Delicious Cuban Potato Drum with layers of mashed potatoes, seasoned picadillo, and melted cheeses, ready to serve hot and enjoy with family.

 

Cuban Potato Drum: Layers of Flavor to Fall in Love With

An iconic recipe of Cuban cuisine that combines creamy mashed potatoes, well-seasoned picadillo, and a generous layer of melted cheeses. Perfect for family gatherings or a special dinner that delights with flavor and texture.

🥔 Ingredients:

For the picadillo:

  • 2 ¼ pounds of premium ground beef
  • 1 large white onion, finely chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced into small pieces
  • 3 garlic cloves, crushed in a mortar
  • 4 tablespoons of tomato sauce
  • 4 tablespoons of capers
  • 12 green olives stuffed with pimiento, chopped
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup dry wine or white wine
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon white sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

For the mashed potatoes and assembly:

  • 5 pounds of potatoes, washed, peeled, and chopped
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 4 ounces butter
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • Shredded Mozzarella cheese
  • Shredded aged Gouda cheese
  • Enough water to boil the potatoes

 

 

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Sauté the vegetables

In a large pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the onion and bell pepper and sauté until soft. Then add the garlic, stirring to release its aroma.

2. Add seasonings and wine

Stir in salt, cumin, oregano, and paprika. Mix well. Add tomato sauce, olives, capers, sugar, and dry wine. Increase heat slightly to evaporate the alcohol.

3. Cook the picadillo

Add the ground beef and cook slowly for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces slightly without drying out the mixture completely.

4. Boil the potatoes

In a large pot, place the chopped potatoes, cover with water, and add salt. Cook over medium-high heat until tender. Drain well and keep warm.

5. Prepare the mashed potatoes

Mash the potatoes with butter, cream cheese, and nutmeg until smooth and creamy. Adjust salt if needed.

6. Assemble the potato drum

In a large baking dish, lightly oil the surface. Place a layer of mashed potatoes, then the picadillo, and finally another layer of mashed potatoes. Top with shredded mozzarella and gouda, smoothing the surface with a spatula.

7. Bake and serve

Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Bake uncovered for 10 minutes, until the cheese melts and slightly browns. Let rest for a few minutes to set, then serve hot.

Influencias culinarias foráneas en la cocina cubana (Parte 2): La huella del esclavo africano
Click to watch the premiere of this video on Sabor Cubano: Comidas de la Perla de las Antillas and discover how African culinary traditions deeply shaped Cuban cuisine.
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ℹ️ Additional Information

  • Servings: 8–10 portions
  • Total time: 40 minutes (30 min prep and cooking + 10 min baking)
  • Type: Meats
  • Cuisine: Cuban

✅ Practical Tips

  • The mashed potatoes should be firm and creamy to hold the layers.
  • Use a deep and large baking dish to prevent the filling from spilling.
  • Serve hot and pair with a glass of wine of your choice.

📌 Suggested Tags

potato drum, Cuban cuisine, meat recipes, Cuban dishes, traditional recipes, mashed potatoes

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For the Spanish version, visit: Tambor de Papa Cubano: Un Privilegio para el Paladar .