Baked Potato Mince Casserole with Cheese and Creamy Dill Sauce

This hearty and comforting Baked Potato Mince Casserole with Cheese and Creamy Dill Sauce is a flavorful twist on classic meat-and-potato dishes, combining layers of seasoned meat, vegetables, and grated potatoes baked into a golden crust, then topped with melted cheese and served with a refreshing yogurt-based sauce. It’s everything you want in a family meal: delicious, nourishing, easy to prepare, and full of texture and warmth. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, preparing a weeknight dinner, or entertaining guests with something homey yet satisfying, this recipe delivers savory, creamy, cheesy delight in every bite. Best of all, it’s customizable, freezer-friendly, and features ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 30–40 minutes
Final Bake with Cheese: 5–7 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

For the Casserole
• 800 g fresh potatoes, peeled and grated
• 2 eggs
• 120 g all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 500 g minced meat (beef, pork, turkey, or a mix)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt to taste (divided across layers)
• Ground black pepper to taste
• 1 egg yolk
• 100 g shredded cheese (mozzarella, gouda, or cheddar)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Creamy Dill Sauce
• 3–4 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 1–2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1–2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
• Salt to taste

Step-by-step Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the Potato Base
   Peel and grate the potatoes. Place them in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. This step is crucial to ensure a crispy, firm base. In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated potatoes with 2 eggs, 120 g of flour, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until a cohesive batter forms.

2. Bake the Potato Crust
   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish or tray with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Spread the potato mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish, pressing it down firmly to create a smooth layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–40 minutes until the potato base is golden and set.

3. Cook the Mince and Vegetables
   While the potato base is baking, heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and bell pepper and sauté for about 5–6 minutes until softened. Add the minced meat to the pan, season with salt, pepper, and drop in the bay leaf. Cook the meat mixture until browned and fully cooked. Remove the bay leaf once the meat is done.

4. Assemble the Casserole
   Once the potato layer has baked, remove it from the oven. Spread the cooked meat mixture evenly on top. Brush the surface with the egg yolk to create a glossy finish and help the layers stick together.

5. Add the Cheese Topping and Final Bake
   Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the meat layer. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and slightly golden. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing to help it set.

6. Prepare the Creamy Dill Sauce
   In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, chopped dill, paprika, and salt to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed. Chill the sauce in the fridge until ready to serve.

7. Serve and Garnish
   Slice the casserole into generous squares, drizzle or serve with the creamy dill sauce, and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings)

Calories: 440
Protein: 25 g
Fat: 27 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sodium: 610 mg
Calcium: 210 mg
Iron: 2.8 mg

The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe

Casseroles like this have long roots in Eastern European and Mediterranean kitchens, where home cooks layer humble ingredients like potatoes, ground meat, and seasonal vegetables to make satisfying meals for large families. This dish draws inspiration from both Eastern European potato pies and French-style gratins, marrying simplicity with richness. With the rise of cooking videos and food influencers, this type of rustic, hearty oven-bake has gained popularity across YouTube and Instagram for its affordability, heartiness, and universally appealing flavors.

Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe

• Uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients
• Satisfies both adults and kids alike
• Freezer-friendly and meal-prep compatible
• Offers crispy, savory, creamy, and cheesy textures in every bite
• Easy to customize to dietary needs or preferences
• Perfect for dinner parties or a cozy weekend meal

Health Benefits

Despite its comfort food status, this recipe provides well-rounded nutrition. Potatoes are a great source of vitamin C and potassium, while the meat offers high-quality protein and iron. Fresh herbs like dill and parsley contain antioxidants and support digestion. The yogurt-based sauce adds calcium and beneficial probiotics, especially when using Greek yogurt.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this casserole with:
• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts
• Pickled cucumbers or beets for acidity and crunch
• Garlic bread or roasted vegetables for a complete meal
• A glass of light red wine or a sparkling water with citrus

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not draining the grated potatoes—excess water makes the base soggy
• Overcooking the meat—can make the dish dry
• Skipping the rest period before slicing—leads to messy servings
• Adding cheese too early—can result in over-browning or burning
• Undersalting the layers—each layer needs its own seasoning

Pairing Recommendations

Beverages: Pinot Noir, dry rosé, sparkling water with herbs
Sides: Mixed greens with vinegar dressing, tomato cucumber salad, sautéed kale
Desserts: Baked apples with cinnamon, Greek yogurt with honey and walnuts

Cooking Tips

• For extra crispness, bake the potato layer slightly longer before adding the meat
• Use a mix of beef and pork for richer flavor
• Stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or tomato paste into the meat for depth
• Swap mayo in the sauce with sour cream or skip for a lighter version
• Sprinkle a few breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan for a crunchy topping

Similar Recipes to Try

• Shepherd’s Pie with Cheddar Topping
• Greek Moussaka with Eggplant
• Potato and Spinach Gratin
• Cheesy Lentil and Vegetable Bake
• Chicken and Zucchini Layered Casserole

Variations to Try

• Vegetarian: Substitute the meat with lentils, mushrooms, or cooked quinoa
• Low-Carb: Replace grated potatoes with grated cauliflower or zucchini
• Spicy: Add chili flakes, cayenne, or chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture
• Mediterranean: Stir olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and oregano into the meat
• Breakfast Casserole: Use breakfast sausage and top with scrambled eggs

Ingredient Spotlight: Dill

Dill is more than just a garnish—this aromatic herb has powerful digestive and anti-inflammatory properties. Its bright, grassy flavor is the perfect match for creamy yogurt-based sauces, cutting through richness and enhancing freshness. In this dish, it lifts the creamy sauce and balances the hearty casserole beautifully.

Conclusion

This Baked Potato Mince Casserole with Cheese and Creamy Dill Sauce is the epitome of cozy, delicious, and satisfying home cooking. It proves that you don’t need fancy ingredients to make something impressive. With golden layers of crisp potato, savory meat, bubbly cheese, and a tangy herb sauce, every forkful is pure comfort. Make it once and you’ll want to make it again and again, whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or bringing something comforting to a potluck.

10 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole (without baking the cheese layer), cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake the cheese layer fresh before serving.

2. Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Slice the cooled casserole, wrap individual portions in foil or plastic wrap, and freeze. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

3. What type of cheese works best?
Mozzarella, gouda, cheddar, or even a mix of cheeses work beautifully. Use what’s available or your favorite melting cheese.

4. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes. Use sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or even crumbled tofu in place of meat.

5. How do I make it gluten-free?
Replace the flour in the potato base with gluten-free flour or almond flour.

6. Can I use leftover mashed potatoes instead of grated?
Mashed potatoes are too soft for the base but can be used as a topping in a shepherd’s pie variation.

7. Is the sauce necessary?
Technically no, but the creamy dill sauce elevates the dish, adding tang and freshness. It’s highly recommended!

8. What can I use instead of Greek yogurt in the sauce?
Sour cream, regular plain yogurt, or even crème fraîche all work as substitutes.

9. Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely. Try grated carrot, spinach, or zucchini mixed into the potato layer or meat.

10. How long does it stay good in the fridge?
Up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. Reheat thoroughly before eating.