Slow Cooker Puerto Rican Picadillo

• •1.5 lb Ground Beef (80/20)
• •1 tbsp Olive Oil
• •1 medium Yellow Onion (finely chopped)
• •1 medium Green Bell Pepper (finely chopped)
• •4 cloves Garlic (minced)
• •8 oz Tomato Sauce
• •0.5 cup Water or Beef Broth
• •0.5 cup Manzanilla Olives (pitted and sliced)
• •2 tbsp Capers (drained)
• •2 medium Small Potatoes (peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes)
• •1.5 tsp Adobo Seasoning (or to taste)
• •0.5 tsp Ground Cumin
• •0.5 tsp Dried Oregano
• •1 piece Bay Leaf
• •0.3 cup Fresh Cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
• •to taste Salt and Black Pepper

Instructions

1. 1

   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain off any excess fat and transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker.

2. 2

   In the same skillet (no need to clean it), add the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. 3

   Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker with the beef. Add the tomato sauce, water or broth, sliced olives, drained capers, diced potatoes, Adobo seasoning, cumin, dried oregano, and bay leaf. Stir everything well to combine.

4. 4

   Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully.

5. 5

   Before serving, remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.

6. 6

   Serve the picadillo hot with white rice, tostones, or crusty bread.

Chef's Tips

• 💡For an extra layer of flavor, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of a store-bought sofrito to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients in step 3.
• 💡If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking on high to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
• 💡This dish is fantastic for meal prep as it tastes even better the next day.