Beef Picadillo with Spaghetti Squash

  • Level: Easy
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Total: 35 min
  • Active: 35 min
A celebrated dish throughout Latin America, this picadillo pairs well with the mild, nutty flavors of spaghetti squash, which stand in for the rice and beans typically served.
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Ingredients

1 spaghetti squash (about 2 1/2 pounds)

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound ground beef

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 14.5-ounce can petite-diced tomatoes with green chiles

1/4 cup raisins

1/3 cup pimiento-stuffed olives, halved

1/3 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

  1. Halve the spaghetti squash lengthwise and remove the seeds. Put the squash in a large microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons water. Cover with plastic wrap and poke a hole in the plastic to vent. Microwave until just tender, 15 to 17 minutes. Uncover and let cool slightly. Scrape the flesh into strands with a fork. Transfer to a colander and season with salt and pepper. Let sit in the colander.
  2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic and a big pinch of salt; cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Increase the heat to high and add the beef; season with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cumin; cook until slightly darkened, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, raisins and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the sauce is thickened, about 8 minutes. Stir in the olives and half the cilantro. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Press down gently on the spaghetti squash to remove any excess liquid, then divide among plates. Top with the beef mixture and the remaining cilantro.

Let's Get Cooking!

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SLattrez

Ditto on the only other review here. Quick and simple and just so delicious. I chose to roast the squash at 425 cut side down oiled and seasoned for 45 mins while I made the topping. Didn't personally need the 1/2 cup of water with moisture already in the pot and from tomatoes. Didn't have to drain squash since I roasted either. Will def make again. Great flavors!

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