Brazilian Escondidinho de Carne with Creamy Cassava Purée

Name: Brazilian Escondidinho de Carne with Creamy Cassava Purée
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 500g ground beef; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 kg cassava (yucca root); 2 tablespoons butter; 200 ml heavy cream; Salt; 150g mozzarella cheese, grated; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

A Hearty Brazilian Shepherd's Pie

This traditional Brazilian dish combines a savory, spiced meat filling hidden under a creamy cassava purée.

1 h 45 min
6
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Meat Filling

500g ground beef

(or substitute with chicken or pork)

1 large onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper

to taste

3 tablespoons olive oil

For the Cassava Purée

1 kg cassava (yucca root)

peeled and cut into chunks

2 tablespoons butter

200 ml heavy cream

Salt

to taste

For the Topping

150g mozzarella cheese, grated

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Preparation

Preparing the Cassava Purée

Cut Cassava

Peel and cut the cassava into large chunks.

Boil Cassava

Boil in salted water until tender, about 20-25 minutes. Drain well.

Ensure the cassava is thoroughly cooked and not fibrous, which can affect the purée's texture.

Mash and Season

Mash the cassava with butter and cream until smooth; season with salt.

Use a hand blender for a super smooth cassava purée.

Preparing the Meat Filling

Heat Oil

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Sauté Vegetables

Add chopped onions, garlic, and bell pepper; sauté until softened.

Cook Beef

Add ground beef, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper; cook until the beef is browned and cooked through.

For a richer flavor, add a splash of white wine to the meat filling while cooking.

Cooking Process

Layer Meat Filling

Spread the meat filling in an even layer at the bottom of a baking dish.

Spread Cassava Purée

Layer the mashed cassava evenly over the meat filling, smoothing the top.

Add Cheese

Sprinkle grated mozzarella evenly over the cassava purée.

Plating & Serving