Picadillo, a flavorful Cuban dish made with ground beef and a sauce made from simmering tomatoes, green olives, bell peppers, cumin, and spices is one of my family's favorite weeknight meals.
Trust me on this one, if you want a recipe the whole family will love, this is it! I grew up on this dish and my friends used to love eating over when my mom made it for dinner. This was probably one of the first recipes I ever learned how to cook and I make it at least once a month, although usually on the stove. (stove top version here) It's inexpensive, kid-friendly, freezer friendly and gluten-free.
I knew this would adapt nicely for the slow cooker, and I was right! In fact, I think it's even better since the lean beef cooks longer and becomes very tender the longer it simmers.
This makes a lot, so you'll get several meals out of it. We serve it over brown rice, we make tacos with the leftovers, and I am going to post a second recipe using the leftovers. Don't you love a recipe that can serve as two different meals!
Anytime you use ground beef in the crock pot, you'll need to brown it first on the stove. Since the skillet is already out, I threw the onions, peppers and garlic in with the meat to let the flavors bloom.
If you want to prep this the night before, the meat is fully cooked, so you can add all the ingredients into the crock pot, then refrigerate. The next morning plug it in and go to work, or go on with your day. When you come home, you'll just have to make some rice and a salad and dinner is ready!
By the way, lean beef is the meat of choice for this dish in my house, but you can also use lean bison or ground turkey if desired. Raisins are commonly added to this dish, but we prefer this without.
Slow Cooker Picadillo
Skinnytaste.com
Servings: 11 • Size: 1/2 cup • Old Points: 4 pts • Weight Watchers Points+: 4 pts
Calories: 170 • Fat: 7 g • Protein: 22.5 g • Carb: 4.5 g • Fiber: 1 g • Sugar: 1.5 g
Sodium: 237 mg (without the salt)
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
Directions:
Brown meat in a large deep skillet on medium-high heat; season with generously with salt and a little pepper. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat up into small pieces. When meat is no longer pink, drain all the liquid from pan. Add the onions, garlic and bell peppers to the meat and cook an addition 3-4 minutes.
Transfer the meat to the slow cooker, then add tomato, cilantro, tomato sauce, 1 1/4 cups water, alcaparrado (or olives) [I usually add some of the brine from the jar for added flavor] then add the spices.
Set slow cooker to HIGH for 3 to 4 hours or LOW for 6 to 8. After it's ready, taste for salt and add more as needed [I added a little more cumin and garlic powder at the end as well since the crock pot tends to mute the flavors of herbs and spices]. Discard the bay leaves and serve over brown rice.
Makes about 5 3/4 cups.
Serve this with 3/4 cups brown rice for an 8 point meal and a salad on the side.























This might be what's for dinner tomorrow! YUM!
ReplyDeleteMmmmm.. going to go pick up the ingredients and make this for dinner tomorrow! It reminds me a lot of a recipe that my father makes, only better!
ReplyDeleteThis looks delicious! Thanks for sharing. :)
ReplyDeleteThis looks really yummy! Any suggestions for substitutions for the green olives? Our family is anti-green olives :) Maybe some pimientos and a bit of pickle relish?
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the first dishes I ever learned how to cook and I wouldn't use pickle relish because it has a completely different taste profile. If you want to leave out the olives, I would instead just use capers and some of the brine. Hope this helps.
DeleteI would use pimientos and capers, that should work out perfect.
DeleteMy husband is the only one who eats the olives. I like the taste- found I really disliked without the taste. I cook with them, but just don't eat them.
DeleteI would suggest chopping them very small or grinding them up in the food processor. You'll get the flavor and not even realize than you're eating them.
DeleteThis looks delicious! I can't wait to try it!
ReplyDeleteThis looks amazing, and easy. Definitely going in my crockpot soon!
ReplyDeleteLooks great! I'm always looking for new crock pot recipes!
ReplyDeleteYou can also make it with ground Turkey. Just add a touch (3 tblsp) of cooking wine, white dry and half a tblsp more of cummin to the recipe.
ReplyDeletehow many points would it be with ground turkey? great idea!
DeleteI was looking for a way to break in my new slow cooker, gotta try this
ReplyDeleteOMG!!!! I love that you made a heatlhy version of this. Being Hispanic, this is such a popular dish and I love it even with some fideo.
