Shredded Dried Beef and Creamy Mashed Potato Gratin

Name: Shredded Dried Beef and Creamy Mashed Potato Gratin
Prep time: 90 min
Total time: 90 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Brésilienne
Ingredients: 1 kg (2.2 lbs) starchy potatoes; 1 cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon salt; 3 tablespoons butter, divided; 500 g (1 lb) salted dried beef (well-soaked) or beef jerky; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 ripe tomatoes, diced; 1 onion, finely chopped; A handful of pitted black olives; Black pepper or chili flakes to taste; 200 g (7 oz) cream cheese; 50 g (2 oz) grated Parmesan

By Marie Lefebvre · Updated October 27, 2026

A hearty Brazilian-inspired casserole layering tender shredded dried beef with a velvety mashed potato topping and a melted cream cheese heart. Golden and bubbling from the oven, this crowd-pleasing dish brings smoky, comforting flavors straight to your table for any family gathering.

Prep⏱️ 90 min

Servings👥 6 servings

Difficulty📊 Medium

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🛒 Ingredients

6 servings

1 kg (2.2 lbs) starchy potatoes
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons butter, divided
500 g (1 lb) salted dried beef (well-soaked) or beef jerky
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 ripe tomatoes, diced
1 onion, finely chopped
A handful of pitted black olives
Black pepper or chili flakes to taste
200 g (7 oz) cream cheese
50 g (2 oz) grated Parmesan

🛍️ Recommended tools

🥩Poêle fonteSee on Amazon →🌡️Thermomètre sondeSee on Amazon →🔪Couteau de chefSee on Amazon →

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Directions

1
Cook the potatoes whole with their skins in a pressure cooker for 15 minutes. Peel while still hot and mash thoroughly.
2
Transfer the mash to a saucepan with the milk, salt and 1 tablespoon of butter. Stir over low heat until smooth and creamy. Remove from heat and set aside.
3
Desalt the dried beef by boiling it 3 times, changing the water each time. Then pressure-cook for 20 minutes until very tender, and shred with two forks.
4
In a large pan, melt the remaining butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the shredded beef for 3 minutes, then add the tomatoes, onion, olives and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes. Taste before adding salt, as the beef retains natural saltiness.
5
Preheat oven to 200 °C (400 °F). In a greased baking dish, spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom. Cover with cream cheese, then smooth the mashed potatoes over the top with a spatula.
6
Sprinkle with Parmesan and bake for 20 minutes until golden and bubbling. Serve hot with steamed white rice or a fresh green salad.

💡 Chef's Tip

For extra richness, swap half the milk for heavy cream in the mash. The beef can be cooked and shredded the day before and refrigerated, making this a great make-ahead dinner.