Ingredients

For the Potatoes:

• Potatoes – 500 g (18 oz), peeled and sliced
• Water – 2 liters (68 pt)
• Butter – 30 g (1.1 oz)
• Salt – 10 g (0.4 oz)
• Black pepper – 5 g (0.2 oz)
• Dill – 25 g (0.9 oz), chopped

For the Tomato Sauce:

• Tomato sauce – 100 g (3.5 oz)
• Olive oil – 20 ml (0.7 fl oz)
• Oregano – 5 g (0.2 oz)
• Salt – 5 g (0.2 oz)

For the Meat Mixture:

• Minced meat – 600 g (21 oz)
• Onions – 2, chopped
• Egg – 1 large
• Breadcrumbs – 70 g (2.5 oz)
• Black pepper – 5 g (0.2 oz)
• Salt – 10 g (0.4 oz)
• Garlic powder – 5 g (0.2 oz)
• Sweet paprika – 5 g (0.2 oz)

For the Topping:

• Cheese – 100 g (3.5 oz), shredded
• Dill – 5 g (0.2 oz), chopped

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes:

• Begin by peeling and slicing the potatoes into even-sized rounds.
• In a large pot, bring 2 liters of water to a boil. Add 10 g of salt to the water, then carefully add the potato slices.
• Boil the potatoes for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are slightly tender but not fully cooked. Drain the potatoes and set them aside.
• While the potatoes are still warm, toss them with 30 g of melted butter, 5 g of black pepper, and the chopped dill. Set aside to cool.

2. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:

• In a small saucepan, heat 20 ml of olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the 100 g of tomato sauce to the pan, followed by 5 g of oregano and 5 g of salt. Stir well to combine.
• Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Once the sauce has thickened slightly, remove it from heat and set aside.

3. Prepare the Meat Mixture:

• In a large bowl, combine 600 g of minced meat with the chopped onions, 1 egg, 70 g of breadcrumbs, 10 g of salt, 5 g of black pepper, 5 g of garlic powder, and 5 g of sweet paprika.
• Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are well-incorporated. The breadcrumbs and egg help to bind the meat mixture.
• Set the meat mixture aside while you prepare the casserole layers.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Grease a large baking dish (around 9×13 inches) with a bit of butter or oil to prevent sticking.
• Begin by layering half of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom of the dish.
• Spread half of the meat mixture over the potatoes, pressing it down slightly to create an even layer.
• Pour half of the prepared tomato sauce over the meat layer, spreading it evenly.
• Repeat the process with the remaining potatoes, meat mixture, and tomato sauce to create a second layer.

5. Add the Topping:

• Once the casserole is fully assembled, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
• Garnish with the remaining 5 g of chopped dill for added flavor and color.

6. Bake the Casserole:

• Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
• The meat should be fully cooked through, and the potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork.

7. Serve:

• Once the casserole is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
• Serve warm, garnished with additional fresh dill if desired.

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Cooking Tips

• Par-Boiling the Potatoes: Be careful not to overcook the potatoes during the par-boiling step. They should be just tender enough to layer into the casserole but not so soft that they fall apart.
• Cheese Options: While this recipe uses shredded cheese like mozzarella or cheddar, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as gouda or Parmesan, for a unique flavor.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just assemble the layers and cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil. When you’re ready to bake, remove the cover and bake as directed.

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Storage

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
• Freezing: To freeze the casserole, assemble the layers and wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.

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Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 26 g
• Fat: 25 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 900 mg

Please note that these values are approximate and depend on the portion sizes and specific ingredients used.

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FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes! You can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. The cooking time may vary slightly, so be sure to check that the meat is fully cooked before serving.

2. Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach to the meat mixture for extra nutrition. Just sauté them briefly before adding to ensure they don’t release too much moisture while baking.

3. What can I serve with this casserole?

This baked potato and meat casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread. You can also serve it with a side of sour cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra richness.

4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! To make this dish vegetarian, you can replace the minced meat with a plant-based alternative, such as lentils or a meat substitute. Adjust the seasoning to taste and follow the same layering and baking instructions.

5. How can I prevent the casserole from becoming too dry?

To prevent dryness, make sure to use enough tomato sauce and don’t skip the cheese topping. Covering the casserole with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking can also help retain moisture. Remove the foil for the last 15-20 minutes to allow the cheese to brown.

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Conclusion

This Baked Potato and Meat Casserole with Tomato Sauce and Cheese is a comforting and delicious meal that combines layers of tender potatoes, flavorful minced meat, and tangy tomato sauce, all topped with gooey melted cheese. It’s an easy and satisfying dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering both heartiness and rich flavor. Whether served on its own or with a side salad, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!