Beef Patties in Tomato Gravy (Salvadoran Tortitas de Carne en Salsa de Tomate)

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 are transformed by 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.

For the Beef Patties:
2 lb lean ground beef
½ cup onion, minced
½ cup tomato, minced, seeds removed
½ cup green bell pepper, minced, ribs and seeds removed
3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour, unbleached
2 eggs
½ tsp. sea salt
¼ tsp. black pepper, freshly ground
4 Tbsp. vegetable oil

For the Tomato Gravy:
½ cup onion, minced
½ cup tomato, minced, seeds removed
1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour, unbleached
2 tsp. beef bouillon
½ cup fresh cilantro, minced
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 24 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 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.

Makes 4-6 servings.