ReplyDeleteWould adding potatoes increase it by many points?
Thanks Gina!
It will increase it, depends on how many you add. It also increases the amount it makes so maybe 1 point more?
DeleteThis looks so yummy! I was looking for crock pot recipes and this is it! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAm I the only person who really hates having to cook the food before adding it to the crockpot? I know it helps with the flavor, but for me the appeal of a crockpot is not having to get out a pan and dirty multiple dishes, but to be able to throw everything in at once and forget about it. That said, this looks delicious. But since I'd have to get a pan out anyway to make it, I would definitely just make the stovetop version. Thanks for posting so many delicious, healthy recipes!
ReplyDeleteIt only dirties one pot, no way around it, sorry! Stovetop is perfectly fine too, I do it all the time.
DeleteI'm just so lazy. I love the crockpot recipes where you throw everything in at the beginning and you're done. But obviously those willing to take the one extra step are in for a yummy dinner.
DeleteI hear your pain!!! So I just ordered a new slow cooker spent all of my Christmas money on it but since I use my slow cooker once a week so I think it is worth it (my old one is about to give out)! I ordered Cuisinart Multicooker but there is also the Ninja that does the same!
DeleteI have the ninja cooking system and you can brown the beef in there and then set it to crockpot!
DeleteGreat idea, about time someone came out with a slow cooker like that!!!
DeleteI have a multi-cooker also & love that I can brown in same pot then switch to slow cooker mode. I do find, however, that when on slow cooker mode, my dishes cook in less time than recipes call for.
DeleteHow can I print recipes without the 2 or 3 paragraphs of text that accompany them. The problem is that I print so many recipes because everything is so good that my book is running out of room. Thanks!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou have to use the print-friendly button below the recipe.
DeleteSo funny you posted this today because My meal plan for tonight is to make your stove top picadillo! I will try it in the crockpot next time for sure!
ReplyDelete:)
Deleteoh yum!!! i dont like olives but im still giving this one a whirl :)
ReplyDeleteYou can pick them out, but the recipe needs them for the flavor, so don't leave them out.
DeleteWe are not olive fans either, but the rest of the recipe sounds great. Does the dish taste like olives? It seems to me when we have olives on pizza, it over powers the pizza.
Deleteyou can leave it out if u want.... it only adds a little flavor but doesn't change the overall dish.
DeleteI don't think the dish tastes like olives at all - but I think it would definitely be lacking something w/out them. I made this last night using lean ground turkey.
DeleteI agree, it makes the dish and is subtle.
DeleteI'm thinking this would be delicious, but we don't eat bell peppers, so will be trying it without. Thanks for the idea! :-)
ReplyDeleteAdd the raisins in for a real treat. The dish is supposed to be sweet (raisins) and salty (olives).
ReplyDeleteOh my favorite!!! So excited to try this- thank you!
ReplyDeleteI've never had this... I can't wait to try it!
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking about giving this a try, maybe cutting in half since I'm cooking for two. I've heard this is a really good dish and made ww friendly, can't beat it!!!
ReplyDeleteFreeze the rest!
DeleteYou make me look forward to cooking dinner. I didn't think that was possible. Thanks for another great recipe!
ReplyDeleteQuestion! I am planning on getting a crock pot (just so I can make your recipes). When you add the ingredients, do you mix them before turning on the crock pot??
ReplyDeleteYes, I mix it and turn it on.
DeleteI LOVE picadillo!!! I like it as tacos, though. Making these with corn tortillas asap! :)
ReplyDeleteLOL. I read this as "armadillo" and not "picadillo" and was like thinking 'omg! who cooks with armadillo?! where can i find armadillo?!' :P
ReplyDeleteHope that makes someone else laugh too :)
Made me laugh, you're not alone!
DeleteThis looks delish! One question~ my husband is NOT a fan of cilantro. If I cut it out; would you recommend adding anything in instead? Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteI usually see parsley as a substitute for cilantro. We don't like it either!
DeleteThanks for the suggestion! This looks delicious but my husband I aren't cilantro fans either. Will definitely try with parsley!
DeleteI was thinking (I made it last night) that if I hadn't had cilantro in the house, the dish would not have missed it. It's such a small amount anyway I wouldn't bother buying a bunch just to use a tiny bit. Parsley would be a nice substitute tho
DeleteYou can totally leave it out, it's the olives that gives it the flavor.
