Filipino Picadillo (ground beef, vegetables, and a mix of spices)
Hi, I’m Krizell, a third culture kid and second-generation Filipino American. I’m passionate about preserving our Filipino heritage through food and hope you give these recipes a try!
Krizell•
January 2, 2026
Filipino Picadillo is a savory dish with Spanish origins that reflects the blend of culinary traditions from the Philippines' colonial past. Typically made with ground beef, vegetables, and a mix of spices, this dish often includes ingredients like potatoes, raisins, and bell peppers, giving it a unique sweet-savory flavor. I prefer to cook Picadillo as a simple one-pot meal, which not only makes preparation and cleanup easier but also keeps it budget-friendly. This method allows for a quick and satisfying dinner using readily available ingredients. And for the record – I am team #noraisins 😀
In a pan over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil (1 Tbsp). Add the onions (½) and garlic (4 cloves), and cook until softened.
Add the ground meat (1 lb) and cook until browned.
Stir in the tomatoes (2), potatoes (2 medium), soy sauce (1 Tbsp), oyster sauce (1 Tbsp), fish sauce (to taste), chicken bouillon (1 Tbsp), tomato sauce (½ cup), and water (1 cup). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Add the frozen vegetables (1 bag), raisins (¼ cup) and green olives (¼ cup) (if using). Cover and simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked through.
Continue to simmer until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. Adjust the seasoning to taste with additional fish sauce (to taste), and salt and pepper (to taste) if needed. Feel free to adjust the flavors by adding more water if the dish is too salty, more fish/soy/oyster sauce if you prefer a stronger flavor, or extra tomato sauce if desired. That’s the beauty of cooking—customize it to your taste! 😊
In lieu of chicken bouillon powder and water you can substitute for broth.
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