Beef Picadillo with Fried Egg

Name: Beef Picadillo with Fried Egg
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained; 1/2 cup green olives, sliced; 1/4 cup raisins; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon cumin; 1 tablespoon oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 eggs; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Homestyle Comfort Plates

I absolutely love making Beef Picadillo with Fried Egg, as it brings warm, comforting flavors to our dinner table. The blend of spices, combined with the richness of the beef and the delightful crunch of the fried egg on top, creates a balanced dish that’s hard to resist. Each bite bridges savory and fresh tastes, making it perfect for family gatherings or a cozy meal at home. Plus, it's relatively quick to prepare, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights!

Created by

Olivia

Last updated on 2026-01-20T12:38:29.269Z

Preparing Beef Picadillo with Fried Egg has become a family favorite of mine. I enjoy how the combination of ground beef, spices, and hard-boiled olives work together to create a beautifully complex dish. For added depth, I always incorporate a splash of vinegar to balance the fat in the beef—a tip I learned from a cooking class that has made all the difference!

One of the most satisfying parts of this dish is the fried egg topping. The yolk, when broken over the hot picadillo, creates a creamy sauce that enhances the flavor. It’s all about getting that perfect fry on the egg; I recommend using a non-stick skillet to avoid any mess while achieving that golden, crispy edge!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich and savory flavors that are both comforting and satisfying
The fusion of spices that makes each bite interesting
Topped with a perfectly fried egg for added texture

      

Building Flavor with the Right Ingredients

The choice of ground beef in this Picadillo dish is crucial for achieving a rich and savory flavor. I recommend using a blend with around 80% lean meat, as the fat renders down beautifully, enhancing the overall texture and moisture of the dish. If you're looking for a healthier option, consider substituting with ground turkey or chicken, but be aware that it may lack the depth of flavor beef provides—just be sure to add a little extra oil during cooking to compensate for the lower fat content.

Incorporating olives adds a briny, savory note, harmonizing beautifully with the sweetness of the raisins. As a variation, choose Kalamata olives for a stronger flavor or green olives for a milder touch. If olives aren't your preference, you could use capers for a similar saltiness or leave them out entirely, but this may alter the final flavor profile. Don't forget to taste as you go—this is key to ensuring all flavor dimensions are well-balanced!

Perfecting Your Technique

Sautéing the onion and garlic until they're soft and fragrant is essential, as it builds the aromatic foundation of the dish. Look for a translucent appearance in the onions—this should take about 3-4 minutes at medium heat. If they start to brown too quickly, lower the heat to prevent bitterness. I also recommend using a high-quality non-stick skillet, which prevents sticking while frying the eggs later and allows for easy cleanup after cooking.

When it comes to simmering the dish after adding the vegetables and spices, ensure you're using a medium heat setting. This allows the Picadillo to gently bubble, promoting flavor meld without reducing the sauce too much. If you find it too thick or dry after simmering, feel free to splash in a bit of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for a delicious Beef Picadillo with Fried Egg:

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1/2 cup green olives, sliced
1/4 cup raisins
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
4 eggs
Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure to have everything ready to create your Beef Picadillo!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your Beef Picadillo with Fried Egg:

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until softened. Stir in the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula.

Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Vegetables and Spices

Add the bell pepper, diced tomatoes, olives, raisins, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Mix well and let simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Fry the Eggs

In a separate skillet, heat a little oil over medium-high heat. Crack in the eggs and fry to your desired doneness, about 3 minutes for a runny yolk.

Serve

To serve, spoon the picadillo mixture onto plates and top each with a fried egg. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Enjoy your delicious Beef Picadillo with Fried Egg!

Pro Tips

For a little extra flavor, try adding a squeeze of lime over the finished dish. It complements the richness of the beef beautifully.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you're short on time, you can prepare the Beef Picadillo up to a day in advance. After cooking, let it cool thoroughly before transferring to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to deepen even more as they sit.

For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions. Place cooled Picadillo in freezer-safe bags, squeezing out excess air, and it can last up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as mentioned. You can also double the batch to ensure you have extras for those particularly busy nights!

Serving Suggestions

This Beef Picadillo pairs wonderfully with various sides. Serving it over a bed of fluffy rice is traditional, as the grains absorb the savory sauce perfectly. Alternatively, try it with quinoa for a protein-packed option or even lettuce leaves for a low-carb take. I love to sprinkle some sliced avocado or a dollop of sour cream on top to balance the dish’s richness with creamy freshness.

For a fun twist, consider using the Picadillo as a filling for tacos or empanadas. The ground beef mixture works beautifully wrapped in a soft tortilla or flaky pastry, making for a delicious handheld meal that’s perfect for informal gatherings or weeknight dinners with a twist.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken or turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey can be used for a lighter version of this dish.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ What's the best way to reheat the picadillo?

Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring often until heated through. Avoid microwaving for best texture.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the picadillo a day in advance and simply reheat it before serving. Fry the eggs fresh.