Instant Pot Picadillo
If you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and quick to make, this Instant Pot Picadillo will be your new go-to. It’s a classic Latin American comfort dish that combines lean ground beef, aromatic sofrito, diced tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and a medley of warm spices like cumin, Adobo, and Sazón. Finished with tangy green olives and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, it’s the perfect blend of savory, salty, and slightly sweet, a flavor profile that hits every note.
What makes this version stand out? The Instant Pot. It builds deep flavor in a fraction of the time, tenderizing the beef and infusing every bite with that rich, slow-simmered taste. Serve it over rice, tuck it into tacos, or spoon it alongside fried plantains, however you serve it, it’s sure to become a weeknight favorite.
What You Need to Make Instant Pot Picadillo
- Lean ground beef
- Sofrito
- Diced tomatoes
- Kosher salt
- Adobo & Sazón seasoning (@eatloisa recommended)
- Roasted red bell pepper
- Fresh cilantro
- Ground cumin
- Bay leaves
- Green olives + a splash of the brine
How to Make Instant Pot Picadillo
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Once hot, add the ground beef and season with Adobo & Sazón and kosher salt. Cook until browned, breaking the meat into small pieces as it cooks.
Step 2: Add the Flavor Base
Stir in the sofrito, diced tomatoes, roasted red bell pepper, and cilantro. Let everything sauté together for about a minute so the flavors bloom and the aromatics release their fragrance.
Step 3: Add the Spices and Olives
Add ground cumin, bay leaves, green olives, and two tablespoons of olive brine. Give everything a good stir to combine.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Seal the lid and cook on High Pressure for 15 minutes. Once done, you can either quick release or let the pressure come down naturally for a few extra minutes to deepen the flavor.
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Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Give the picadillo one final stir, remove the bay leaves, and garnish with extra cilantro if desired. Serve hot with rice, in tacos, or even spooned over roasted vegetables.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I make this on the stovetop instead?
Yes! Just cook the beef and aromatics as directed, then simmer everything over medium-low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
What is sofrito, and can I substitute it?
Sofrito is a blend of onions, peppers, garlic, and herbs used as the flavor base in many Latin dishes. You can substitute it with sautéed onions, peppers, and a touch of garlic if needed.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Both work great — just be sure to season well for full flavor.
What should I serve with picadillo?
White rice is classic, but it’s also delicious with plantains, beans, or inside empanadas.
How long does it keep?
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. The flavors get even better the next day!
Instant Pot Picadillo
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Press the sauté button on your Instant Pot or a similar setting on your stove. When hot, add the ground beef and season with @eatloisa adobo y Sazon, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small pieces, cooking until no longer pink.
- Add the sofrito, diced tomatoes, roasted red bell pepper, and cilantro. Stir for about 1 minute to combine the flavors.
- Add the ground cumin, bay leaf, green olives, and 2 tablespoons of the brine from the olives. Mix well.
- Cover and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. You can use either the natural or quick release method to release the pressure.
- Once done, give it a final stir, and enjoy!
