This Cheesy Italian Potato and Meat Bake is a rich, hearty, and satisfying dish layered with seasoned potatoes, savory ground meat, tomato sauce, and melty cheeses. A creamy egg mixture binds everything together for a golden-baked, comforting meal. Whether served on its own or with a fresh side salad, this dish is sure to be a family favorite!
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
For the Bake:
- 500g (4 medium) potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 500g (1 lb) ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
- 150g (⅔ cup) tomato sauce (passata or crushed tomatoes)
- 250g (2 cups) mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
- 150g (1½ cups) Parmesan cheese, grated (or another hard cheese)
- 3 large eggs
- 200ml (¾ cup) milk
- 70g (½ cup) all-purpose flour
- 20g (1½ tbsp) sour cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (355°F).
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced potatoes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, oregano, and paprika until evenly coated.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté chopped onion until soft and translucent.
- Add ground meat, season with salt, black pepper, and paprika, and cook until browned and crumbled.
- Stir in tomato sauce and simmer for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Layer the Bake
- In a baking dish, spread half of the seasoned potatoes evenly.
- Add half of the cooked meat mixture and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, meat, and mozzarella.
- Sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Egg Mixture
- In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, flour, sour cream, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients.
- Bake for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Let the bake cool slightly before slicing to allow the layers to set.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy on its own as a complete meal.
- Pair with a fresh green salad for balance.
- Serve with garlic bread or crusty Italian bread for a heartier meal.
- Add a side of roasted vegetables for extra nutrition.
Cooking Tips
- Slice the potatoes thinly to ensure even cooking.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
- Substitute ground meat with chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
- Make it vegetarian by replacing meat with sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
Nutritional Benefits
- Potatoes: Rich in fiber, potassium, and vitamins B6 & C.
- Ground Meat: High in protein and essential nutrients.
- Tomato Sauce: Loaded with antioxidants and lycopene.
- Mozzarella & Parmesan: Provide calcium and protein for strong bones.
Dietary Information
- Gluten-Free: No (Use gluten-free flour)
- Dairy-Free: No (Use dairy-free cheese and milk alternatives)
- High-Protein: Yes
- Low-Carb: No
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Approx. 6 Servings)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months in individual portions.
- Reheating Tip: Reheat in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 10 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare with simple pantry staples.
- Layers of rich, cheesy, and savory flavors.
- Perfect for meal prep and reheats beautifully.
- Family-friendly comfort food that’s always a hit!
Conclusion
This Cheesy Italian Potato and Meat Bake is a crowd-pleasing, comforting dish that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a meal prep idea, or a hearty family dish, this cheesy, layered bake is a must-try. Serve it fresh out of the oven with a side salad or crusty bread, and enjoy a warm, homemade meal that everyone will love!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes! Cheddar, Gouda, or provolone work well.
- Can I use sweet potatoes instead? Yes, but they may take slightly longer to cook.
- How do I make it spicier? Add red pepper flakes or chili powder to the meat mixture.
- Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato sauce? Yes! Use 2-3 diced fresh tomatoes instead.
- Can I make this bake ahead of time? Yes! Assemble it ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
- What’s the best way to store leftovers? Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Can I make this bake without eggs? Yes, but the bake will be less firm—try using a cornstarch slurry instead.
- Can I add vegetables to the layers? Absolutely! Zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers work great.
- Can I use a different protein? Yes! Chicken, turkey, or even lentils can be used.
- How do I make it extra crispy on top? Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for a golden crust.