with oil or cooking spray.
2. Cook the Picadillo Filling
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, olives, raisins, and all the spices (cumin, paprika, cinnamon, oregano). Season with salt and pepper.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes until the flavors meld together and the mixture thickens.
3. Assemble the Rice Bake
- Spread half of the cooked rice evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
- Spoon the picadillo mixture on top of the rice, spreading it evenly.
- Layer the remaining rice on top of the picadillo filling.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
4. Bake It
Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve & Enjoy
Remove from the oven, sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a fresh finish, and serve warm. Pair it with a crisp side salad or fried plantains for a complete Cuban-inspired meal.
Tips for Success
- Make It Your Own – Feel free to swap beef for ground chicken or turkey, and adjust the level of sweetness and spice to suit your palate.
- Rice Options – While white rice is traditional, yellow rice or even cauliflower rice can be a fun twist.
- Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
Final Thoughts
This Cuban Picadillo Rice Bake is more than just a meal—it's a culinary trip to the heart of Cuba, all wrapped in a cozy, casserole-style dish. Whether prepped for family dinner or savored as leftovers, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of bold flavors and practicality.
Give it a shot, and don’t forget to share your creations! Tag us or comment below with your thoughts. ¡Buen provecho!
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