DeleteWOW! YUM! I used to make a stuffed pepper recipe and the filling was similar to this. I will definitely be trying this one VERY soon! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWould you suggest adding sofrito?
ReplyDeleteCan't hurt!
DeleteThis is in my crock pot as we "speak" lol I cannot wait to eat it tomorrow for lunch. I am planning to have it with a multigrain tortilla for another 3 points.
ReplyDeleteThis makes me want to get a slow cooker...
ReplyDeleteYou can totally do it on the stove too.
DeleteI want to make this with ground turkey. I wonder how that would change the calories?
ReplyDeleteI have heard that some Crockpot brands do not recommend taking the stone insert directly from the fridge to to the crock (or they will crack from temp change), so if you prep it the day before you might want to keep that in mind! :) I can't wait to try this recipe though!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tara, I do it all the time! I guess I've been lucky.
DeleteYum! I love olives sooo much so this is right up my ally!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds so flavorful! I'm a bit new to cooking full out meals (I normally just stick to breakfasts and desserts) but this seems like a "somewhat" simple recipe to give a go!
ReplyDeleteI make your stove top version of this receipe all the time. I use boca crumbles to make it vegetarian and make them into empanadas. Like all your receipes my family loves it. I recently brought the empanadas to a party. They were a huge hit and everyone was shocked when I told them I made them because no one believed they were vegetarian.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this tip!! I am limit meat to once a week due to cholesterol reasons, so I will try this your way.
DeleteThis sounds great- could you freeze the leftover meat?
ReplyDeletei'm always looking for yummy & healthy ground beef recipes, thanks gina!
ReplyDeletexo julesinflats.com
The pictures is increasing my appetite and can't wait to try this recipe and get the taste of it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for such wonderful recipe!!
Making this today! Thank you!
ReplyDeletethis recipe looks great! but what a bummer the serving size is so small...
ReplyDeleteYou really wouldn't want more over a cup of rice.
DeleteSounds wonderful!! Loving the name!!!
ReplyDeleteGuys, instead of announcing to the world what you don't eat, chop the veg fine and expand your palate a bit.
ReplyDeleteHaha! YES! Why post something on someone's blog if you are just going to complain...
DeleteWow! I don't view it as people are complaining. People mention that the dish looks delicious but perhaps there is an ingredient that they don't care for and would appreciate a suggestion for a possible substitution. Even Gina mentions the dish is typically made with raisins but she chooses to leave them out in this dish due to preference. I don't see any issue with modifying a dish to personal taste and definitely don't view that as complaining!
DeleteAgreed. I don't understand why people dislike olives and peppers. This recipe had me at "olives" and "cilantro".
DeleteI do understand the cilantro thing though and asking if parsley is a decent substitute. For a lot of people, cilantro tastes like soap and it has nothing to do them just NOT liking cilantro, it actually is a genetic thing (related to taste buds.)
Thank you so much for your Crockpot recipes. They save a LOT of time during the busy work week.
ReplyDeletePicadillo is one of my favorite Cuban dishes but I haven't found one that substitutes well with ground turkey. I can't wait to try yours! <3 BTW...I'm not a fan of the raisins, either. I always omit them or pick them out. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI just posted my own version of this dish on my blog but with soy crumbles instead of ground meat. It was a big hit with our family, too.
ReplyDeletewww.cookandburn.com
Can't wait for your recipe book!! When is that due to come out?? :)
ReplyDeleteFall of 2014. Still working on it :)
DeleteI am going to buy a copy for everyone in my family! You are the best :-)
DeleteOMGosh...I am so excited for this recipe. I was born and raised in Miami Florida surrounded by wonderful Cuban friends and was always a fan of Cuban cooking. I moved to Utah where there is plenty of Mexican cooking but we both know they are NOT the same thing. I can't wait to make this. Thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteAlthough some people think all Latin food is the same, there are BIG differences between cultures and cuisines. Hope you enjoy!
DeleteI'm Cuban and I always make picadillo on the stovetop, thanks Gina for this recipe on the slow cooker!
ReplyDeleteAbout browning the beef, what I like about browning it first on a pan is that I hate a lumpy picadillo, so I throughly un-lump (is that a word?lol) first with a fork. More labour-intensive but that's the way I like it.
We never added cilantro to picadillo back in Cuba, but well if it works, it works! I don't add it to mine. A shame that some people do not like raisins because the raisins really make the dish.
