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