Mediterranean / Middle East

Albanian Fërgesë me Mish

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Albanian fërgesë me mish, a rustic skillet of beef, peppers, tomatoes, and feta.

Fërgesë me mish is a comforting Albanian skillet dish that combines tender beef with sweet peppers, ripe tomatoes, and tangy cheese.

Brown the beef well, soften the peppers, and finish the mixture in the oven so the feta melts into a lightly browned top.

Use a wide ovenproof skillet so the sauce reduces evenly and the cheese forms a shallow golden crust.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crusty bread, a simple green salad, and pickled peppers to cut through the richness.

Albanian fërgesë being spooned from a clay baking dish with crusted feta and peppers.

Recipe Notes

The beef and pepper mixture can be prepared a day ahead; add the cheese and bake just before serving.

Albanian fërgesë me mish, a rustic skillet of beef, peppers, tomatoes, and feta.

Albanian Fërgesë me Mish

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A rustic Albanian beef and pepper skillet finished with tomatoes and tangy feta cheese.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Albanian
Calories: 560

Ingredients
 
 

Beef and Vegetables
  • 1 1/2 lb beef chuck cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 2 large red bell peppers sliced
  • 1 large green bell pepper sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp fine salt
Tomato and Cheese Finish
  • 14 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 8 oz feta cheese crumbled
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Large ovenproof skillet
  • Chef’s knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • Cutting board

Method
 

Brown the Beef:
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, seasoning with half the salt, then transfer it to a plate.
Build the Pepper Sauce:
  1. Add the remaining oil and cook the onion and peppers for 8 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and paprika for 30 seconds.
  2. Add the crushed tomatoes, water, remaining salt, and browned beef. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook over low heat for 25 minutes until the beef is tender.
Bake and Serve:
  1. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Stir half the feta into the skillet, scatter the rest over the top, and bake uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes until bubbling and lightly browned.
  2. Rest for 5 minutes, scatter with parsley, and serve warm with bread.

Nutrition

Calories: 560kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 43gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 130mgSodium: 1180mgFiber: 6gSugar: 12g

Notes

  • If the sauce is thin, simmer uncovered for a few minutes before adding the cheese.
  • Store leftovers refrigerated for up to three days and reheat gently.