Cuban Beef Casserole with Corn-Scallion Biscuit Topping recipes

In a large, deep skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the onion and red and green peppers and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until softened, about 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add the garlic and ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and most of the liquid has evaporated, about 8 minutes.

Add the tomatoes, cumin, oregano, cinnamon and cloves and cook over moderate heat until the tomatoes just start to soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in the olives, raisins and 1/2 cup of water and season with salt and pepper. Scrape the mixture into a 9-by-13-inch casserole.

Preheat the oven to 400°. In a bowl, whisk the flour with the cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda and 2 teaspoons of salt. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse meal with some pea-size pieces remaining. Stir in the 3/4 cup of milk and scallions just until a raggy dough forms.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead just until it comes together. Using your hands, press the dough into a 1/2-inch-thick circle and stamp out seven 3-inch rounds. Gather the scraps and press the dough together; stamp out 3 more rounds. Arrange the biscuits on top of the meat mixture and brush the tops with milk. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the filling is bubbling and the biscuits are risen.