Brazilian Complete Lunch: Minced Beef, Mashed Potatoes, Rice, and Salad

Name: Brazilian Complete Lunch: Minced Beef, Mashed Potatoes, Rice, and Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 3
Cuisine: Brazilian
Ingredients: 500 grams Minced Beef (Lean ground beef); 3 tablespoons Olive Oil (2 tbsp for beef, 1 tbsp for salad); 1 medium Onion (Finely chopped); 3 cloves Garlic (Minced); to taste Salt (Approximately 1.5 tsp total); 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly ground); 340 grams Tomato Sauce (1 standard can/jar); 1 cup Water (For minced beef sauce); 600 grams Potatoes (Approximately 4-5 medium, peeled and quartered); 2 tablespoons Cream Cheese (Requeijão) (Or any soft, spreadable cheese); 0.25 cup Milk (Warm milk for mashed potatoes); 1 tablespoon Butter (Unsalted, for mashed potatoes); 2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese (Grated, for garnish); 1 cup White Rice (Uncooked); 2 Eggs (For frying); 0.25 head Lettuce/Cabbage (Shredded); 1 medium Tomato (Chopped); 0.5 Cucumber (Half, sliced or diced); 0.5 cup Canned Corn (Drained); 1 tablespoon Vinegar (For salad dressing); 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley or Cilantro (Chopped, for garnish)

Indulge in a hearty and wholesome Brazilian complete lunch featuring savory minced beef in a rich tomato sauce, creamy mashed potatoes topped with Parmesan, fluffy white rice, and a refreshing mixed salad, all crowned with a perfectly fried egg. This recipe offers a balanced and flavorful meal, perfect for a satisfying mid-day feast.

#Brazilian

#Comfort Food

#Lunch

#Minced Meat

#Mashed Potato

#Complete Meal

#Family Friendly

#Hearty

A complete Brazilian lunch spread

Recipe Information

15m

Prep Time

45m

Cook Time

Total Time

Servings

Easy

Brazilian

English

Nutrition (per serving)

850

Calories

48g

Protein

88g

Carbs

37g

Fat

Close-up of the delicious minced beef sauce

Ingredients

Servings: 3

💡 Tip: Check off ingredients as you add them to keep track of your progress!

Creamy mashed potatoes topped with Parmesan

Instructions

0/6 completed

1
Prepare the Minced Beef Sauce: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add the minced beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir in the tomato sauce and 1 cup of water. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
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20m
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Prepare the Minced Beef Sauce: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add the minced beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir in the tomato sauce and 1 cup of water. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
20m
Ensure the meat is fully browned before adding liquid to develop a rich flavor. You can add a bay leaf for extra depth.
2
Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: While the beef simmers, boil the peeled and quartered potatoes in salted water until very tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes well. In the same pot or a separate bowl, mash the potatoes until smooth. Add the butter, cream cheese (requeijão), warm milk, and season with salt to taste. Mix until creamy and well combined. Set aside and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.
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25m
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Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: While the beef simmers, boil the peeled and quartered potatoes in salted water until very tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes well. In the same pot or a separate bowl, mash the potatoes until smooth. Add the butter, cream cheese (requeijão), warm milk, and season with salt to taste. Mix until creamy and well combined. Set aside and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.
25m
Warm the milk and butter slightly before adding them to the potatoes for a smoother and lump-free mash. Use a potato ricer for extra fluffy results.
3
Cook the Rice: Rinse 1 cup of white rice thoroughly under cold water. Cook according to package instructions, typically by combining with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 18 minutes or until all water is absorbed and rice is fluffy.
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20m
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Cook the Rice: Rinse 1 cup of white rice thoroughly under cold water. Cook according to package instructions, typically by combining with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 18 minutes or until all water is absorbed and rice is fluffy.
20m
Rinsing the rice helps remove excess starch, resulting in fluffier, separate grains. Do not lift the lid while the rice is simmering.
4
Assemble the Fresh Salad: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded lettuce/cabbage, chopped tomato, sliced cucumber, and drained canned corn. Dress with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Toss gently to combine.
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7m
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Assemble the Fresh Salad: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded lettuce/cabbage, chopped tomato, sliced cucumber, and drained canned corn. Dress with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Toss gently to combine.
7m
Prepare the salad just before serving to maintain its crispness. You can add other vegetables like grated carrots or bell peppers.
5
Fry the Eggs: Heat a small amount of oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Crack two eggs into the pan and fry to your preferred doneness, typically sunny-side up as shown in the video, for about 2-3 minutes until the whites are set and yolks are still runny.
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3m
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Fry the Eggs: Heat a small amount of oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Crack two eggs into the pan and fry to your preferred doneness, typically sunny-side up as shown in the video, for about 2-3 minutes until the whites are set and yolks are still runny.
3m
For perfect sunny-side-up eggs, use medium-low heat and optionally cover the pan for a minute to gently cook the whites on top.
6
Plate and Serve: On each plate, arrange generous portions of the cooked rice, creamy mashed potatoes, and the savory minced beef sauce. Top the minced beef with a freshly fried egg. Place a portion of the fresh mixed salad alongside. Garnish the entire dish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve immediately.
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2m
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Plate and Serve: On each plate, arrange generous portions of the cooked rice, creamy mashed potatoes, and the savory minced beef sauce. Top the minced beef with a freshly fried egg. Place a portion of the fresh mixed salad alongside. Garnish the entire dish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve immediately.
2m
Ensure all components are ready to serve at the same time for the best dining experience. A warm plate enhances the meal.