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