Name: Turkey Picadillo
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1.33 lb 93% lean ground turkey; 4 oz tomato sauce (1/2 can); 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp ground cumin; 2 small bay leaves; 2 tbsp green Spanish pitted olives; 2 tbsp olive brine; 1 medium tomato (chopped); 0.5 medium onion (finely chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tbsp red bell pepper (finely chopped); 2 tbsp cilantro (optional)

Turkey Picadillo is a comforting, vibrant dish that brings together the warmth of cumin, the brightness of tomatoes, and the salty tang of green Spanish olives in a savory ground turkey base. This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic Latin-inspired meal with a lighter, lean protein that’s both flavorful and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or prepping meals for the week ahead, Turkey Picadillo offers a delicious and wholesome experience that’s sure to please.

Ground turkey serves as a versatile canvas, soaking up the rich tomato sauce and aromatic spices, while the finely chopped veggies add texture and freshness. The subtle briny touch from the olive brine elevates the dish, creating a balance between savory and tangy that’s simply irresistible. Let’s dive into what makes this Turkey Picadillo so special and how you can effortlessly bring it to your table tonight.

Why Cooks Rave About It

Turkey Picadillo is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s praised for its quick preparation time without sacrificing depth of flavor. The lean ground turkey makes it a healthier alternative to traditional versions that use beef or pork, but it doesn’t skimp on taste. The layering of cumin, bay leaves, and garlic creates a fragrant base that permeates every bite.

Cooks love how adaptable this recipe is. It works beautifully served over rice, tucked into tortillas, or even spooned over Loaded Cheddar Mashed Potatoes for a hearty twist. Plus, the recipe uses simple pantry staples, making it accessible for busy weeknights or last-minute meal planning. The inclusion of green Spanish olives and their brine adds an unexpected pop of flavor that elevates the whole dish in a way that makes it uniquely memorable.

Ingredient Notes

1.33 lb 93% lean ground turkey: Choose a lean ground turkey for a juicy yet healthy base. The 93% lean variety strikes a perfect balance between moisture and fat.
4 oz tomato sauce (1/2 can): Tomato sauce forms the rich, tangy backbone of the dish. Use a high-quality canned tomato sauce for the best flavor.
1 tsp kosher salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors in the dish. Adjust to taste if you prefer less sodium.
1 tsp ground cumin: This warm, earthy spice infuses the dish with a classic Latin flavor that’s hard to beat.
2 small bay leaves: Add a subtle herbal note and depth to the sauce as it simmers.
2 tbsp green Spanish pitted olives + 2 tbsp brine: These olives bring a briny, slightly bitter element that balances the richness of the tomato and turkey.
1 medium tomato: Fresh tomato chunks add texture and a burst of natural sweetness.
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped: Onion provides a foundational sweetness and aroma once sautéed.
2 cloves minced garlic: Garlic amps up the savory flavors and gives the dish a wonderful fragrance.
2 tbsp red bell pepper, finely chopped: Adds color, crunch, and a mild sweetness.
2 tbsp cilantro (optional): Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbal finish that complements the warm spices.

Cook’s Kit

Large skillet or sauté pan: Ideal for browning the turkey and simmering the sauce evenly.
Sharp chef’s knife: For finely chopping onion, bell pepper, tomato, and garlic.
Cutting board: To prep all your fresh ingredients safely.
Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the picadillo as it cooks.
Measuring spoons: To ensure accurate seasoning with salt and cumin.
Can opener: Needed to open the tomato sauce can.

The Method for Turkey Picadillo

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by finely chopping the onion, red bell pepper, tomato, and mincing the garlic cloves. Pit and roughly chop the green Spanish olives if they aren’t already pitted. Having everything ready to go will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey

Heat your skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it’s no longer pink and just starting to brown, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds the foundation of flavor, so don’t rush it.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Push the turkey to one side of the skillet and add the finely chopped onion, red bell pepper, and garlic to the other side. Sauté until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, roughly 3-4 minutes. This brings sweetness and depth to the dish.

Step 4: Add Tomato and Spices

Stir in the fresh chopped tomato, tomato sauce, kosher salt, ground cumin, and bay leaves. Mix everything well to combine. The tomato sauce will create a rich, slightly thickened base for the picadillo.

Step 5: Incorporate Olives and Brine

Add the green Spanish olives along with the olive brine. The brine intensifies that salty, tangy flavor which makes this dish so unique. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.

Step 6: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet partially and let the picadillo cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 7: Finish with Fresh Cilantro (Optional)

Just before serving, stir in fresh cilantro if you like a burst of herbal brightness. Remove the bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed.

Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions

Ground chicken or lean beef: Can be swapped for ground turkey if preferred or for a different flavor profile.
Crushed tomatoes instead of tomato sauce: For a chunkier, fresher texture.
Regular table salt instead of kosher salt: Use about half the amount, as table salt is finer and more concentrated.
Fresh oregano or thyme instead of bay leaves: Adds a slightly different but complementary herbaceous note.
Capers instead of green olives: For a similar briny punch with a bit more tartness.
Parsley instead of cilantro: If you’re not a fan of cilantro’s distinctive flavor, parsley works well as a fresh garnish.

Recipe Notes & Chef’s Commentary

Don’t skip the olive brine: It’s a secret ingredient that adds a wonderful depth and complexity to the dish.
Adjust spice levels: If you want a little heat, add a pinch of red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce during the simmering step.
Texture matters: Finely chopping the vegetables ensures they cook evenly and blend seamlessly into the picadillo.
Make it ahead: Turkey Picadillo tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld, making it perfect for meal prep.
Serving suggestions: Spoon it over rice, stuff it in warm tortillas, or for a cozy comfort meal, serve alongside Skillet Ground Turkey Stroganoff or pair with Loaded Cheddar Mashed Potatoes.

Storage Pro Tips

Store leftover Turkey Picadillo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully on the stove or in the microwave. To freeze, place portions in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This dish also freezes well thanks to the tomato sauce base, which helps retain moisture and flavor.

Helpful Q&A

Can I make Turkey Picadillo in advance?

Absolutely! Turkey Picadillo is a great make-ahead meal. The flavors deepen and improve after sitting overnight in the refrigerator. Simply reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

What can I serve with Turkey Picadillo?

This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice, warm tortillas, or creamy mashed potatoes. For a hearty meal, try it alongside Garlic Butter Steak Bites With Potatoes or your favorite roasted vegetables.

Can I use fresh tomatoes only instead of canned tomato sauce?

Yes, you can substitute canned tomato sauce with fresh tomatoes, but you might need to cook it down longer to achieve a thick sauce consistency. Blending the fresh tomatoes into a sauce-like texture before adding can help.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

While this recipe centers on ground turkey, you can make a vegetarian version by substituting with crumbled firm tofu, tempeh, or cooked lentils. Adjust the cooking times accordingly and ensure the seasoning remains balanced.

Similar Recipes

Skillet Ground Turkey Stroganoff – A creamy, comforting turkey dish perfect for cozy dinners.
Loaded Cheddar Mashed Potatoes – The ultimate side to pair with your Turkey Picadillo.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites With Potatoes – A hearty meat and potatoes dish with rich garlic flavor.

Time to Try It

Gather your ingredients and set aside about 30 minutes to create this delicious Turkey Picadillo. The process is straightforward, and the payoff is a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Don’t hesitate to customize the recipe with your favorite herbs or vegetables, and enjoy the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen as it simmers.

This dish is a fantastic way to introduce more wholesome, lean proteins into your meal rotation without sacrificing any flavor. Once you try it, Turkey Picadillo might just become one of your go-to comfort meals!