Spicy Cuban Pulpeta

Spicy Cuban Pulpeta (Serves six to eight people)

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef

• 1 cup bread crumbs

• 1/2 cup milk

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

• 1/4 cup chopped green olives

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin

• 1 tablespoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust according to spice preference)

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1 cup tomato sauce

• 1 cup beef broth

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, beaten eggs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, cilantro, chopped green olives, minced garlic, chopped onion, cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.

• Shape the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a greased baking dish or loaf pan.

• In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the tomato sauce and beef broth, and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

• Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the meatloaf, covering it evenly.

• Cover the baking dish or loaf pan with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 1 hour.

• After 1 hour, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the top is nicely browned.

• Remove the pulpeta from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

• Serve the Spicy Cuban Pulpeta slices with the tomato sauce from the baking dish spooned over the top. You can garnish with additional chopped parsley or cilantro if desired.