Ingredients for - Chef John's Picadillo

1. Olive oil 2 teaspoons
2. Ground beef (85% lean) 1 ½ pounds
3. Diced yellow onions 1 cup
4. Salt, plus more to taste 1 teaspoon
5. Freshly ground black pepper ½ teaspoon
6. Cumin 2 teaspoons
7. Ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon
8. Bay leaves 2
9. Cayenne pepper ¼ teaspoon
10. Garlic, minced 4 cloves
11. Red-wine vinegar 3 tablespoons
12. Crushed tomatoes 3 cups
13. Water ¼ cup
14. Currants or raisins ¼ cup
15. Sliced pimiento-stuffed green olives, or to taste ½ cup

How to cook deliciously - Chef John's Picadillo

1 . Stage

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break up into small pieces with a spoon or spatula as it browns. Cook until meat completely loses its pink color, 8 to 10 minutes. Add diced onion and salt. Cook until onions turn translucent, about 5 minutes. Add pepper, cumin, cinnamon, bay leaves, and cayenne pepper. Cook 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.

2 . Stage

Stir in red wine vinegar, crushed tomatoes, and water. Cook a few minutes while deglazing pan. Add currants; bring back to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and cook until meat is tender, 15 to 20 minutes.

3 . Stage

Gently stir in sliced olives; cover and cook another 10 to 15 minutes.