When it comes to creating a meal that feels like it’s straight out of an Italian restaurant, this potato and meat casserole is a perfect choice. Combining tender potatoes, savory minced meat, and gooey mozzarella, this dish is both comforting and satisfying. It’s easy to prepare, making it ideal for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends.
This Italian-style potato and meat casserole is a delicious and hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of potatoes, meat, and cheese, topped with a rich and creamy sauce, creates a dish that’s both comforting and packed with flavor. It’s a great way to bring the taste of Italy into your home with simple, everyday ingredients.
Ingredients
- 500g potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 500g of ground meat (beef, pork, or a combination of both)
- 150g tomato sauce
- 250g mozzarella cheese, sliced or in balls
- 150g hard cheese, grated
- 3 chicken eggs
- 200 ml milk
- 70g flour
- 20g sour cream
- Vegetable oil
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Dried ground sweet paprika, to taste
- Dried ground oregano, to taste
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Preparing the Ingredients
- Slice the Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. Set aside.
- Chop the Onion: Finely chop the onion and set it aside.
- Prepare the Meat: Choose your minced meat – beef, pork, or a mix – and have it ready.
- Cooking the Meat Mixture
- Sauté the Onion: In a large frying pan, heat a bit of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion to the pan and sauté until it is tender and translucent.
- Cook the Meat: Add the minced meat to the pan with the onion. Continue cooking until the meat is thoroughly browned and fully cooked. Season with salt, ground black pepper, paprika, and oregano to taste.
- Add the Tomato Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and mix well. Allow it to gently simmer for a few minutes, ensuring the flavors blend harmoniously.
- Assembling the Casserole
- Layer the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a greased baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes, overlapping them slightly.
- Add the Meat Mixture: Spread the meat mixture evenly over the layer of potatoes.
- Add the Mozzarella: Place slices or balls of mozzarella cheese evenly over the meat mixture.
- Top with Remaining Potatoes: Layer the remaining sliced potatoes on top of the mozzarella.
- Preparing the Creamy Sauce
- Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, flour, and sour cream until smooth. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, adjusting to your preference.
- Pour the Sauce: Pour the creamy sauce over the layered casserole, ensuring it covers all the potatoes.
- Baking
- Add Grated Cheese: Sprinkle the grated hard cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Serving
- Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to firm up, making it easier to slice into portions.
- Serve Hot: Serve the casserole hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Conclusion
This Italian-style potato and meat casserole is a simple yet delicious dinner that will make you feel like you’re dining in a cozy Italian restaurant. The combination of tender potatoes, flavorful minced meat, and creamy cheese creates a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a taste of Italy at home!