Teresa's Recipes
Pastel de Papas
Pastel de Papas, a beloved Argentine dish, is a comforting casserole that showcases the rich flavors of ground beef layered beneath creamy mashed potatoes and gooey cheese. This hearty meal, often enjoyed during family gatherings, embodies the essence of traditional Argentine cuisine. The combination of spices like cumin and paprika gives it a warm and inviting aroma, while the golden, cheesy topping creates an irresistible crust that promises delight in every bite.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds, peeled and diced Potatoes
- 1 pound Ground beef
- 1 medium, finely chopped Onion
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1, diced Red bell pepper
- 1 cup Frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 1 cup Beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1, beaten (for egg wash) Egg
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup, shredded Mozzarella cheese
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 6
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 40g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 4g
Instructions
- 1. Boil the diced potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash with a potato masher or fork. Set aside.
- 2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- 3. In the same skillet, add a splash of oil if needed, and sauté the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 4. Add the cooked ground beef back to the skillet. Stir in the frozen peas, tomato paste, beef broth, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, or until heated through.
- 5. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 6. In a greased baking dish (about 9x13 inches), spread half of the mashed potatoes in an even layer.
- 7. Top with the beef mixture, spreading it out evenly across the potatoes.
- 8. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese over the beef layer.
- 9. Spread the remaining mashed potatoes over the cheese layer, smoothing it out.
- 10. Brush the top with the beaten egg and sprinkle with the remaining shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- 11. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- 12. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy with a side salad or crusty bread.
Tips
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or chili flakes to the beef mixture.
- You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish.
- Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like carrots or corn for added nutrition and flavor.