When it comes to hearty, wholesome meals that bring everyone together, few dishes can compete with the savory potato and minced meat casserole. Imagine the mouthwatering aroma of layers of tender potatoes, rich minced meat, and a crispy, cheesy topping wafting through your kitchen. This dish isn’t just a crowd-pleaser—it’s also easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a big family or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is a winner. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about making this comforting dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Below is a table summarizing the ingredients needed for the recipe:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes, sliced | 4–5 |
| Onion, chopped | 1 |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Bacon, chopped | 100g |
| Carrot, grated | 1 |
| Red pepper, chopped | 1/2 |
| Italian pepper, chopped | 1 |
| Minced meat | 500–600g |
| Tomato sauce | 200g |
| Spring onion, chopped | To garnish |
| Cheese (for 2 recipes) | 100g |
| Egg | 1 |
| Cheddar cheese, grated | 100g |
| Breadcrumbs | A handful |
| Olive oil | For cooking |
| Pepper mixture | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Dried onion | To taste |
| Dried peppers | To taste |
| Dried garlic | To taste |
| Dried rosemary | To taste |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This savory potato and minced meat casserole is a family favorite for many reasons:
- Easy Preparation: You don’t need advanced cooking skills to nail this dish.
- Affordable Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples.
- Versatile: You can customize the ingredients to suit your preferences.
- Meal Prep-Friendly: This dish stores and reheats beautifully for busy weeknights.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Perfect Casserole
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Start by preparing your ingredients so that everything is ready to go. Slice the potatoes thinly for even cooking. Chop the onion, garlic, bacon, and peppers. Grate the carrot to add a touch of sweetness and extra nutrition to the dish.
2. Cook the Bacon and Vegetables
- Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped bacon and sauté until it turns golden and slightly crispy.
- Toss in the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until translucent.
- Stir in the grated carrot, red pepper, and Italian pepper. Cook these veggies until they soften and their natural sweetness comes through.
3. Brown the Minced Meat
- Add the minced meat to the skillet with the cooked vegetables and bacon.
- Brown the meat thoroughly, ensuring no pink remains.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Season with salt, a pepper mixture, dried onion, dried garlic, dried peppers, and rosemary to taste.
4. Layer the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Begin with a layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom of the dish.
- Spread a portion of the meat and vegetable mixture over the potatoes.
- Repeat these layers, finishing with a final layer of potatoes on top.
5. Prepare the Topping
- In a small bowl, beat the egg and mix it with the grated cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Spread this mixture evenly over the top layer of potatoes. This topping will create a golden, crispy crust that’s absolutely irresistible.
6. Bake to Perfection
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 30 minutes to allow the casserole to cook through.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
7. Garnish and Serve
- Once baked, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with freshly chopped spring onions and any other herbs you love, such as parsley or thyme.
Tips for the Best Casserole
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold work best because they hold their shape during cooking.
- Don’t Skip the Topping: The egg, cheese, and breadcrumb mixture creates a crispy, cheesy layer that elevates the dish.
- Season Generously: Since potatoes absorb a lot of flavor, don’t be shy with your spices and seasonings.
- Make It Ahead: You can assemble the casserole in advance and bake it when needed, making it ideal for meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with:
- A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
- Steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans.
- A slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~450 kcal |
| Protein | ~30g |
| Fat | ~20g |
| Carbohydrates | ~35g |
| Fiber | ~5g |
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on portion size and specific ingredient brands.
FAQs About Savory Potato and Minced Meat Casserole
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Simply bake it when you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil and freeze. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
3. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat the casserole in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15–20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
4. Can I substitute minced meat with another protein?
Certainly! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes for a vegetarian version.
5. How can I make this casserole spicier?
Add a pinch of chili flakes or a chopped jalapeño pepper to the meat mixture for some extra heat.
6. Can I add other vegetables?
Of course! Mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach would make great additions to the casserole.
Conclusion
There’s something magical about a dish like the savory potato and minced meat casserole. It’s warm, comforting, and full of flavor—a true testament to home-cooked goodness. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or as a meal to enjoy throughout the week, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
Now it’s your turn to try this delicious casserole! Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and savor the joy of cooking a meal that will bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
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Savory Potato and Minced Meat Casserole: A Family Favorite
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This savory potato and minced meat casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish that layers tender potatoes, rich minced meat, and crispy, cheesy topping. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this recipe combines simple ingredients into a satisfying comfort meal that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 4–5 potatoes, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 100g bacon, chopped
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1/2 red pepper, chopped
- 1 Italian pepper, chopped
- 500–600g minced meat
- 200g tomato sauce
- Spring onion, chopped (for garnish)
- 100g cheese (for 2 recipes)
- 1 egg
- 100g cheddar cheese, grated
- A handful of breadcrumbs
- Olive oil (for cooking)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper mixture (to taste)
- Dried onion (to taste)
- Dried peppers (to taste)
- Dried garlic (to taste)
- Dried rosemary (to taste)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Slice the potatoes thinly for even cooking.
- Chop the onion, garlic, bacon, and peppers.
- Grate the carrot to add a sweet and tender texture to the casserole.
2. Cook the Bacon and Vegetables
- Heat a splash of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped bacon and sauté until golden and crispy.
- Add the onion and garlic, cooking until translucent.
- Stir in the grated carrot, red pepper, and Italian pepper. Cook until softened.
3. Brown the Minced Meat
- Add the minced meat to the skillet and brown it completely.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper mixture, dried onion, dried garlic, dried peppers, and dried rosemary to taste.
4. Layer the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Start with a layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom of the dish.
- Spread a portion of the meat and vegetable mixture over the potatoes. Repeat the layers, ending with a top layer of potatoes.
5. Prepare the Topping
- Beat the egg in a bowl, then mix it with grated cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Spread this mixture over the top layer of potatoes.
6. Bake the Casserole
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
7. Garnish and Serve
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with freshly chopped spring onions or other herbs like parsley or thyme.
Notes
- Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for the best texture.
- Adjust seasoning based on your preference, adding chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute minced meat with a plant-based alternative.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
