Brazilian Beef and Yuca Casserole

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1kg (2.2 lb) yuca (cassava), peeled and cut into chunks 1kg (2.2 lb) yuca (cassava), peeled and cut into chunks
• 4 tablespoons butter 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup milk 1/2 cup milk
• 200g (7 oz) mozzarella cheese, grated 200g (7 oz) mozzarella cheese, grated
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat: 25g (12g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 30g (2g sugars)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
4. 4.
   Stir in the ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. 5.
   In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the yuca chunks and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the yuca and return it to the pot.
6. 6.
   Mash the yuca with a potato masher or fork until smooth. Add the butter and milk, and continue mashing until well combined and creamy.
7. 7.
   In a greased baking dish, spread half of the mashed yuca evenly on the bottom.
8. 8.
   Next, spread the cooked ground beef mixture over the yuca layer.
9. 9.
   Top the beef layer with the remaining mashed yuca, spreading it evenly.
10. 10.
    Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the top.
11. 11.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
12. 12.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
13. 13.
    Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Yuca (cassava) — Make sure to peel the yuca thoroughly, removing any tough outer skin. Also, be cautious when handling raw yuca, as it contains a natural toxin that can be harmful if consumed raw. Boiling the yuca eliminates this toxin, making it safe to eat.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture.
• If you prefer a crispier cheese crust, broil the casserole for a few minutes after baking until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
• Feel free to add additional layers to the casserole, such as sautéed bell peppers or corn, to add more flavor and texture.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Serving advice

Serve the Brazilian Beef and Yuca Casserole hot, straight from the oven. It pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables on the side.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley over the casserole before serving. The vibrant green color will add a pop of freshness to the dish.