Filipino Picadillo

This hearty, flavor-packed Filipino Picadillo is the ultimate comfort dish—savory, slightly sweet, and wonderfully satisfying. Made with golden potatoes, tender ground meat, plump raisins, and a rich tomato base, it’s all served over fluffy white rice and topped with a perfectly fried egg. Every bite is a dance of flavors, from umami-laced soy sauce and fish sauce to the subtle kick of chili garlic paste. Trust me, this one’s a keeper!

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Why You’ll Love Filipino Picadillo

• Balanced blend of savory, sweet, and umami flavors
• Customizable with toppings like fried egg, hot sauce, or plantains
• Made with pantry staples and fresh vegetables
• Perfect for meal prep—gets better the next day!
• Satisfying over rice and great with fried plantains

Ingredients

Rice & Oils

• Uncooked white rice
• Extra virgin olive oil

Vegetables & Aromatics

• Yellow potatoes, peeled and diced
• Carrots, peeled and diced
• Onion, diced
• Fresh garlic, minced
• Frozen peas, thawed

Proteins

• Ground beef (80/20)
• Ground pork
• Fried eggs (for serving)

Tomato Base & Seasonings

• Tomato paste
• Plum or San Marzano tomatoes (or canned diced tomatoes)
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Raisins
• Fish sauce
• Soy sauce
• Chili garlic paste
• Water

Optional for Serving

• Tabasco sauce
• Savory fried plantains

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Cook white rice according to package instructions. Fluff and keep warm until ready to serve.

Step 2: Sauté Potatoes and Carrots

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and carrots and cook until tender and lightly golden. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the onions and garlic until soft and fragrant.

Step 4: Brown the Meats

Add ground beef and pork to the pan. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until fully browned.

Step 5: Build the Flavor Base

Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes (with their juices if canned), salt, pepper, raisins, fish sauce, soy sauce, and chili garlic paste. Let it cook for 3–4 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 6: Simmer and Soften

Add the water and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow everything to soften and the flavors to deepen.

Step 7: Add Veggies

Stir the sautéed potatoes and carrots back into the pan along with the thawed peas. Let everything simmer uncovered for 5 more minutes to thicken and bring the flavors together.

Step 8: Serve with Toppings

Spoon the hot Picadillo over fluffy rice and top each serving with a fried egg. Add a few dashes of Tabasco sauce and a side of savory fried plantains for a truly comforting meal.

Serving Suggestions

• Add a squeeze of calamansi or lime juice for brightness.
• Double up on the fried egg if you’re feeling extra!
• Serve with sweet or savory plantains for a Caribbean-inspired twist.
• Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.

FAQ

1. Can I use only ground beef?
Yes! You can skip the pork and use all beef or substitute with ground chicken or turkey.

2. Do I have to use raisins?
Raisins add a subtle sweetness that balances the dish, but you can leave them out or swap for chopped dates.

3. Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Replace the meat with plant-based ground and use vegetarian fish sauce or soy sauce only.

4. What if I don’t have fresh tomatoes?
Canned diced tomatoes work beautifully—just include the juices for extra depth.

5. Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes! Store in airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.

6. What kind of rice is best?
Medium or long grain white rice works best, but feel free to use jasmine or brown rice if you prefer.

7. How spicy is it?
It’s mildly spicy from the chili garlic paste. Adjust the heat by adding more or less, or skip it entirely.

8. Can I make it ahead of time?
Definitely! This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.

9. What can I serve it with besides rice?
Try mashed potatoes, quinoa, or cauliflower rice as a base.

10. How do I get perfectly fried eggs?
Use a nonstick pan, crack eggs into hot oil, and spoon oil over the yolk for crispy edges and sunny centers!

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Conclusion

And there you have it—Filipino Picadillo in all its comforting, flavorful glory! Whether you’re digging in for a cozy family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this dish has everything you need: bold flavor, hearty ingredients, and that magic touch of home-cooked love. The combo of savory ground meat, tender veggies, and sweet raisins over fluffy rice (plus that golden fried egg on top!) is seriously irresistible. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going straight into your regular rotation.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Snap a pic, tag me, and don’t forget to add your favorite twist—extra chili garlic paste? A double egg? Fried plantains on the side? Yes, please!

Happy cooking, friend!

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