These beef patties are full of flavor and juices. They are also kind on your wallet because ground beef can come from some of the least expensive cuts of meat. But these humble ingredients transform this recipe into a delectable and delicious dish. It is also a perfect way to include vegetables into a young child’s diet because the bell pepper and tomato are combined in the beef patty.
Serves 4-6
For the Beef Patties:
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- ½ cup minced onion
- ½ cup minced tomato, seeds removed
- ½ cup minced green bell pepper, ribs and seeds removed
- 3 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Tomato Gravy:
- ½ cup minced onion
- 2 teaspoons beef bouillon
- ½ cup minced tomato, seeds removed
- ½ cup minced cilantro
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups water
Preparing the Beef Patties:
In a deep bowl combine the ground beef, onion, tomato, green bell pepper, flour, eggs, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and shape this mixture into 18 equal patties. In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over a medium to high flame until hot but not smoking. Brown the meat patties on each side for about 1 minute turning only twice. Remove the patties from the pan and set aside. Keep the drippings in the pan.
Preparing the Tomato Gravy:
Using the same saucepan, reduce the flame to medium, and add in the onion, tomato, flour, beef bouillon, and cilantro. Combine well, cook and stir for about 1 minute, and then slowly whisk in the water. Increase flame to medium high, continue whisking, and bring the light gravy to a full boil.
Final Cooking:
Return the meat patties to the boiling gravy and immediately reduce the heat to medium. Cover and cook the patties in the gravy for 20 minutes.
Love Salvadoran cooking or just want to add more authentic recipes to your repertoire ? Pre-order Alicia Maher’s book Delicious El Salvador on Amazon.
Just yesterday I was wondering what to make with ground beef and I couldn’t find anything to inspire me but this looks worth trying! Thanks!
So great! Let us know how they turned out
Hi Scarlet, I am happy my recipe inspired you to try a new and delicious way to use ground beef. In El Salvador they are tipycally served on top of rice, but you can also try these patties on top of mashed potatoes or bow pasta. Enjoy!!!
Me siento muy orgulloso de mi paisana Alicia..Es una excelente chef
Felicitaciones!!!
Gracias Jorge. Es usted muy amable!
I just sent you an email, but this was one of the other recipes I have made so far! The other one was chorizo and egg soup. Delicious!!! All of them!
WOW Jackie! What a beautiful email you sent me, thank you!!! I am so happy you and your family love and use the book. I took on the challenge to write Delicious El Salvador to fill a cultural void for the millions of Salvadoran immigrants and our offspring all over the world. I want to preserve and teach our rich culinary traditions for the next generation, and for cooks and food lovers everywhere. I am glad you have cooked other recipes in the cookbook for your sons and husband. Thank you again! I will keep you posted on future events in the DC area.