Pastel de Papas

Ingredients

• Potatoes (3 pounds, peeled and diced)
• Ground beef (1 pound)
• Onion (1 medium, finely chopped)
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
• Red bell pepper (1, diced)
• Frozen peas (1 cup)
• Tomato paste (2 tablespoons)
• Beef broth (1 cup)
• Cumin (1 teaspoon)
• Paprika (1 teaspoon)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Egg (1, beaten (for egg wash))
• Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated)
• Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded)

Instructions

1. 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. 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. 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. 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. 5. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. 6. In a greased baking dish (about 9x13 inches), spread half of the mashed potatoes in an even layer.
7. 7. Top with the beef mixture, spreading it out evenly across the potatoes.
8. 8. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese over the beef layer.
9. 9. Spread the remaining mashed potatoes over the cheese layer, smoothing it out.
10. 10. Brush the top with the beaten egg and sprinkle with the remaining shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
11. 11. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
12. 12. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy with a side salad or crusty bread.