Basic Meat filling/ Picadillo

1 tsp Onion Powder
1 tsp Garlic Powder
3/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
1/4 tsp Ground Cumin Powder
1 tbs dried Cilantro
1 tbs dried Oregano
1 tbs dried minced onion
Adobo to taste
Red Pepper Flakes (optional/to taste)
2 tbs Oil
1 cup Recaito/Sofrito
4 oz or 1/2 cup Tomato Sauce
1 envelope Sazon with Culantro and Achiote
2 tbs chopped Alcaparrado
1 lb ground Beef, Chicken or Turkey

Place a large pan on medium heat. Pour in oil. When oil is hot, add in recaito/sofrito. After about 3 minutes add in alcaparrado with a little bit of the brine (liquid that comes with the alcaparrado) and let cook for about 1 minute. Then add in the sazon envelope. Mix well. Once mixed add in ground meat. Mix meat with sofrito and break down any lumpy parts. When all is incorporated add in all the spices at once and mix together. When the meat has begun to brown add in tomato sauce. Let cook uncovered on medium heat for about 10-15 minutes-- until meat is cooked completely through.

Note: For a saucer constancy (which is used to serve over rice) add in 1/2 cup more tomato sauce and a 1/4 cup low sodium chicken or beef broth. Cook until reduced to desired consistency.

Serving suggestions: You can used this basic meat filling for empanadas, tacos, rellenos or even over rice.