This Baked Rolled Potato and Meat Casserole is a showstopping main dish that combines the heartiness of layered potatoes with the bold flavors of spiced minced meat and melted mozzarella. It’s comfort food with flair—perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or holiday tables. Thinly sliced potatoes form the base, baked until tender and golden, then rolled with a savory meat and pepper filling, topped with cheese, and baked to perfection. The result is a golden, cheesy roll that slices beautifully and delivers bold flavor in every bite.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired / Comfort Food Fusion
Ingredients
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3–4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
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250 g mozzarella cheese, grated
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1 onion, sliced
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300 g minced meat (beef, lamb, or a mix)
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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2 bell peppers, chopped (use different colors for visual appeal)
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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2–3 tablespoons tomato sauce
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Salt, to taste
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Black pepper, to taste
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Ground cumin, to taste
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Thyme, to taste
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Vegetable oil, for cooking
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
Prepare the Potato Base
Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and sprinkle a layer of grated mozzarella cheese over it. Arrange thinly sliced potatoes over the cheese, slightly overlapping to create a solid base. Season with salt and drizzle lightly with vegetable oil.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and edges begin to turn golden.
Cook the Meat Filling
While the potato base bakes, heat a splash of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add the minced meat and cook for 8–10 minutes, breaking up the pieces as it browns.
Stir in minced garlic and chopped bell peppers. Cook for another 5 minutes.
Mix in tomato paste, tomato sauce, salt, black pepper, cumin, and thyme. Simmer on low for another 5 minutes to develop flavor.
Assemble the Roll
Remove the baked potato base from the oven. Sprinkle more grated mozzarella over the top.
Evenly spread the meat mixture over the potatoes.
Using the parchment paper for assistance, gently roll the potatoes and meat into a log. Roll tightly but carefully to avoid tearing. Leave seam-side down.
Final Bake
Sprinkle the roll with additional mozzarella cheese. Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top.
Slice into rounds and serve warm. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp salad, rice pilaf, or roasted vegetables.
Nutritional Information (per serving – based on 6 servings)
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Calories: 410
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Protein: 25g
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Carbohydrates: 28g
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Fat: 22g
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Saturated Fat: 9g
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Fiber: 4g
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Sugar: 4g
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Sodium: 520mg
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Calcium: 20% DV
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Iron: 15% DV
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
This dish brings together elements of classic European potato casseroles and Mediterranean meat-stuffed dishes. Inspired by rolled appetizers like Swiss roulades and Turkish böreks, it transforms everyday ingredients into a centerpiece-worthy meal.
The presentation makes it special, while the ingredients are budget-friendly and familiar. Its versatility has made it popular across food blogs and social platforms, where home cooks love showcasing the spiral cut and melted cheese layers.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
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Comfort food appeal – warm, hearty, and cheesy
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Beautiful presentation – spiral cut looks stunning on the plate
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Perfect for sharing – makes a full meal or impressive party dish
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Loaded with flavor – spiced meat and creamy cheese in every bite
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Easy to customize – adjust spices, fillings, or cheese types
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Kid-friendly and adult-approved – the ultimate family dinner option
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Works for meal prep – leftovers reheat well and stay delicious
Health Benefits
While indulgent, this dish offers several nutrient-rich components:
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High in protein – from minced meat and mozzarella
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Vitamin-rich veggies – onions, peppers, potatoes add fiber and antioxidants
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Iron and B12 – especially from beef or lamb mince
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Calcium – from generous amounts of cheese
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Gluten-free – naturally free of flour or breadcrumbs
Use lean meat and moderate cheese for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.
Serving Suggestions
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Pair with a crisp green salad – for freshness and contrast
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Serve with tzatziki or yogurt dip – for a cool, creamy finish
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Add roasted veggies on the side – like zucchini, eggplant, or carrots
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Garnish with chili flakes or hot sauce – for spice lovers
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Pair with white rice or bulgur – to make a more filling meal
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Serve with red wine or sparkling water with lemon – to balance the richness
Cooking Tips
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Use a mandoline to slice potatoes thinly and evenly
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Overlap potato slices to ensure the roll holds together
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Cook meat filling until most of the liquid evaporates to avoid sogginess
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Let it rest after baking – makes slicing easier and cleaner
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Use parchment paper to guide the roll – don’t try to lift the hot potatoes by hand
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Add cheese gradually – for flavor layering and perfect melt
Variations to Try
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Spinach and ricotta filling – for a vegetarian twist
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Swap mozzarella for provolone or gouda – for deeper flavor
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Add mushrooms to the meat mix – for umami richness
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Use sweet potatoes instead of regular ones – for a colorful change
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Make it spicy – with jalapeños, harissa, or cayenne
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Add a béchamel drizzle over the roll before final baking for extra creaminess
Conclusion
This Rolled Potato and Meat Casserole is everything you want in a comforting, homemade meal: golden, cheesy, packed with flavor, and absolutely satisfying. It combines the rustic charm of roasted potatoes with the bold, juicy filling of seasoned ground meat, all finished with bubbly, golden cheese. It’s not just dinner—it’s a dish you’ll be proud to serve, enjoy, and repeat. Whether you’re hosting or just feeding your family, this recipe will impress, satisfy, and disappear fast.
FAQ
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the roll up to the final bake, refrigerate covered, and bake fresh the next day.
2. What type of potatoes work best?
Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape best when sliced and baked.
3. Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Absolutely—try gouda, fontina, or even cream cheese mixed into the filling for variety.
4. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or tofu crumbles.
5. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 170°C (340°F) for 10–12 minutes or until warmed through.
6. Can I freeze the roll?
It’s best frozen after baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven.
7. Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No, but peeling gives a smoother texture. Feel free to leave the skin on for more fiber and a rustic feel.
8. What’s the best way to roll it without breaking it?
Use parchment paper to lift and roll gently. Let it rest slightly after baking for flexibility.
9. Can I add more vegetables?
Yes—zucchini, corn, spinach, or grated carrots can be added to the filling for extra nutrition.
10. What’s a good dipping sauce?
Try sour cream, yogurt dip, garlic aioli, or spicy tomato sauce.