This hearty potato and minced meat casserole is the perfect dish for when you want something filling and comforting. Layered with tender potatoes, flavorful minced meat, and vibrant vegetables, it’s a crowd-pleaser that works for both weeknight dinners and special family gatherings. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this casserole will surely become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
- 4-5 medium-sized potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 100g bacon, chopped
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1/2 red pepper, chopped
- 1 Italian pepper, chopped
- 500-600g minced meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
- 200g tomato sauce
- 2 spring onions, chopped
- 1 egg
- 100g cheddar cheese, grated
- 100g cheese (mozzarella, gouda, or similar)
- Breadcrumbs (for topping)
- Olive oil (for cooking and greasing)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper mixture, to taste
- Dried onion, to taste
- Dried peppers, to taste
- Dried garlic, to taste
- Dried rosemary, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables and Meat
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bacon, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and the bacon is slightly crispy. Next, add the grated carrot, red pepper, and Italian pepper, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables soften. - Cook the Minced Meat
Add the minced meat to the skillet with the vegetables and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Stir in the tomato sauce, salt, pepper mixture, dried onion, dried peppers, dried garlic, and dried rosemary to season the mixture. Let everything simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to combine, then remove the skillet from the heat. - Assemble the Casserole
Grease a baking dish with olive oil. Begin by arranging a layer of thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle the layer with a pinch of salt and pepper. Spoon half of the cooked meat and vegetable mixture over the potatoes, spreading it out evenly. Add another layer of potato slices on top, followed by the remaining meat mixture. Finish with one more layer of potato slices. - Prepare the Cheese Topping
In a small bowl, whisk the egg and mix in the grated cheddar cheese and other cheese of your choice. Add in some chopped spring onions for extra flavor. Spread this cheesy mixture evenly over the top layer of potatoes. For an added crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese layer. - Bake the Casserole
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is golden and bubbly. - Serve
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to settle and make it easier to slice. Garnish with extra spring onions or herbs, and serve hot alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.
Conclusion:
This potato and minced meat casserole is a hearty, satisfying dish that combines rich flavors and comforting textures. The layers of tender potatoes, savory meat, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering experience that will leave everyone at the table craving more. It’s the perfect meal to warm up any evening and is versatile enough to adapt to your favorite ingredients. Try it today and enjoy a cozy, delicious family dinner!