Oh and if you can buy some cuban "vino seco" (a cooking wine, a popular brand is Edmundo vino seco) then we are reaaaally talking. Many Cuban dishes require a bit of vino seco, like our arroz con pollo ;)
Thanks for sharing! We add cilantro to everything in my house, I guess it's a Colombian thing but yes, it works :) I love Cuban food!!
DeleteThis looks great and inexpensive... thanks!
ReplyDeletewe love piccadillo - I cant wait to try this crock pot version!
ReplyDeleteThe BEST recipe ever! I also make it without raisins (can't stand it)and I also get different meals like you out of it including tacos. Don't know if you're going to be posting the other meal I make out of it is empanadas. Love this versatile recipe and the crockpot version DOES work as you said it makes the meat tender. Love your site...
ReplyDeleteLooks awesome! Think I'm going to try it with venison!
ReplyDeletePerfect!
Deletemy husband doesn't like olives is there a strong olive taste? Or do you think if I minced them i could disguise them?
ReplyDeleteLeave them whole, you can discard them after, they just add flavor too the dish, you don't have to eat them.
DeleteThank you Gina, I too am a big fan of Picadillo. I grew up on a similiar dish, but I love the addition of the briny bite of the green olives and I ALWAYS add some of the brine as well. It makes this dish. And you're right, it is delicious used as a leftover in other applications. One of my favs is baked in a crust like an Empanada. Muy Delicioso!!
ReplyDeleteMine too Kari!! : )
Deleteyum! I'm making this tonight! your recipes never disapoint! thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteAm I safe to assume that the Points + is not factoring in any rice? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYes, I mentioned below the recipe that if served with 3/4 cups brown rice it's 8pts plus.
DeleteWoops somehow I missed that. Thanks!
DeleteThis looks delicious! Can ground pork/chicken be replaced since I don't eat beef. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteAny ground meat would work :)
DeleteBy the way, for those looking for sweet (I personally prefer eating it with maduros on the side) without adding raisins (yuck!) the red peppers gives it a little taste of sweet, just sayin....
ReplyDelete@Jenn G: Thanks for the boca crumbles idea! You just made this doable for me.
ReplyDeleteBeing Cuban, I grew up on this dish. I make this at least once a week but I never thought of making it in a crock pot..thanks Gina! I made this for dinner last night and leftovers can be anything from empanadas to tacos but tonight I am making my boys favorite... I will be tossing it with some marinara sauce into some whole wheat pasta (without the olives and red pepper) YUM!!!
ReplyDeleteIf you were to use the raisins, how much do you think you'd add? I was thinking 1/2 cup.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds about right.
DeleteJust piled it all into the crock-pot... can't wait!
ReplyDeleteSmells great! It would be helpful if you could include the water in the list of ingredients. I almost overlooked it.
ReplyDeleteI actually just cooked mine today for the first two hours without the water...OOPS!
DeleteI am trying this with whole pork chops (I really needed to use them up tonight). We will see how it comes out. I browned them first and threw them in the pot, then added everything else according to the recipe. Hopefully the chops will cook down until super tender and everything will blend well. That's what I am hoping for anyway. When I have some ground beef I will try it again!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great recipe. Thanks so much.
ReplyDeleteI don't often buy or cook with ground beef, but this just sounds way too good to overlook! The olives are what especially caught my eye.
ReplyDeleteTry it!
DeleteAh the eternal struggle in our house, Raisins or no Raisins. I love them but my husband hates them. My Abuela also puts in potatoes, so good!
ReplyDeleteIf using ground turkey instead of beef, how many WW points would it be then?
ReplyDeleteOne of my friends from Puerto Rico served Picadillo from a mini crock pot with hearty corn chips at her recent party. It made a delicious appetizer! (She used Frito Scoops) Can't wait to try your recipe Gina. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYou could use the Goya Discsos and make baked empanadas with the leftovers.
ReplyDeleteI was just trying to think of what else to use the leftovers for! Empanadas it is!
DeleteI made this last night for dinner and my whole family loved it. I had ground turkey and only one pound of it so I used that but added black beans so that it would go a little further for my family of 6. It was so super duper! Thanks Gina :-)
ReplyDeleteMade this last night for dinner and it was great! Using the leftovers to make tacos tonight. Thanks for another amazing recipe!
