Escondidinho de Carne

Escondidinho de Carne is a comforting Brazilian dish featuring a savory layer of seasoned beef topped with creamy mashed sweet potatoes. This high-protein meal is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it perfect for a hearty lunch.

Ingredients

• Ground beef - 300 grams
• Sweet potatoes - 400 grams
• Onion - 1 medium, diced
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Tomato - 1 medium, diced
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Cilantro - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Paprika - 1 teaspoon
• Cheese (mozzarella or similar) - 100 grams, grated
• Water - 1 liter

Steps

1. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes, then boil them in salted water for about 15-20 minutes or until tender.
2. While the sweet potatoes are boiling, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until translucent.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, cilantro, paprika, salt, and black pepper, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
5. Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, drain them and mash with a little salt and a splash of water until smooth and creamy.
6. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
7. In a baking dish, layer the beef mixture evenly at the bottom, then spread the mashed sweet potatoes on top.
8. Sprinkle the grated cheese over the mashed sweet potatoes.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden.
10. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 40 g
• Carbs: 45 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Cholesterol: 90 mg
• Total Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.
• Sweet potatoes provide essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A and potassium.

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