Pastelón de Yuca (Yuca Casserole with Ground Beef)

Ingredients

• For the Yuca Layers:
• 2 lbs yuca (cassava), peeled and cut into chunks 🥔
• 2 tbsp butter 🧈
• 0.5 cup milk 🥛
• 0.5 tsp salt 🧂
• For the Picadillo (Ground Beef Filling):
• 1 lb ground beef 🥩
• 1 tbsp olive oil 🫒
• 0.5 onion, finely chopped 🧅
• 0.5 red bell pepper, diced 🌶️
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 0.5 cup tomato sauce 🍅
• 1 tsp oregano 🌿
• 0.5 tsp cumin
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp salt 🧂
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 cup green olives, sliced 🫒 (optional)
• 1 tbsp capers (optional)
• For Assembly:
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or gouda cheese 🧀
• 1 egg, beaten 🥚 (for brushing)

Instructions

1. 11️⃣ Prepare the Yuca:
2. 2Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the yuca and cook until fork-tender (about 20 minutes).
3. 3Drain and remove any fibrous cores from the center. Mash with butter, milk, and salt until smooth and creamy. 🥄✨
4. 42️⃣ Cook the Picadillo:
5. 5In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions, bell pepper, and garlic until fragrant.
6. 6Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns. Stir in tomato sauce, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
7. 7Mix in olives and capers if using. Remove from heat and set aside. 🍅🔥
8. 83️⃣ Assemble the Pastelón:
9. 9Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
10. 10In a greased baking dish, spread half of the mashed yuca as the base layer.
11. 11Add an even layer of the picadillo, then top with shredded cheese.
12. 12Spread the remaining yuca over the filling and smooth it out.
13. 13Brush the top with beaten egg for a golden finish.
14. 144️⃣ Bake & Serve:
15. 15Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and set.
16. 16Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy! 🍽️🔥