Entree: Dominican Republic – Northern Culinary Region – Yaroa (Layered street-casual casserole of French fries topped with seasoned meat and melted cheese)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 25 min

Cook 35 min

Total 1 hr

Ingredients

- 2 lb (900 g) russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/8–1/2 in (1–1.2 cm) fries
- 2 cups (480 ml) vegetable oil for frying (or use oven-baking method)
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped, approx. 150 g
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped, approx. 120 g
- 3 cloves garlic, minced, approx. 9 g
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) ketchup
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp (1 g) dried oregano
- 1 tsp (5 g) kosher salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp (2 g) ground black pepper
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella or mild white melting cheese
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
- Optional: 2 tbsp (30 ml) mayonnaise and 2 tbsp (30 ml) ketchup for drizzling

Instructions

1. Rinse cut potatoes in cold water, pat dry thoroughly, then fry in hot oil (350°F / 175°C) until crisp and golden, about 6–8 minutes per batch; drain on paper towels. Alternatively, toss fries with 2 tbsp (30 ml) oil, spread on a baking sheet, and bake at 425°F (220°C) until golden, about 25–30 minutes.
2. While fries cook, heat 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and green pepper and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds more until fragrant. Increase heat to medium-high and add 1 lb (454 g) ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon; brown thoroughly, about 6–8 minutes.
4. Stir in 1/2 cup (120 ml) tomato sauce, 2 tbsp (30 ml) ketchup, 1 tbsp (15 ml) Worcestershire, 1 tsp (1 g) oregano, 1 tsp (5 g) salt, and 1/2 tsp (2 g) black pepper. Reduce heat and simmer 5–7 minutes until sauce thickens and flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9x13 in (23x33 cm) baking dish, spread half of the fries in an even layer. Spoon the seasoned meat evenly over the fries.
6. Top the meat with the remaining fries, then cover evenly with 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheese.
7. Bake 10–12 minutes until cheese is fully melted and bubbling. If desired, broil 1–2 minutes to brown the cheese lightly—watch closely to avoid burning.
8. Remove from oven and let rest 3 minutes. Drizzle with optional mayonnaise and ketchup, sprinkle with 2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped parsley or cilantro, cut into portions, and serve hot.