Introduction
This Layered Minced Meat and Potato Casserole is a hearty, satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. With layers of seasoned minced meat, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese, it combines savory flavors into a delicious and comforting meal. This casserole is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
500g (1 lb) minced meat (beef, lamb, or a mix)
4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
1 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Cook the Minced Meat: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until softened. Add the minced meat, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned. Stir in the tomato paste, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, then set aside.
Prepare the Potato Layer: While the meat is cooking, peel and slice the potatoes into thin rounds. You can use a mandoline slicer for even slices.
Assemble the Casserole: In a greased baking dish, start by layering the sliced potatoes on the bottom. Spread half of the cooked minced meat mixture over the potatoes. Repeat with another layer of potatoes and the remaining meat.
Make the Creamy Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and heavy cream. Pour the mixture over the casserole, ensuring the potatoes are well-covered.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the grated cheese over the top of the casserole.
Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Serve: Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Description
This Layered Minced Meat and Potato Casserole is a comforting dish, combining tender layers of potatoes, savory minced meat, and creamy cheese. The combination of the creamy sauce and seasoned meat provides a rich and flavorful base, while the potatoes give a satisfying texture. It’s a filling meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or serving as leftovers. Whether it’s a cozy family meal or a special occasion, this casserole is sure to please everyone.
Tips
If you want to add more vegetables, try adding some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the meat mixture.
For an extra creamy texture, add a dollop of sour cream to the casserole before baking.
If you prefer a crispy top, leave the casserole uncovered for the last 10 minutes of baking.
You can use different types of cheese, such as Gruyère or Parmesan, to vary the flavor.
To save time, you can cook the minced meat and slice the potatoes ahead of time, then assemble the casserole later.
Variations
Vegetarian Option: Replace the minced meat with lentils or a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.
Spicy Version: Add some chili flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the minced meat for a spicy kick.
Cheesy Topping: Layer some extra cheese between the layers of potatoes and meat for an even cheesier casserole.
Different Meats: Try using ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile.
Correction
If the casserole starts to burn or brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil and continue baking. If the potatoes are not fully cooked after the baking time, cover the casserole and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Enjoy
Enjoy this delicious Layered Minced Meat and Potato Casserole with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal!