Escondidinho de Carne

Name: Escondidinho de Carne
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Brazilian
Ingredients: 2 lbs cassava (yuca), peeled and cut into chunks; 1 lb dried beef (carne seca) or shredded beef; 1 cup whole milk; 2 tbsp butter; 1 large onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

⏱ Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes

📈 Difficulty Medium

👥 Servings

A Brazilian comfort casserole of shredded beef "hidden" between layers of creamy cassava purée, topped with melted cheese and baked until golden.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 15.5g

Carbs 31.2g

Fat 15.3g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

gluten-free

Ingredients

2 lbs cassava (yuca), peeled and cut into chunks
1 lb dried beef (carne seca) or shredded beef
1 cup whole milk
2 tbsp butter
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1
If using dried beef, soak it in water overnight, changing the water 3 times to remove excess salt, then boil until tender and shred with two forks.
2
Boil the cassava chunks in salted water for 25 to 30 minutes until completely tender, then drain and mash with butter, milk, and heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
3
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onion and garlic until golden, then add the shredded beef and cook for 10 minutes, seasoning with pepper.
4
Spread half the cassava purée in the bottom of a greased baking dish, layer all the seasoned shredded beef on top, then cover with the remaining cassava purée.
5
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots.

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Did You Know?

The name escondidinho means "little hidden one" in Portuguese because the meat filling is hidden between the layers of cassava purée, making it a delicious surprise in every bite.