Sweet Potatoes with Cuban-Style Beef Picadillo
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 28 Jan 2026
Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines
- DownloadDownload
- Share
- Language
- Discussion
- Audio Version
- Add to preferred sources on Google
This vibrant high-protein dish brings a taste of the Caribbean to your kitchen, pairing the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with a savoury Cuban-style beef picadillo. The filling is a sophisticated blend of lean minced beef, warm aromatic spices, and a unique combination of salty olives and tart dried cherries. Traditionally served with rice, using the sweet potato as a base adds a nutritious, fibre-rich twist that complements the spiced mince perfectly.
Ideal for a satisfying midweek dinner or a nutritious post-workout meal, this recipe is both wholesome and incredibly easy to assemble. The piquant capers and dry sherry provide a bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the beef, creating a well-balanced meal. Serve with a crisp green salad or a dollop of soured cream for a fresh, homemade finish.
Ingredients for Sweet Potatoes with Cuban-Style Beef Picadillo
4 medium sweet potatoes
2 teaspoons olive oil
120ml finely chopped onion
2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
350g 90-percent-lean beef mince
40g dry sherry
110g canned crushed tomatoes
40g dried cherries, roughly chopped
40g pimento-stuffed green olives, sliced in rounds
1 tablespoon capers
1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander, plus more leaves for serving
How to make Sweet Potatoes with Cuban-Style Beef Picadillo
Heat oven to 425°. Pierce potatoes all over with a fork and place on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet; bake until tender, 50 minutes. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Cook onion until soft, 4 minutes. Add garlic, cumin and cinnamon; cook, 1 minute. Add beef and cook through, 5 minutes. Add sherry and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Add tomatoes, cherries, olives, capers and salt; reduce heat and simmer, 5 minutes; stir in chopped coriander. Slice open potatoes and mash insides with a fork; divide beef mixture and coriander leaves among potatoes.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
About the authorView full bio

UK recipe editors
About the reviewerView full bio

UK recipe editors
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
Article also available in English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Hindi, Hebrew, Arabic, and Swedish.
28 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editorsPeer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

Ask, share, connect.
Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

Feeling unwell?
Assess your symptoms online for free
Sign up to the Patient newsletter
Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.
By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.