Argentine Beef & Mashed Potato Pie (Pastel de Papa)
Hearty layered casserole of seasoned ground beef, sweet raisins, green olives, and eggs, topped with buttery mashed potatoes and broiled with Parmesan and a hint of caramelized sugar.
Golden-brown blistered potato peaks over a juicy, savory beef filling that holds clean square slices.
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Step-by-Step Video Guide & Creator Variants
Cocinanding Guide vs. Creator Video: Related Video — Unconfirmed Comparison (Paulina Cocina): This public video is provided as a visual reference for the dish. Exact ratios, timings (30m prep / 35m cook), and US grocery suggestions on this page are independently standardized by Cocinanding.
Argentine Beef & Mashed Potato Pie (Pastel de Papa)
Paulina Cocina
Public YouTube video embedded as a visual technique reference. The written recipe guide, verified timings, and US grocery brand picks are independently authored by Cocinanding (not a commercial partnership).
Other Related Culinary Videos (Complementary Dishes)
Classic Cottage / Shepherd's Pie
Related beef & mashed potato shepherd’s pies video (British / Irish) by Food Wishes (Chef John) exploring a complementary approach within the same dish family.
Cuban Imperial Rice Casserole (Arroz Imperial)
Related beef & mashed potato shepherd’s pies video (Cuban) by Cocina Cubana con Luz exploring a complementary approach within the same dish family.
What to Buy & Brand Guide
Editorial US Grocery Suggestions • Zero Paid Placements
Yukon Gold Potatoes
Standard Size: 5 lb bagWhy it matters: High starch-to-wax balance ensures rich mash without excess moisture.
Where to find in US: Produce section.
Acceptable substitutes: Russet potatoes.
Why This Recipe Works
💡 The Argentine Sugar Crust
A pinch of sugar sprinkled over the fork-grooved potato mash caramelizes under broiler heat, creating an incredible sweet-savory crust.
Ingredients for 6 ServingsUS Standard Measurements
- 2.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled
- 1.5 lbs Lean ground beef (85/15)
- 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 0.5 cup Warm whole milk
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Granulated sugar for brulee crust
- 0.5 cup Pitted green olives, chopped
- 0.25 cup Golden raisins
- 2 large Large white onions, finely diced
- 1 medium Medium red bell pepper, finely diced
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp Sweet paprika (pimentón dulce)
- 3 large Large hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 0.25 tsp Freshly grated nutmeg
- 2 tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil
- 8 cups Water, for boiling potatoes
- 2 tsp Kosher salt
Required Kitchen Tools
- ✓9x13 inch baking dish
- ✓Potato masher
Step-by-Step Preparation
Creamy Mash
Boil peeled potatoes in 8 cups salted water until fork-tender, then drain well. Mash hot with unsalted butter, warm milk, freshly grated nutmeg, and 1 tsp kosher salt.
Savory Beef Pino Filling
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet and sauté the diced white onions, red bell pepper, and minced garlic until soft. Add ground beef and cook to at least 160°F (71°C), then stir in sweet paprika, remaining 1 tsp salt, chopped green olives, golden raisins, and chopped hard-boiled eggs.
Layer
Spread a thin layer of mash in the baking dish, add the savory beef filling, cover with the remaining mash, and score ridges with a fork.
Broil & Caramelize
Dust top with grated Parmesan and granulated sugar. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10 minutes until peaks turn deep golden bronze.
Common Mistakes & Troubleshooting
Avoid the mistakes that ruin this recipe
⚠️ Problem: Slices collapse when served
Underlying Cause: Cut while boiling hot.
Fix & Solution: Rest 10 minutes out of the oven to allow the mash and juices to set.
Frequently Asked Culinary Questions
Specific ingredient, technique, and US grocery answers for Argentine Beef & Mashed Potato Pie (Pastel de Papa)
❓ Which brand of yukon potatoes should I look for in US grocery stores for Argentine Beef & Mashed Potato Pie (Pastel de Papa)?
Editorial suggestion: Yukon Gold Potatoes (Produce Dept). High starch-to-wax balance ensures rich mash without excess moisture. Typical aisle: Produce section. Acceptable substitute: Russet potatoes.
❓ How do I fix: "Slices collapse when served"?
Common cause: Cut while boiling hot. Practical fix: Rest 10 minutes out of the oven to allow the mash and juices to set.
The Warmth of Sunday Supper
Pastel de Papa is Argentina’s beloved answer to Shepherd’s Pie. Paulina Cocina highlights the traditional porteño balance of savory meat, green olives, and sweet golden mash.
Visual Kitchen Infoguide (Print or Save to Phone)
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