Baked Potato and Meat Casserole with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

This hearty baked potato and meat casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish, perfect for family dinners. With layers of seasoned potatoes, savory minced meat, mushrooms, and a rich tomato sauce topped with melted mozzarella cheese, it’s sure to be a hit. Serve it with a refreshing garlic yogurt sauce for a complete meal.

Preparation Time

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

  • 1 kg potatoes
  • Vegetable oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 chicken eggs
  • A bunch of spring onions, chopped
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 500g minced meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
  • 150g raw mushrooms, sliced
  • 150 ml tomato sauce
  • 150g hard mozzarella cheese, grated

For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:

  • 20g yogurt without fillers
  • 20g mayonnaise
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 cucumber, finely chopped
  • A bunch of dill, chopped

Instructions

Prepare the Casserole:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F).
  2. Prepare the Potatoes:
    • Peel and slice the potatoes thinly.
    • Heat some vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
    • Add the potato slices, season with salt and ground black pepper to taste, and cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly tender. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Eggs:
    • In a bowl, beat the eggs and season with salt and ground black pepper to taste. Set aside.
  4. Cook the Meat and Vegetables:
    • Heat some vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
    • Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until soft and translucent.
    • Add the minced meat and cook until browned.
    • Add the sliced mushrooms, season with salt and ground black pepper to taste, and cook until the mushrooms are tender.
    • Stir in the tomato sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
  5. Assemble the Casserole:
    • In a greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked potato slices.
    • Spread the meat and mushroom mixture evenly over the potatoes.
    • Layer the remaining potato slices on top.
    • Pour the beaten eggs over the entire dish.
    • Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
  6. Bake:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Prepare the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:

  1. Mix the Sauce:
    • In a bowl, combine the yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, finely chopped cucumber, and chopped dill.
    • Mix well and season with a pinch of salt if desired.

Serve:

  1. Serve the Casserole:
    • Once the casserole is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
    • Serve hot with a generous spoonful of garlic yogurt sauce on the side.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair the casserole with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
  • Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread for added comfort.
  • Enjoy with a glass of your favorite wine or a refreshing beverage.

Cooking Tips

  • Consistent Slicing: Ensure the potato slices are evenly sliced for uniform cooking.
  • Pre-Cook Potatoes: Slightly pre-cooking the potatoes helps them cook faster and more evenly in the oven.
  • Season Generously: Adjust the seasoning to your preference, and don’t be afraid to add your favorite herbs and spices.
  • Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the layers to set.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Potatoes: Provide essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
  • Minced Meat: A good source of protein and iron.
  • Mushrooms: Rich in antioxidants and vitamins B and D.
  • Garlic Yogurt Sauce: Adds probiotics from the yogurt, which are good for gut health.

Dietary Information

  • Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute the minced meat with a plant-based alternative or additional vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
  • Low-Carb Option: Replace the potatoes with thinly sliced cauliflower or zucchini.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked potato and meat casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and full of rich flavors. The combination of tender potatoes, savory meat, and melted cheese is a crowd-pleaser, while the garlic yogurt sauce adds a refreshing contrast. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this casserole is sure to become a favorite.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this hearty baked potato and meat casserole with garlic yogurt sauce is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and comforting textures, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Try this recipe today and enjoy a satisfying homemade dinner. Thank you for watching and commenting! Enjoy your meal!