ReplyDeleteMade this for dinner last night - yum! I adjusted the recipe a little bit based on picadillo I've made before - added raisins, allspice, and cinnamon. We also just used capers because olives are one of the few no-no's for my beau. Can't wait to see what you do with the leftovers! I might make these: http://yellebellyboo.blogspot.com/2011/09/picadillo-filled-eggplant-boats.html
ReplyDeleteMade it yesterday in the crockpot and it was a HIT!
ReplyDeleteIf I made this with turkey meat, what would the cooking time difference be in the crockpot?
ReplyDeleteIf I made this with turkey meat, what would the cooking time difference be in the crockpot?
ReplyDeleteSame time.
DeleteIs there much of a difference in taste using green peppers rather than red? Red peppers are quite expensive this time of year around here.
ReplyDeleteSlightly, I prefer red for this.
DeleteMaking this tonight. I forgot to get a tomato so going without and I am using ground turkey instead since that is what I had.
ReplyDeleteWe love picadillo in our house too, will definitely give this version a shot and make the stuffed peppers with the leftovers!
ReplyDeleteThis would also be good if you used Venison for those ladies with deer hunting hubbies = )
ReplyDeleteOh this looks delicious Gina! I've been wanting to make Piccadillo - love green olives!
ReplyDeleteThis was a big hit with my almost 6 year old. She had seconds and asked to take it for lunch tomorrow! I will be putting this in the regular rotation! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI used to put this in a thermos with rice for my daughter to take to school when she was younger. :)
DeleteHi Gina- my kitchen smelled so yummy this afternoon while the dish was cooking in the crockpot. This was my first time making this dish so I didn't know what to expect? I used one package of lean ground turkey which wasn't enough meat for the dish but it was all that I had on hand. However I filled the difference with a can of corn. I would definitely add more spices if you're using turkey, but otherwise YUMMY!! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteMade this tonight - very good! I also did a spinach salad on the side with red onions and mushrooms in a mustard dressing.
ReplyDeleteHi Gina,
ReplyDeleteI'm Cuban and when I saw the word Picadillo, I had to stop by and put up a post. If you want to go another level, we add raisins. And to cut the seasoning s down, we use Sazon, by Goya! It makes a world of difference. With that said, please keep the recipes comin.
Thanks,
Ben from www.crockpotking.com
Is the Point Value still the same if Lean Ground Turkey is used???
ReplyDeleteNot sure
DeleteI made this last night for lunch today. I tasted it before packing it away and MY OH MY, so flavorful!!! I can't wait to eat this for lunch today!
ReplyDeleteThis was awesome. We had it last night for dinner and I'm now eating it for lunch. Thank you so much for your great recipes. I have fixed many and they have all been great.
ReplyDeleteI think this dish looks great. Seems like a great freezer meal. Cook the meat mixture, dump in the spices and tomato sauce. Freeze half and prepare half.... Then when you want a supper fast supper just dump the bag of frozen ingredients in the crockpot and turn it on... You can even make your rice and freeze it. Just let it thaw in the fridge and then zap it in the microwave. I will have to try this. I don't care for olives but I think my kids might like them. Thanks Gina!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea, I usually just freeze it after it's cooked, then reheat it.
DeleteThis dish looks amazing! I know what I'm making tomorrow evening! Thank you for sharing! Love your blog, every dish I've tried so far is amazing!
ReplyDeleteI forgot the dried cilantro but I had already started it thinking that I had the right thing, which was sofreto, when I noticed what I really needed I asked neighbors nobody had it so I used the red cilantro and tomato packet (2) so I hope it turns out..thats the only thing missing. I've been waiting for 3 days to make this! I will let you know but I'm sure it will be good. Thanks for all the yummy recipes Gina, I made your white and chocolate cloud cookies, omg they were sooo good, the bad part was I couldn't eat just one!! :)
ReplyDeleteIt was sooo good, the only thing was it needed more salt..I thought so but my husband loved it!
Deletegreat, I make adjustments myself when I'm out of something, it works out fine.
DeleteMade this for dinner tonight. I didn't have a tomato so used a can of fire roasted diced tomato instead. Came out great. Thanks Gina, this is delicious!
ReplyDeleteIt's in the crock pot! Looking forward to it for dinner.
ReplyDeleteI am cooking this tomorrow!! I forgot to buy a can of tomato sauce :( But, i have tomato & basil Ragu spaghetti sauce. Is this okay as a replacement??
