Potato and minced meat escondidinho recipe

The escondidinho is a classic Brazilian dish, known for its comforting combination of creamy mashed potatoes with a tasty filling. In this recipe, we're going to present a delicious and easy-to-make version: Potato Escondidinho with Ground Beef. Perfect for warming hearts on cold days or for celebrating a family meal, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Potato and minced meat escondidinho recipe

Potato and ground beef escondidinho is a true classic of Brazilian cuisine, bringing together comforting flavors in an irresistible combination. With its layers of creamy mashed potato and a generous filling of seasoned ground beef, this dish has the power to warm hearts and win over palates. Whether for a family gathering, a cozy dinner with friends or simply to satisfy that craving for home-cooked comfort food, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit at the table.

Ingredients

For the mashed potato

• 1 kg of potatoes (approximately 4 large ones), peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the minced meat filling

• 500g ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 1 large tomato, chopped
• 1 tablespoon of tomato extract
• Salt, black pepper and spices to taste (paprika, cumin, oregano, etc.)
• Olive oil for sautéing

For assembly

• Grated mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan (optional)
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Prepare the mashed potatoes

In a large saucepan, cook the potatoes in salted water until they are soft. Drain the potatoes and mash them with a potato masher or a fork until you have a creamy purée. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over a low heat and gradually add the milk, stirring constantly, until hot.

Pour the milk and butter mixture over the mashed potato and mix well until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Prepare the Minced Meat Stuffing

Heat a little olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.

Sauté the onion and garlic until soft and lightly browned.

Add the ground beef and cook until it is completely browned and cooked through.

Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste and seasoning of your choice. Mix well and cook for a few more minutes. Adjust the salt and pepper as necessary. Set aside.

Assembling the Escondidinho

Preheat the oven to 180°C. In a large baking dish or individual portions, place a layer of mashed potato on the bottom. Then add a layer of the minced meat filling on top of the mashed potatoes.

Cover the filling with another generous layer of mashed potato. Spread the grated mozzarella cheese on top of the mashed potatoes. If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Remove from the oven and leave to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Finishing and Serving

Before serving, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley to add color and freshness to the dish.

Serve the Potato Escondidinho with Ground Beef still warm, accompanied by a green salad or cooked vegetables, and enjoy a comforting and delicious meal!

With this simple and delicious recipe for Potato Escondidinho with Ground Beef, you can bring all the flavor and warmth of Brazilian cuisine to your table. Whether for a family meal, a special dinner or simply to warm the body and soul on colder days, this dish is sure to be a hit. Try it and be enchanted by the irresistible flavors of this classic combination!

Recipe for Ground Beef Escondidinho with Cassava

Ground beef and cassava escondidinho is a delicious and comforting variation on the classic Brazilian dish. Combining the juiciness of seasoned ground beef with the creaminess of cassava, this dish is a veritable explosion of flavors that will win over your taste buds. In this section, we'll take you step by step through how to prepare this irresistible recipe.

Ingredients

For the cassava puree

• 1 kg cassava, peeled and cut into pieces
• 1 cup of milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt to taste

For the minced meat filling

• 500g ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 chopped garlic cloves
• 1 large chopped tomato
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for sautéing

For assembly

• Grated mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan (optional)
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Preparing cassava

Put the chopped cassava in a large saucepan and cover with water. Add a pinch of salt. Place the pot over a medium heat and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cassava is soft enough to mash.

Drain the water and transfer the cassava to a large bowl. Using a potato masher or a fork, mashed potato the cassava into a creamy puree. Set aside.

Preparing the minced meat filling

Heat some olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until they are golden and soft. Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until it is completely browned and cooked through.

Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Set aside.

Assembling the escondidinho

Preheat the oven to 180°C. In a large baking dish or individual portions, spread a generous layer of mashed cassava on the bottom. Then add a layer of the minced meat filling on top of the mashed cassava.

Cover the filling with another layer of mashed cassava, making sure it is evenly distributed. Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese on top of the puree. If desired, add a layer of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.

Finishing and serving

Remove the escondidinho from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top of the escondidinho to decorate and add a touch of freshness.

Serve the "escondidinho de carne moída com mandioca" still hot, accompanied by a green salad or cooked vegetables, and enjoy a comforting and delicious meal!

