Prep Time: 20
Cook Time: 60
Serves: 6 servings
To prepare picadillo: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic. Cook, stirring until soft, about 6-8 minutes. Add ground beef, stirring with a wooden spoon, making sure the beef is broken up into small pieces; cook for about 8-10 minutes. Spoon out about half of the fat in the pan. Add the tomato paste, stirring for about 3 minutes. Add all other picadillo ingredients. Cook, stirring for about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
To prepare the boniato mash: Cook the boniatos in half-and-half in covered saucepan over medium heat about 20 minutes until tender. Meanwhile, prepare mojo by heating oil in a small saucepan until almost smoking; add garlic, shaking pan constantly and season with salt and pepper. When the garlic turns golden brown, add the lime juice. Set aside until the boniato is done. Drain the boniato, keeping about 1/2 cup of the half-and-half. Put the boniato through a food mill or potato masher; add the mojo, cilantro, 1/2 cup reserved half-and-half and season with salt and pepper.
For individual little pies, place about 1 cup of picadillo in each ramekin. Top each with 3 tablespoons of boniato mash. Top with 2 tablespoons cheese. Bake at 400°F for 8 minutes. Serve hot.