Beef and Cheese Casserole – Tajine

posted on: Mar 31, 2026

By: Habeeb Salloum/Arab America Contributing Writer

A type of shepherd pie, the tajines of Tunisia are quite different than their counterparts in the other countries of North Africa. In Algeria and Morocco, tajines are usually rich stews of many varieties. Also, Tunisian tajines, unlike the ones prepared in the other parts of North Africa except Libya, are highly spiced. On the other hand, these shepherd pies of Tunisia, like the stews of the neighboring countries, are prepared with almost any type of meat and vegetable.

5 tablespoons olive oil

1-pound beef, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

2 medium size onions, chopped

3 cloves garlic, crushed

2 medium size zucchini, about 6-inches long, cut into 1/2- inch cubes

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh coriander leaves

1 hot pepper, finely chopped

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons tomato paste dissolved in 1/4 cup water

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon oregano

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 1/4 cups water

1/2 cup feta or similar cheese, chopped into small pieces

4 eggs, beaten

1. In a frying pan, heat 3 tablespoons of the oil and sauté the meat until it turns brown, then remove with a slotted spoon and place in a casserole. Set aside
2. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of the oil to the frying pan oil and sauté the onions until they begin to brown, then add the garlic, zucchini, coriander leaves, hot pepper and breadcrumbs and stir fry over medium heat for 5 minutes.
3. Add the dissolved tomato paste, salt, oregano, pepper and water and bring to a boil, then transfer the frying pan contents to the casserole and mix with the meat.
4. Stir in the cheese and eggs, then cover and bake in a 350^o F preheated oven for 50 minutes.
5. Uncover and bake for further 15 minutes, then serve directly from the casserole with a salad.

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