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't because it is seasoned with Italian seasonings.
DeleteI picked up the ingredients that I didn't have on hand to make it today. Of course, I didn't get a chance to prep the night before like I wanted to. I did want to ask. I have 2 lbs of lean ground beef. Do you think the portions of remaining ingredients can stay the same, like the tomato sauce or could there be too much liquid in the dish? I'm getting ready this prepped now so I can have a tasty dinner!
ReplyDeleteIt came out so yummy! I've been using the leftovers for tacos and I tried your crock pot stuffed peppers recipe.
DeleteSo YUMMY.. made it tonight served it on baked sweet potato. Hubby liked it too!
ReplyDeleteI can count the number of foods I don't like on one hand - olives and capers are both on the list. I added some diced jalapeños and the juice and it turned out wonderfully! I'm sure it altered the flavour profile a bit, but it was still delicious which is all that matters =) Thanks Gina, for another great recipe!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds really great. However, it would be super to hear from anyone who has actually MADE it.
ReplyDeleteThis was DELICIOUS!!!!! I had to tell my picky 3 year old it was Cuban "Sloppy Joe" haha!
ReplyDeleteThis was my sloppy Joe when I was a kid!
DeleteI actually MADE this and trust me I have the two pickiest eaters out there - in fact I have started to document what we eat in hopes of turning our unhealthy eating habits around as a family so thank you for the tip, I'll revist for more!!
ReplyDeletewww.colorushealthy.com
We were given elk meat. Does anyone know if it will taste and cook the same in this? We were told you can't tell a difference but I've only ever had elk steaks and I could (they were good, but you could tell a difference).
ReplyDeleteJust made it and my 9 and 10 year olds made me promise they could take the leftovers for lunch tomorrow! It was awesome. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteMade this on Sunday with ground Turkey. It was fantastic! Had it with brown rice last night and will try it in some burritos during the week. LOVE IT!
ReplyDeleteI made this Sunday on the stovetop and let it simmer for a few hours. I used manzanilla olives stuffed with pimento and added some capers to make 1/4 cup. Served it over brown rice. My three children, ages 15, 14, and 4, and my husband and I really enjoyed it! The kids removed the olives but there are so few in the recipe that it wasn't a big deal. We used the leftovers on Monday for tacos and taco salads. Great way to get two meals out of one effort!
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if it is okay if it cooks on low in the crock pot for 9-10 hours. I work a bit away from where I live and wouldn't be able to come back at 6 hours.
ReplyDeleteWill it still be okay?
Sure, I think it would be ok.
DeleteWould freezing the leftovers work?
ReplyDeleteYes, it freezes great.
DeleteMade this last week, so good. May try it with the raisins next time. Love your recipes, my daughter found the website in October and I've been using it several times a week ever since. Our entire Christmas dinner was made using skinnytaste, including the dessert. I complain at all of the steps to making these recipes, but, without the work, the food would not taste as good as it does. 4 kids, ages 7 to 20 and all love the food. Can't wait for the cookbook!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisa!
DeleteI made this tonight for dinner and put it over top of quinoa. IT WAS DELICIOUS and SO FILLING!
ReplyDeleteI also cooked it over the stove and used diced, canned tomatoes since I didn't have tomato sauce without seasonings. It had such a nice flavor. THANK YOU!!
Made this last night. It was awesome!! The whole family loved it. Unfortunately we loved it so much there weren't enough left overs to make another dinner:( Thanks Gina, another home run!!
ReplyDeleteI made this tonight and it was so tasty. The only difference to the recipe was I added raisins and used basmati rice. This is a keeper. Thanks
ReplyDeleteI make lots of things from your site and my husband wanted me to come and comment on this to let you know how much he loved it. I thought he wouldn't like, but he did! My two year old wouldn't stop eating it! Thanks for all your wonderful recipes, I talk about you non stop to people! Can't wait for the cookbook!
ReplyDeleteKids love this recipe! This is probably both my children's favorite dish. Tell your husband I am so glad he liked it! :)
DeleteMade this two nights ago and was a huge hit! I have class on Tuesday nights so I made this for my husband to feed himself and my 5 year old. My 5 year old even had seconds he loved it so much! I think next time I would up the amount of cumin though, I think it needed a little more. But definitely delicious!
ReplyDeleteYes, the slow cooker mutes the seasoning, so I always add more at the end to taste.
