When we think of Thanksgiving, classic sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce often come to mind. But what if you could add a little twist to your table this year? Let me introduce you to Puerto Rican stuffing—a dish bursting with flavor and deeply rooted in tradition.
This isn’t your typical bread-based stuffing. Instead, it’s a savory picadillo-inspired filling that brings together ground beef, spices, and tender potatoes in a way that’s both comforting and exciting. For me, this dish is more than just a recipe—it’s a cherished family tradition.
A Taste of My Childhood
Growing up, Puerto Rican stuffing was always part of our holiday spread. My grandmother, who brought her culinary magic to every meal, would take picadillo—a classic Puerto Rican meat filling often used in empanadillas (turnovers) or pastelillos (small pies)—and transform it into a Thanksgiving side dish.
She added par-cooked potatoes, which gave the dish a heartiness that made it stand out from the usual sides. It was her way of blending Puerto Rican flavors with American traditions, and it was always the star of our holiday table.
Every bite transported me back to childhood memories of the beach in Rincón, Puerto Rico. I’d picture the surfers gliding over waves and the sun shimmering on the ocean, even as we sat in our New York or New Jersey dining rooms bundled up against the November chill.
Why Puerto Rican Stuffing Deserves a Spot on Your Table
Thanksgiving is all about family, tradition, and sharing dishes that tell a story. This stuffing does just that. While it pairs beautifully with turkey and other classic sides, it offers a unique flavor profile that will surprise and delight your guests.
Here’s what makes it so special:
• Flavor-packed picadillo base: The blend of ground beef, onions, garlic, and spices creates a savory filling that’s anything but ordinary.
• Hearty potatoes: The addition of tender potatoes makes this dish satisfying and substantial.
• A cultural connection: It’s a way to celebrate Puerto Rican heritage and bring something new to your Thanksgiving spread.
This recipe has become a staple in my own household, and every year, it’s the dish my family looks forward to the most.
The Recipe: Puerto Rican Thanksgiving Stuffing
Ready to try this unconventional side dish for yourself? Here’s how to make it:
Puerto Rican Stuffing
Ingredients
- 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
- 1 lb plain pork sausage
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1/2 white onion diced
- 4 garlic cloves grated into paste
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup sofrito homemade or Loisa Brand
- 2 tsp sazón homemade or Loisa Brand
- 1 tbsp salt
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 cup capers
- 1/2 cup pimento stuffed green olives halved
- 2 russett potatoes cubed and par boiled cooking liquid reserved
Instructions
- Par boil cubed potatoes (about 15 mins) and set aside
- Meanwhile in a heavy bottom pan, brown your beef and pork
- In a small sauce pan sauté peppers, onions, and garlic in extra virgin olive oil
- Add salt, sofrito, sazón, capers, olives, tomato paste and stir
- Combine sofrito mixture with the meat and add the potatoes
- Stir to combine, adding just enough reserved liquid to keep it loose
- Transfer to a baking dish and place in fridge
- Day of, place dish in 350F oven and bake until top is crispy (30-40 mins)
Notes
Let me know if you give this a try and be sure to keep following along with me at ericadawnliving.com ✨
