How to Make the Perfect Bobotie
South African · Easy · 55 min · 6 servings

This South African baked meat dish has a sweet and savory flavor with a creamy egg topping that kids find absolutely delicious. It is a wonderfully unique kid friendly recipe that is easy to make and sure to become a family weeknight favorite.
Why this recipe works
This Bobotie recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 55 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 390 calories with 25g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1 whole medium onion chopped
- 2 tablespoons mild curry powder
- 2 tablespoons apricot jam
- 3 whole eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 slices white bread soaked in milk
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Meat Mixture
Saute onion in a lightly oiled pan until soft. Add ground beef and cook until browned then stir in curry powder apricot jam and the bread squeezed of excess milk. Mix well.
Step 2: Fill the Baking Dish
Transfer the meat mixture into a greased baking dish and press down evenly. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit while preparing the topping.
Step 3: Make the Custard Topping
Whisk eggs and milk together with a pinch of salt until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the top of the meat layer in the baking dish.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 30 minutes until the custard topping is set and golden brown. Serve hot with yellow rice for a complete kid friendly South African dinner.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- ground beef → ground turkey for a lighter lower fat version
- apricot jam → mango chutney for a fruitier flavor kids enjoy
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Skipping the soaked bread which binds the mixture and keeps it moist
- Overbaking which causes the custard topping to crack and become rubbery
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 390 calories, 25g protein, 18g carbs, 22g fat, 2g fiber.
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