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This hearty Potato and Minced Meat Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines layers of tender potatoes, seasoned minced meat, and mushrooms, all topped with gooey melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20-25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 50-60 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 kg potatoes
- 4 chicken eggs, beaten
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 500 g minced meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
- 150 g raw mushrooms, sliced
- 150 ml tomato sauce
- 150 g hard mozzarella cheese, grated
- A bunch of spring onions, chopped
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Salt, ground black pepper, dried ground sweet paprika, and dried ground garlic (to taste)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Peel and slice the potatoes into thin rounds.
- Boil the potato slices in salted water until just tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Minced Meat Mixture:
- Heat some vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the minced meat and cook until browned. Season with salt, ground black pepper, dried ground sweet paprika, and dried ground garlic to taste.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their juices and are tender.
- Stir in the tomato sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes. Remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a large baking dish, layer half of the boiled potato slices.
- Spread the minced meat mixture evenly over the potatoes.
- Cover with the remaining potato slices.
- Pour the beaten eggs over the entire casserole.
- Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese on top.
4. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
5. Serve:
- Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Sprinkle the chopped spring onions over the top.
- Serve the casserole hot, optionally with a yogurt-garlic sauce on the side.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Pair with a light white wine or your favorite beverage.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for added color and flavor.
Cooking Tips
- Boil potatoes just until tender to avoid them becoming too soft when baked.
- Season the minced meat well to enhance the flavor of the casserole.
- Use a mix of meats (beef and pork) for a richer taste.
Nutritional Benefits
- High in Protein: From the eggs, cheese, and minced meat.
- Rich in Carbohydrates: The potatoes provide a good source of energy.
- Vegetable Intake: Mushrooms add fiber and essential nutrients.
Dietary Information
- Gluten-Free (ensure all seasonings and ingredients are gluten-free)
- Nut-Free
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, approx. 1 serving)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: This casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 175°C (350°F) until warmed through.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Satisfying: A perfect meal for cozy nights.
- Great for Meal Prep: Can be made ahead and reheated when needed.
- Family-Friendly: A dish that’s sure to please both kids and adults.
- Versatile: Easy to customize with different vegetables or spices.
Conclusion
This Potato and Minced Meat Casserole is a delicious, hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners or when you’re craving comfort food. The combination of tender potatoes, savory minced meat, and creamy melted cheese makes it a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this dish hot, topped with fresh spring onions, and served with your favorite sides!
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Yes, you can use any cheese that melts well, like cheddar or gouda.
- Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
- Absolutely! Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach would be great additions.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- How do I make this dish vegetarian?
- Replace the minced meat with a plant-based alternative or use lentils.
- What can I serve with this casserole?
- A green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables pair well with this dish.
- Can I freeze leftovers?
- Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just thaw and reheat before serving.
- Is this dish gluten-free?
- Yes, as long as all ingredients used are gluten-free.
- Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
- Yes, sweet potatoes can add a different flavor and extra nutrition.
- How do I know when the casserole is done?
- The casserole is done when the cheese is golden brown, and the eggs are set.
- Can I omit the eggs?
- The eggs help bind the casserole, but you can omit them or replace them with a vegan egg substitute if needed.