Torta (or tortilla) is a Filipino omelette made with ground beef. My mother makes them into individual size patties, which I called mini hamburgers when I was younger. My mother-in-law makes them into big servings, almost like a frittata. This recipe can be used for either, but I’m listing directions for the smaller portions.
Torta
Serves 2 to 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb of lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 small yellow potato, skin removed, cut into small cubes
- 1 small tomato (or 1 handful of cherry tomatoes), diced
- 3 cloves garlic, finely diced
- 1/4 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp corn starch
- 2 tbsp of olive oil
- 1 cup of water
- salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat.
- Sauté garlic and onion for about 2 minutes.
- Stir in ground beef and cook for about 5 minutes. While cooking, break the beef into smaller crumbles.
- Remove excess oil.
- Add tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes. If using peas, add with tomatoes.
- Add potatoes, soy sauce, and water. Cover and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Pour contents into a bowl and let cool.
- Add beaten eggs and cornstarch to the meat mixture. Mix well.
- In another pan, heat enough oil to coat the bottom of skillet.
- Pour contents, forming about 3 to 4 patties onto the skillet.
- Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes on one side. Flip and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes on the other
- Drain on paper towels.
- Serve with hot rice and ketchup or hot sauce.

Torta: Mix eggs, cornstarch and meat mixture together.

In a medium size skillet, cook patties about 3-5 minutes per side.