Have you ever found yourself craving a recipe that combines the creaminess of yuca (cassava) with the juiciness of seasoned ground beef? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Today, we’re sharing our incredible Yuca and Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie (Escondidinho) recipe. Get ready for an explosion of flavors and an irresistible texture.
Ingredients for the Yuca and Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie:
- 1 onion, diced
- A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1.75 oz (50g) bacon, chopped
- 2.2 lbs (1kg) lean ground beef
- 1 level tbsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- Fresh parsley and scallions, to taste
- 2.2 lbs (1kg) yuca (cassava), peeled and chopped
- 1 heaping tbsp salt (for boiling the yuca)
- 1 heaping tbsp butter
- 1 carton (approx. 7 oz/200ml) heavy cream or Mexican crema
- 3 tbsp cream cheese (or requeijão)
- Black pepper, to taste
- 7 oz (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- Dried oregano, to taste
Instructions:
- Sauté the onion in olive oil, then add the garlic, bacon, and ground beef.
- Season the beef with salt, paprika, tomatoes, and fresh herbs (parsley and scallions).
- Boil the yuca in salted water until very tender. Drain and mash it into a smooth purée with butter, heavy cream, cream cheese, and black pepper.
- In a baking dish, spread half of the yuca mash, add the ground beef filling, and top with the remaining mash and shredded mozzarella.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes. Garnish with oregano before serving.
- Enjoy!
Chef’s Tip:
A valuable tip to boost the flavor is to boil the yuca with enough salt. This ensures the purée is well-seasoned from the start. Also, make sure to preheat your oven for a quick and perfect golden finish.
Prep Time and Servings:
With an average prep time of 40 minutes, this dish serves 6 to 8 generous portions.
Fun Fact:
Did you know yuca (cassava) is a versatile staple ingredient consumed globally? Beyond being a great source of energy, it adds a unique, silky creaminess to dishes. In Brazil, it is known by different names such as aipim or macaxeira, depending on the region!
In short, our yuca and ground beef shepherd’s pie is a flavor explosion that is sure to win over your family. Whether for a cozy family lunch or a special dinner, this recipe is the perfect choice to impress. Give it a try and enjoy the magic of Brazilian-style comfort food!
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