Picadillo Cubano (Cuban seasoned ground beef)

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups onion, diced
2 cups green pepper, seeded and finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 pounds ground beef
3 large roma tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped
1 teaspoon cumin, ground
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 cup green olives, chopped
1/3 cup raisins
1/2 teaspoon salt and black pepper (to taste)

 

Sauté onion and green pepper in olive oil in a large frying pan for about 5 minutes, until the onion is softened, then add the garlic and ground beef.

Mash the onion and green pepper into the sautéing meat and cook until the meat is browned, about 5 minutes.

Add the tomatoes, cumin, cinnamon, cloves (optional) and oregano. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for about 15 minutes.

Add olives and raisins and simmer 5 minutes longer. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve over rice or use for empanada fillings or for Puerto rican Pionono.