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Rotina Diária

Everyday Meals

Ground Beef and Yuca Casserole Recipe

Make this ground beef and yuca casserole with creamy mashed yuca, seasoned beef, and melted cheese. An easy, hearty dinner for the whole family.

  • Total time 1 h 40 min
  • Prep time 30 min
  • Oven time 1 h 10 min
  • Temperature 390 °F (200 °C)
  • Makes Serves 6; 8 x 12-inch baking dish
  • Difficulty Intermediate

Escondidinho is a layered casserole with seasoned meat tucked under a layer of mashed yuca and topped with cheese that browns in the oven. The traditional version uses yuca, which makes a firmer, slightly sweeter mash than potatoes.

The filling should be well seasoned and moist, but not watery, so it doesn't make the mash soggy. Spread the mash over the beef while it's still warm; once cool, it's harder to spread.

Ingredients

Amounts for 6 servings (Serves 6; 8 x 12-inch baking dish).

Mashed yuca

Filling

Topping

Equipment

  • Pot
  • Colander
  • Large bowl
  • Frying pan
  • Oven-safe dish

Instructions

  1. Step 1 Cook the yuca

    Add the yuca and water to a pot and cook for 25 to 30 minutes, until the pieces break apart when pierced with a fork. Drain and remove the tough fibers from the center.

    • 2 1/4 lb peeled yuca, cut into pieces
    • 2 liters of water

    About 30 min

  2. Step 2 Make the mash

    While the yuca is hot, mash it with a fork or potato masher. Stir in the butter, warm milk, and salt until creamy.

    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • 1/2 cup warm milk
    • 1 teaspoon salt

  3. Step 3 Cook the beef

    While the yuca cooks, heat the oil in a skillet and cook the onion and garlic until softened. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until no longer pink. Add the tomatoes and salt and cook for 10 minutes, until the liquid has evaporated. Stir in the parsley and green onions.

    • 1 tablespoon oil
    • 1 chopped onion
    • 2 cloves of minced garlic
    • 1 lb ground beef
    • 2 chopped tomatoes
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley and green onions

    About 20 min

  4. Step 4 Assemble

    Heat the oven to 400°F. Spread the beef in the bottom of a baking dish and cover with the mashed cassava, smoothing it with the back of a spoon. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.

    • 5 1/4 oz shredded mozzarella
    • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan

  5. Step 5 Brown the top

    Bake for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.

    About 20 min

Tips for success

  • Good cassava cooks quickly. If it’s still hard after 40 minutes, it won’t soften—use a different batch.
  • For a classic northeastern Brazilian version, use desalted, shredded dried beef instead of ground beef.
  • You can assemble it the day before and brown the top just before serving; add 10 minutes to the oven time.

Substitutions

Cassava
An equal amount of potatoes for a lighter mash.
Ground beef
Shredded chicken sautéed with tomato.

How to store

Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Freeze in portions for up to 2 months; reheat in the oven.

Allergens

Contains: Dairy.

Packaged ingredients may contain traces of other allergens. Always check the labels of the brands you use.

Published October 13, 2026. US measurements: 1 cup = 240 mL, 1 tablespoon = 15 mL, 1 teaspoon = 5 mL; 1 oz = 28 g.