Torta de Pastores

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef or lamb 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef or lamb
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tablespoons butter 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup milk 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup grated cheese (such as Cheddar or Manchego) 1/2 cup grated cheese (such as Cheddar or Manchego)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 3g
• 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 some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook until browned. Break up any clumps with a wooden spoon.
4. 4.
   Stir in the diced red bell pepper, paprika, cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Meanwhile, boil the cubed potatoes in a pot of salted water until tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
6. 6.
   Add the butter and milk to the pot with the potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish and spread it evenly. Top with the mashed potatoes, smoothing the surface with a spoon.
8. 8.
   Sprinkle the grated cheese over the mashed potatoes.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Potatoes — Make sure to boil the potatoes until they are fork-tender for easy mashing. Overcooking them may result in a watery mash.
• Ground meat — Choose lean ground beef or lamb for a healthier option. Drain any excess fat after browning the meat to reduce the overall fat content of the dish.
• Cheese — Opt for a flavorful cheese such as Cheddar or Manchego to enhance the taste of the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, add a layer of sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions between the meat and mashed potatoes.
• To make the dish spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the meat mixture.
• If you prefer a crispy top, broil the dish for a few minutes after baking.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick and satisfying meal.
• Serve the Torta de Pastores with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.

Serving advice

Serve the Torta de Pastores hot, straight from the oven. Cut it into squares or wedges and garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. This dish pairs well with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for added flavor.

Presentation advice

Present the Torta de Pastores on a large serving platter, allowing the layers of meat and mashed potatoes to be visible. Sprinkle some paprika or dried oregano on top for an attractive finishing touch. Serve with a rustic wooden spoon for a homely and inviting presentation.