This savory potato and minced meat casserole is a delightful blend of hearty ingredients, perfect for a comforting family dinner. With layers of sliced potatoes, flavorful minced meat, and a medley of vegetables, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your table.
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
- 100g cheese (for 2 recipes)
- 1 egg
- 100g cheddar cheese, grated
- Breadcrumbs
- Olive oil
- Pepper mixture, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Dried onion, to taste
- Dried peppers, to taste
- Dried garlic, to taste
- Dried rosemary, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Start by slicing the potatoes and chopping the onion, garlic, and bacon.
- Grate the carrot and chop the red and Italian peppers.
- Cook the Bacon and Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Incorporate the diced bacon into the pan and sauté until it begins to turn golden and slightly crispy.
- Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until they become translucent.
- Then, stir in the grated carrot and chopped peppers, cooking until they begin to soften.
- Brown the Minced Meat:
- Add the minced meat to the skillet with the vegetables and bacon.
- Brown the meat thoroughly, ensuring it’s cooked all the way through. Pour in the tomato sauce, then reduce the heat and let it gently simmer for a few minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper mixture, dried onion, dried peppers, dried garlic, and dried rosemary to taste.
- Layer the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a greased baking dish, start with a layer of sliced potatoes.
- Spread a portion of the meat and vegetable mixture over the potatoes. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of potatoes on top.
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, beat the egg and mix it with the grated cheddar cheese and a handful of breadcrumbs.
- Spread this mixture evenly over the top layer of potatoes.
- Place the casserole dish:
- In the preheated oven, cover it with aluminum foil, and let it bake for half an hour.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once the casserole is done baking, let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped spring onions and any additional herbs of your choice.
Conclusion:
This savory potato and minced meat casserole is a heartwarming dish that’s perfect for any family dinner. Its combination of tender potatoes, flavorful meat, and a medley of vegetables makes it a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Enjoy this recipe with your loved ones and savor the comforting flavors of a homemade casserole.