picadillo

American  

[pik-uh-dil-oh, pee-kah-dee-yaw, ‑-dee-lyaw] / ˌpɪk əˈdɪl oʊ, ˌpi kɑˈdi yɔ, ‑ˈdi lyɔ /

noun

plural

picadillos

1. a traditional Latin American and Spanish dish of ground meat, onions, tomatoes, raisins, olives, and spices.

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Example Sentences

The sweet-and-savory notes of the ground beef, raisins and olives in the picadillo mingle with the fries, making each bite a little adventure.

From Salon • Sep. 16, 2025

What was offered then — albondigas, picadillo and empanadas, among other treats — is familiar to us today, but not the name under which those eaters knew the cuisine as: “Spanish.”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 15, 2022

Pouches of meatless picadillo made with potatoes and peas; cauliflower tinga in a robust sauce; mushrooms in chipotle sauce; and beans and rice can take to the stove top or microwave.

From New York Times • Mar. 28, 2022

In South Florida, Cuban Americans have made Cuban pizzas trendy, tweaked with fried green plantains and picadillo ground beef.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 19, 2021

“Okay, mi amor. Your mom said there’s some picadillo in the kitchen. Tus padres won’t be back until later tonight. Eat, okay? Estás muy flaquito.”

From "The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora" by Pablo Cartaya