It is 6pm on a busy Tuesday evening. You are tired from a long day at work. Dinner needs to happen very fast for your family. This Puerto Rican Ground Beef is your new secret weapon.
It fills your kitchen with a warm, savory aroma. The smell of garlic and onions is so inviting. This recipe is a true family favorite in my house. It is simple, fresh, and very beginner-friendly to make.
You can have it on the table very quickly. Your family will surely ask for seconds tonight. It delivers the perfect balance of comfort and fresh flavor. Let’s get cooking this delicious meal together right now.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a total winner for busy families. It uses lean beef to keep things very healthy. The diced potatoes make every single bite satisfying. It is a great budget-friendly meal for any night.
You only need one large skillet to make it. That means very little cleanup for you later. It is perfect for those hectic weeknight dinners. The flavors are deep but the work is light.
Even picky eaters love this savory beef dish. It feels like a big, warm hug in a bowl. You get authentic Puerto Rican flavor without any stress. This dish is also known as Carne Molida Guisada.
Simple Cooking Steps
Making this dish is incredibly easy and doable. You start by browning the lean ground beef. Then you stir in the fragrant green sofrito. The tomato sauce and spices add beautiful golden color.
Everything simmers together in one single pan. The potatoes soak up all the delicious juices. Even if you are a beginner, you can do this. There are no complicated techniques required here.
Just simple steps for a fantastic, tasty result. It comes together in just about 35 minutes. You will love how tender and buttery the potatoes become. It is a stress-free way to cook dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple staples you likely have already. The sofrito and sazón provide an instant flavor boost for the meat.
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90% or higher lean)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup sofrito
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 medium potato, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup manzanilla olives, sliced
- 1 packet sazón with culantro and achiote
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup water
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the lean ground beef and cook until fully browned.
- Break the meat into small, uniform crumbles as it cooks.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary.
- Stir in the sofrito and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the tomato sauce, sazón, oregano, and garlic powder.
- Incorporate the diced potatoes, olives, and water into the pan.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and cover the skillet with a lid.
- Simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Remove the lid and cook for 2 minutes to thicken.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this warm over fluffy white rice. The savory sauce is perfect for mixing in. You can also serve it with sliced avocado. Sweet plantains make a wonderful side dish too.
It is a complete and balanced meal for everyone. Set the table and gather your loved ones. This is a meal meant for sharing together. It also works great for easy weekday lunches.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftovers stay fresh in the fridge for three days. Use an airtight container to keep it moist. The flavors actually get better the next day. It is a fantastic meal prep option for you.
You can also freeze this beef for later. It stays good in the freezer for two months. Reheat it gently on the stove top. Add a tiny splash of water if needed. This keeps the beef tender and juicy.
Tips for Best Results
- Cut your potatoes into small, even cubes for fast cooking.
- Don’t skip browning the beef thoroughly for the best flavor.
- Use a very lean beef to keep the dish light.
- Always peel the potatoes for a smoother, better texture.
- Add extra olives if you love a salty, briny kick.
- Keep sofrito in your freezer for quick future meals.
- Use a large skillet so the meat crumbles evenly.
- If you want more sauce, add an extra splash of water.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap beef for ground turkey for a lighter twist.
- Add diced bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
- Use sweet potatoes for a hint of natural sweetness.
- Omit the olives if your kids are picky eaters.
- Add a handful of raisins for a traditional sweet-savory flavor.
Common Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, this dish is perfect for making ahead of time. The flavors meld together beautifully as it sits. It reheats perfectly for a stress-free holiday or weeknight meal.
Is this dish spicy?
No, this Puerto Rican Ground Beef is not spicy at all. It is very savory and full of herbal flavor. It is safe for kids and those who dislike heat.
What is sofrito?
Sofrito is a fragrant base used in Latin cooking. It is made of peppers, onions, garlic, and cilantro. It provides a deep and authentic taste to the beef.
I hope this savory meal brings comfort to your table tonight. It is one of my favorite ways to feed my family fast. Happy cooking!
— Lidia
Puerto Rican Lean Ground Beef (Carne Molida Guisada)
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90% or higher lean)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup sofrit o
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 medium potato , peeled and cut into 1/4-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup manzanilla olives, sliced
- 1 packet saz ón with culantro and achiote
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup wate r
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the lean ground beef and cook until fully browned, using a spatula to break the meat into small, uniform crumbles.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary.
- Stir in the sofrito and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the tomato sauce, sazón, oregano, and garlic powder, stirring to coat the meat evenly.
- Incorporate the diced potatoes, olives, and water.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Remove the lid and cook for an additional 2 minutes if a thicker consistency is desired.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving with white rice.
