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The hidden meat with potatoes This is one of those recipes that has the power to warm your heart. An irresistible combination of seasoned ground beef and creamy mashed potatoes, which together form a super tasty and comforting dish. Perfect for a family lunch or a more special dinner, escondidinho is easy to make and pleases all palates.

If you still don't know or have never tried to prepare this wonder, this article will teach you step by step how to make one. hidden meat with potatoes perfect.

Ingredients:

For the mashed potatoes:

1 kg of potatoes (preferably mashed potatoes, such as English potatoes)
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste.
Grated parmesan cheese (optional, for gratinating)

For the meat filling:

500 g ground beef (can be flank, rump or topside)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 chopped garlic cloves
1 chopped tomato
1/2 green or red bell pepper, chopped (optional)
2 tablespoons of oil or olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste.
1 tablespoon tomato sauce (optional, for added flavor)
1/4 cup chopped green or black olives (optional)
Cheiro-verde (parsley and chives) to taste

Directions:

1. Preparing the mashed potatoes:

Start by cooking the potatoes. Wash them well and, in a saucepan, place the potatoes with their skins on and cover with water. Let them cook for about 20 to 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft enough to be mashed (you can test by poking them with a fork).

Once cooked, drain the water and remove the skins from the potatoes. Mash them well with a potato masher or a fork until you get a smooth puree. Add the butter and milk, and continue stirring until the puree is creamy and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If you like, add a little grated Parmesan cheese to give it an even more delicious flavor. Set aside.

2. Preparing the meat filling:

In a large saucepan, heat the oil or olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until golden brown and aromatic. Then add the ground beef, stir well and cook until it loses its pink color and is golden brown. If necessary, break the meat into smaller pieces to ensure it cooks evenly.

When the meat is well fried, add the chopped tomatoes and bell peppers (if using). Let it sauté for a few minutes until the tomatoes start to release their liquid and break down a little. Add the tomato sauce, olives (if preferred) and parsley, and continue stirring for a few more minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. The filling should be well seasoned and juicy.

3. Assembling the hideout:

Now, it's time to assemble the casserole. In a baking dish (or baking dish of your choice), place a layer of the ground beef filling on the bottom. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly on top, covering all of the filling. If you like, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese over the mashed potatoes to create a golden crust when baked.

4. Gratinate:

Bake the casserole dish in a preheated oven at 200°C for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top of the puree is lightly golden and crispy. If you prefer, you can finish the dish with a blowtorch to give it that special gratin touch.

5. Serving:

Remove from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes and then serve! The hidden meat and potatoes are delicious accompanied by a simple green salad or white rice.

Tips for a Perfect Escondidinho:

Cut the ground beef into smaller pieces while frying, this helps prevent it from getting soggy.
Very creamy puree: If the puree is too thick, you can add more milk until you reach the desired consistency.
Meat varieties: You can replace the ground beef with shredded chicken or even shredded sun-dried beef, creating different versions of the dish.
Increase the filling: Add vegetables like grated carrots or sweet corn to the filling for a touch of flavor and color.