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Home » Recipes » Latin

Published: Oct 11, 2016 · Modified: Apr 10, 2020 by Nancy · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads

Cuban Style Turkey Picadillo

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This Cuban Turkey Picadillo is the ground turkey dinner recipe I make when I'm short on time and want a dish that's comforting, filling and interesting!

The combination of onions, tomatoes, warm spices, olives, and raisins never ceases to perk up my tastebuds ad turn even the dullest evening into an adventure!

Sweet, salty and spicy, Cuban Style Turkey Picadillo boasts long simmered flavor but it's ready in 30 minutes due to this secret ingredient.

I'm going to let you in on a little secret. If you take a peak into my freezer on any given day you'll find a treasure trove of interesting things - frozen paratha (cuz I'm too lazy to make it!) frozen hatch chiles (cuz I can't live without them) and... ground turkey.

Yep, it's one of my "go to" proteins for so many reasons! It takes on flavors like nobody's business, it's quick cooking and it's cheap!

And it's not boring! Especially when used in ground turkey dinner recipes like this Turkey Picadillo, Greek  Turkey Gyros with Tzatziki  or this Lemon Caper Turkey Pasta.

What you'll need for this Turkey Picadillo Recipe:

  • ground turkey
  • onions
  • canned tomatoes
  • garlic
  • ground cinnamon, cumin, cloves and nutmeg
  • sultana raisins
  • green olives
  • olive oil
  • red wine vinegar
  • salt and pepper
Overhead shot of the ground turkey, onions, tomatoes, garlic, spices, raisins and olives needed to make Cuban Style Turkey Picadillo.
Pantry friendly ingredients make this easy Cuban Turkey Picadillo a dish you'll make again and again!

Cuban Style Turkey Picadillo FAQ's

What is Picadillo?

A long simmered, savory beef stew made with chopped beef. The combination of raisins, olives and sweet spices reflects the Moorish influence on this dish.

What do you eat with Picadillo?

Just about anything! Rice, tortillas, potatoes and even pasta are great "go withs" for this ground turkey dinner recipe!

What does the word Picadillo Mean?

The word comes from the Spanish word "picado" which means chopped.

How to Make Turkey Picadillo:

  • Step #1 - Make the sofrito: Heat the olive oil in a large saute pan and cook the onions and garlic until they are soft and then add the tomato paste and continue to cook until the mixture is thick and fragrant.
  • Step #2 - add the turkey: Once the sofrito is cooked, add the turkey and saute until it's no longer pink.
  • Step #3 - add the tomatoes, vinegar, water and spices: Bring to a boil and then simmer until thick.
  • Step #4: stir in the olives and raisins and serve!

Other Latin Recipes!

  • Gazpacho - simple and refreshing!!
  • Pulled Pork Tacos - the ultimate pulled pork!
  • Pork Tostadas Recipe - a classic Tex Mex recipe!
  • Tamarind Margarita - sweet, sour and sultry, this margarita is a must make!
  • Mexican Corn Salad - the salad version of Mexican street corn!
  • Mexican Picadillo - beef, potatoes and carrots flavor this Mexican comfort food!

Cuban Turkey Picadillo:

This easy and flavorful weeknight wonder also freezes well so make a double batch!

If you liked this recipe, I would love it if you'd give it a 5 star rating!

Cheers,

Nancy

Cuban Style Turkey Picadillo

A Cuban classic updated for a weeknight meal, this 30 minute turkey picadillo has all the flavor of the original - zesty with a hint of salt and rich spices!
4.34 from 6 votes
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Course: main dish
Cuisine: Latin - cuban
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 245kcal
Author: Nancy Buchanan

Ingredients

  • 3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion cut into ½ inch dice
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 pound Foster Farms Organic Ground Turkey
  • salt and pepper
  • 4 large roma tomatoes OR one 14 oz. can diced tomatoes
  • 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • pinch of ground cloves
  • pinch of ground nutmeg
  • ¼ cup water
  • ⅔ cup sultana raisins
  • ⅔ cup pitted pimento stuffed green olives

Instructions

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium high heat.
  • Add the onions and saute for 6 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Add the garlic and continue to cook, stirring frequently, for another 4 minutes until the onions are soft and golden.
  • Add the tomato paste and stir, cooking for another 2 minutes until the tomato paste is caramelized.
  • Add the turkey and cook, stirring to break up any lumps for another 3 minutes.
  • Add the tomatoes, vinegar, spices and season with salt and pepper.
  • Add ¼ cup of water and stir to combine.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, and reduce to a simmer.
  • Cook, uncovered for 10 minutes, until mixture is thick.
  • Stir in the raisins and the olives.
  • Serve

Nutrition

Calories: 245kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 321mg | Potassium: 546mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 510IU | Vitamin C: 9.2mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 1.9mg
YOU KNOW I WANT TO SEE IT!Mention @Acommunaltable or tag #acommunaltable!

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More Favorite Latin Recipes

  • Sopa De Fideo - Mexican Noodle Soup
  • Mexican Beef Picadillo with Potatoes
  • Creamy Mexican Flan Recipe
  • Easy Gazpacho Recipe

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Silvia Fernandez says

    May 21, 2019 at 8:14 am

    Hi Nancy ,
    Is Thais picadillo good for filling up empanadas ? Or is it too watery ? I make baked empanadas not fried .

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      May 21, 2019 at 8:56 am

      Hi Silvia,

      I think this recipe would work great in empanadas. Since it uses turkey, there is definitely less liquid and it's definitely thicker than when I make it with beef. Since you'll be using it as a filling, I would use fresh roma tomatoes versus canned tomatoes since the fresh will have less liquid! I haven't made empanadas with this yet - (I know WHAT was I not thinking!!). I always get the best ideas from my readers!!!

      Reply
  2. Lynda S says

    July 02, 2020 at 4:03 am

    That looks delicious!

    Reply
  3. Ronnie says

    March 16, 2021 at 12:32 pm

    5 stars
    Really good and simple to make. Its a keeper!

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      March 19, 2021 at 3:12 pm

      I am so glad you enjoyed it!!

      Reply

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SALUD, BONJOUR AND CIAO!
Hi, I’m Nancy Buchanan! At A Communal Table, you’ll find simple, delicious recipes inspired by world cuisine.

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