DeleteDoes your point calculation include the rice? This looks delicious! Thanks for posting!
ReplyDeleteNot, rice is extra.
DeleteThis is yummy! I have it in the crockpot right now but had to taste it! Delicious! I used broth instead of the water to increase flavor. Yum!!!
ReplyDeleteSo excited to have this tonight - it's in the crockpot now! I just tracked it on my meals for the day and can't wait to have it in a few hours.
ReplyDeleteI will have to try this. Never heard of it before but it looks very yummy. I'm count points and I love your site..
ReplyDeleteLove this. I'm trying it tonight. My Cuban FIL used to make this all the time. I hope my husband likes it!
ReplyDeleteHi Gina!
ReplyDeleteJust curious why ground beef needs to brown before using the crock pot. Is it a sanitary issue or is best for the type of meat. I just cooked ground beef with spaghetti sauce the other day and it came out fine. The meat was even frozen when i put it on the crock pot. No one got sick :)
I base my weekly menu on your recipes, love them! Thank you!
It's for taste mostly, it should brown first, and be seasoned with salt. Does it not come out like a giant meatloaf if you throw it in uncooked?
DeleteIt does cook as a lump of meat but i usually poke it with a fork and i use a potato smasher minutes before we serve and it works. Im glad to know im not breaking a big rule in cooking or something like that. Thanks for your reply!
DeleteThe reason I personally wouldn't do this is because I feel the seasoning wouldn't be even throughout, and I like the flavor you get from browning on high heat, but that's just me.
DeleteI made this over the weekend and we thought it was delicious. I served it on top of spaghetti squash and am having the last of it for lunch today
ReplyDeleteI couldn't find alcaparrado so just made my own blend of green olives and capers.
I think it would be tasty on a thin bun as a sandwich.
Hi Gina!
ReplyDeleteI made this for my husband and I last night and we loved it! We're very excited to try the 'Stuffed Peppers' with the leftover 'Picadillo' tonight! I'm so happy that I stumbled upon your blog. Your recipes are amazing and SO many to choose from!
My husband is Celiac and Prediabetic. I've been cooking GF for over 9 years and have been cooking healthy and low fat for over 20 years (since our daughter was 2).
I've been cooking this way long enough that I can now take most recipes and make them GF and healthy. I'm always excited to prove that Gluten Free and Low Fat/Carb can really taste good!
My husband loved this but it was very wet, almost like a loose chili. I think I'll use less water next time. I'm going to make empanadas with the leftovers for tonight's dinner.
ReplyDeleteIt's supposed to be that way, the rice is lovely with it but if you like it drier, less water is the answer.
DeleteIf I cut the recipie in half does the cooking time change?
ReplyDeleteNo, same cooking time.
DeleteI just wanted to say "Thank You!" for your recipes. I made this one yesterday and my boyfriend loved it. I had gastric bypass surgery in August and your recipes have helped me enjoy foods that I wouldn't normally be able to enjoy. I need to stick to everything I put in my body being under 10g fat and 10g of sugar. I have made the mozzarella sticks, breaded zucchini, chicken nuggets, stuffed pepper soup (sans rice for me) and am looking forward to cooking many more dishes. Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, so happy you're enjoying them!
DeleteThis was soooo good! We couldn't find the olive mix, but I had capers and we bought green olives. We don't like olives normally, but they cook down so nicely in this dish and add such a lovely flavor. Wonderful as leftovers as well!
ReplyDeleteTried this last night as the snow began here in NJ....delish!! As other have mentioned, it is a personal preference but next time, I will omit the cilantro altogether, the cumin was more than enough for me. May try throwing raisins in, after reading the sweet/salty comments. I LIKE when people add their preferences; if you don't agree, then find one you do agree with and try it. Gina,you are a doll, please keep up the fab work. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI get great ideas from comments myself. Glad you enjoyed!
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ReplyDeleteI'm a weight watcher leader, and can't wait to tell my members next week which new skinnytaste recipe I tried this week! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK GINA! :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Mark!!
DeleteIt's in my crock pot now. I love your site. It's helping me view being on weight watchers as a way of life. I love easy, delicious recipes and yours never disappoint.
ReplyDeleteI'm so grateful for this site. I've made 3 meals so far and have gotten so many compliments from my fam and co-workers. This is the first recipe I attempted and it tasted as good as it looked! Thanks again!
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