Enjoy a tasty picadillo casserole

This week, I am sharing a simple recipe for a very tasty picadillo casserole, a dish that is popular in many Caribbean and Latin American countries.

PICADILLO CASSEROLE

Ingredients

4 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 cup chopped onion

1 cup chopped carrot

2 pounds ground sirloin

1⁄2 cup chopped red bell pepper

1⁄2 cup chopped poblano pepper

1 tablespoon chopped garlic

2 cups chopped tomato

1 teaspoon ground oregano

1 teaspoon ground cumin

2 tablespoons chopped chipotle peppers

1⁄2 cup chopped raisins

1⁄2 cup chopped green olives

2 cups water

Salt, to taste

For masa topping: 4 cups masa flour mixed with water, salt and a splash of oil

Putting it together

Add the oil to a large pot over high heat. Add the onion and cook until golden. Add the carrot and cook for about two minutes. Add the ground beef and cook for about 10 minutes. Add the remaining casserole ingredients, turn the heat to low and cook for about 30 minutes.

Add the meat mixture to a large oven-safe dish and set aside to cool for a few minutes. Using a rolling pin, roll the masa dough topping until it is about a 1⁄3-inch thick. Cover the meat mixture with the masa dough, pressing the edges gently against the sides of the casserole dish to seal.

Bake at 400 degrees for about 30 minutes. Serve while hot topped with sour cream, chopped green onions, shredded cheese or any other toppings that might sound good to you and enjoy.

Antonio Villagomez is head chef and owner of Cilantro's restaurant and catering in Yuba City, Calif. Contact him at 530-844-2111. His website is cilantros.us.