Easy Beef Pacumutu Recipe

Ever wondered what a truly hearty, satisfying breakfast looks like in another part of the world? Let us introduce you to Pacumutu, a beloved traditional Bolivian breakfast hailing from Santa Cruz! This incredible dish isn't just food; it's a cultural staple, a vibrant start to the day that perfectly blends savory and sweet. If you're looking for an easy recipe for beef that's packed with flavor and cultural charm, you've found it.
Pacumutu is essentially a delightful plate featuring tender ground beef, perfectly cooked rice, a fried egg (or two!), and sweet fried plantains. It's a powerhouse meal designed to keep you energized, and it’s surprisingly simple to recreate for your at home recipes collection. Whether you're an experienced cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe for 2 people is straightforward, delicious, and a fantastic way to explore Bolivian cuisine right from your kitchen. Get ready to embark on a flavorful culinary journey!

Ingredients

• 1 lb (approx. 450g) lean ground beef
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 ripe plantains (yellow with some black spots)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil) for cooking
• 1/2 white onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt pepper garlic (to taste, about 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Get Your Rice Ready First things first, let's get that rice cooking! Rinse your 1 cup of long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is fluffy. Turn off the heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
2. Brown that Flavorful Ground Beef While your rice is simmering, it's time to work on the star of the show – the beef! Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add your finely chopped 1/2 white onion and 1/2 green bell pepper to the pan. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and become fragrant. Next, add the minced 2 cloves of garlic and cook for another minute until aromatic.
3. Now, add your 1 lb of ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and brown it thoroughly, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes. Once the beef is no longer pink, drain any excess fat. Stir in the 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and your salt pepper and garlic seasoning (about 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder). Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to toast and the flavors to meld beautifully. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
4. Fry Up Those Eggs With the beef simmering and rice resting, it's egg time! In a separate small non-stick skillet, heat a tiny bit of oil or butter over medium heat. Crack your 2 large eggs directly into the pan. You can fry them sunny-side up, over easy, or even scramble them if that's your preference. Cook until the whites are set and the yolks are to your desired runniness (or firmness, if scrambled). Season lightly with salt and pepper.
5. Sweet & Crispy Plantains Time for the sweet counterpoint! Peel your 2 ripe plantains. Slice them diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces. In a clean skillet (or wipe out the beef skillet), heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the plantain slices in a single layer. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and slightly caramelized, with a nice crispy edge. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
6. Assemble Your Pacumutu Masterpiece Now for the best part – plating your delicious Pacumutu! On each serving plate, spoon a generous portion of the fluffy rice. Next, top the rice with a hearty scoop of your seasoned ground beef. Carefully place one fried egg on top of the beef. Arrange the golden-fried plantains alongside the rice and beef. If you're feeling fancy, sprinkle with some fresh chopped cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy your taste of Bolivia!