Name: Gluten Free Turkey Picadillo
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; 2 pounds of ground turkey; 1 onion (chopped); 1 green bell pepper (chopped); 1/2 teaspoon of salt; 24 ounce jar of gluten free marinara sauce (or homemade sauce); 20 green Spanish salad olives; 1/2 cup raisins

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Gluten free turkey picadillo is a super easy, sweet and savory meal! This recipe has been updated with step-by-step pictures so you can see how easy it is to make plus a cooking video (at the bottom of the recipe card).

Years ago when my children were small, we were at the park with some friends. The conversation turned to what we would make for dinner that night. One friend said, “I know what you can make: Picadillo.”

Ingredients

I quickly jotted down the ingredients: marinara sauce, ground turkey, an onion, a green bell pepper, green Spanish salad olives, raisins, and salt.

It’s always fun to try something new especially when it’s quick and easy.

This naturally gluten free turkey picadillo is lighter than the traditional beef or pork style because it’s made with lean ground turkey. The name comes from the Spanish word picar, which means to mince or to chop.

There are many versions of picadillo. This recipe is a fragrant stew of ground turkey simmered in tomato sauce with raisins added for sweetness and olives for salt. It’s an easy comfort dish, in Cuban style.

Another thing you’ll love about it: since you make everything in one skillet, clean up is super easy.

You can serve your picadillo with traditional beans and rice or tucked into a gluten free corn taco.

It’s so saucy, you can even serve it over pasta. The picture below is with Schar Gluten Free Multigrain Penne Rigate, but I prefer Schar Naturally Gluten Free Penne Rigate (Spanish macaroni). It’s less grainy.

Now you can make a homemade sauce or you can use your favorite gluten free sauce from a jar. Prego says it’s gluten free right on the label.

If you’re going to make homemade sauce, do that an hour before starting your picadillo and simmer it on the back burner of your stove.

Ready to make turkey picadillo? Let’s go.

Instructions

*Free printable recipe card is available at the end of the post.

Cook your ground turkey in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up with a spatula for 3 minutes. Add onion, salt, and green pepper and cook for 8 minutes.

Now add marinara sauce, olives, and raisins. These add brightness to the dish.

Then for a slow simmer, partially cover your skillet for 15 minutes while all the wonderful flavors meld together.

And that’s it. Easy peasy.

Pro tips and recipe notes

I use ground turkey in this recipe. Ground beef or ground pork also work well in this recipe.
I love this sweet and savory recipe. Feel free to change it up according to your taste. What would you include in your picadillo? Diced potatoes? Garlic? Cumin? It’s up to you.
You may choose to serve your picadillo with traditional beans and rice or tucked into a gluten free corn taco or you may prefer a side salad or green vegetable. And it’s so saucy, you can toss it with your favorite pasta.
If you’re low carb, just leave out the raisins and you’re good to go.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. It also freezes well.

Turkey picadillo is a sweet and savory meal your whole family will love.

What do you think of my friend’s recipe? What do you include in your picadillo? Diced potatoes? Garlic? Cumin? Leave me a comment. I’d love to know.

Happy cooking!

And if you have any questions, please reach out to me in the comments or shoot me an email, and I’ll respond ASAP!

More recipes with ground meat

Ground Chicken, Spinach Sauté And Tomatoes (30 Minute Meal) – This is a quick, easy, and delicious meal made with ground chicken, fresh spinach and crushed tomatoes. Yum.

Skillet Beef And Gluten Free Noodles – This is an instant favorite with kids (and grownups will love it too). And best of all, it only takes twenty minutes to make.

Gluten-Free Classic Italian Lasagna – Here’s your step by step guide with photos and tips to make amazing classic three-cheese Italian lasagna casserole with intensely flavored sauce, just the right balance of cheeses, chunky beef, sweet Italian sausage, and gluten free pasta.

Tastiest Low-Carb Keto Stuffed Cabbage – Whether you’re cutting out grains because of allergies, reducing carbs because you want to lower your insulin response, trying to lose those extra pounds still left over from the holidays, or you’re just looking for a super delicious comfort food, this low-carb keto stuffed cabbage is just what you need!

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