Variations and Tips

Try adding other ingredients to ground beef stuffing, such as green corn, peas or chopped carrots, for an even more colorful and nutritious version. For an extra touch of flavor, add spices such as cumin, paprika or oregano to the ground beef stuffing.

If you prefer a lighter version, you can replace the minced meat with shredded chicken or mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Store leftover escondidinho in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

With this easy and delicious recipe for ground beef escondidinho with cassava, you can enjoy all the flavor and comfort of Brazilian cuisine in your own home. Try it and be surprised by the irresistible flavors of this traditional dish!

Origins, History and Curiosities about Potato Escondidinho with Ground Beef

Potato and minced meat escondidinho is an emblematic dish of Brazilian cuisine, which has conquered palates over the years with its comforting and tasty combination.

Origins of Escondidinho

Although escondidinho de batata com carne moída is widely associated with Brazilian cuisine, its origins can be traced back to influences from various culinary cultures. One of the theories suggests that the dish had its roots in the Northeast region of Brazil, where manioc, a root similar to the potato, is widely consumed. Over time, the potato became a popular alternative to manioc, especially in other regions of the country where it was more easily found.

Another hypothesis is that escondidinho was an adaptation of foreign dishes, such as the British Shepherd's Pie, which also combines mashed potatoes with minced meat. It is believed that European immigration to Brazil in the 19th century may have contributed to the introduction of culinary elements that eventually gave rise to escondidinho.

Regardless of its exact origins, escondidinho de batata com carne moída is today an integral part of Brazilian culinary identity, present on lunch and dinner tables and even at parties and special events.

History of Potato Escondidinho with Ground Beef

Although there is no clear consensus on the exact date when the potato and minced meat escondidinho was created, its popularity increased significantly throughout the 20th century. Initially, it was a simple and rustic dish, prepared in family homes and adapted according to the ingredients available in each region.

Over time, chefs and cooks began to improve on the basic recipe, adding new ingredients and cooking techniques to create more sophisticated and tasty versions of the dish. Nowadays, you can find a wide variety of variations of escondidinho de batata com carne moída, with different types of cheese, spices and even vegetarian substitutions for the meat.

The spread of escondidinho to other parts of the world has also contributed to its history. With the growing interest in Brazilian cuisine on a global scale, dishes such as escondidinho de batata com carne moída have gained prominence in international restaurants and gastronomic festivals, helping to spread its fame and popularity even further.

Fascinating Curiosities

Immersed in the cultural and gastronomic richness of Brazil, escondidinho de batata com carne moída is not just a dish, but a living narrative of traditions, regional influences and culinary creativity. 

Regional Variations

Like many Brazilian dishes, escondidinho de batata com carne moída can vary significantly depending on the region of the country. For example, in the North, it's common to find versions of the dish made with freshwater fish, such as tambaqui or pirarucu, instead of ground beef.

Cassava stew

Although the most common version of escondidinho is made with mashed potatoes, some regions of Brazil prefer to use cassava, also known as aipim or macaxeira, to create an even creamier texture and a slightly sweet flavor.

Vegetarian adaptations

For those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, it's possible to adapt potato escondidinho with ground beef by replacing the meat with ingredients such as textured soy protein, mushrooms or lentils. These variations maintain the taste and texture of the original dish, offering a healthier and more ethical option.

Popularity at June Festivals

In Brazil, potato and minced meat escondidinho is often served during the June festivities, a cultural tradition celebrated throughout the country. Along with other typical delicacies such as boiled green corn and canjica, escondidinho is part of the festive menu that attracts people of all ages to dance quadrilha, set off fireworks and celebrate Brazilian traditions.

Culinary versatility

One of the most striking features of escondidinho de batata com carne moída is its culinary versatility. As well as being adaptable with different types of meat, cheese and seasonings, the dish can also be served in individual portions, as appetizers at parties, or in family size, for a complete meal.

Potato escondidinho with ground beef is much more than just a food dish. It is an expression of Brazil's rich cultural diversity, combining culinary influences from diverse origins to create something truly unique and delicious. Its humble origins and history of evolution over time reflect the ability of cuisine to bring people together, tell stories and celebrate life. So the next time you enjoy a delicious escondidinho, remember the origins, history and curiosities behind this much-loved dish.

See also: Simple lemon tart with cornstarch: Here's how to make it

March 30th, 2024