This Cheesy Minced Meat and Potato Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish made with layers of seasoned potatoes, flavorful minced meat, sautéed mushrooms, and melted cheese, topped with a creamy garlic sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner and packed with rich, delicious flavors.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 3 eggs
- Salt, to taste
- 4 potatoes, peeled and sliced
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 400g (14 oz) minced meat (beef, pork, or chicken)
- Black pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp starch (potato or cornstarch)
- 200g (7 oz) mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tomato, diced
- ½ cup hot water
- 150g (5 oz) cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda), grated
- Parsley, chopped, for garnish
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 3 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped dill
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 canned cucumbers, chopped (optional, for tanginess)
Directions
1. Prepare the Potatoes
- Slice potatoes into thin rounds.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil, add salt, and cook potatoes for 5 minutes until slightly tender.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Meat Filling
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan and sauté onions and garlic until golden brown.
- Add minced meat, season with salt, black pepper, and mixed peppers, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
- Stir in mushrooms and diced tomato, cooking for 3-5 minutes.
- Add hot water and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle starch over the mixture and stir until thickened.
3. Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat oven to 180°C (356°F).
- Grease a baking dish with vegetable oil.
- Layer half of the potatoes at the bottom.
- Spread half of the minced meat mixture over the potatoes.
- Repeat with another layer of potatoes and meat.
- Sprinkle grated cheese evenly on top.
4. Bake the Casserole
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes at 180°C (356°F).
- Remove foil and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes until golden brown.
5. Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- In a bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, dill, and salt.
- Stir in chopped canned cucumbers for extra tanginess.
6. Serve
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve warm with a drizzle of creamy garlic sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
- Serve with warm crusty bread or garlic toast.
- Pair with a light soup for a complete meal.
Cooking Tips
- For extra crispiness, broil for 2 minutes after baking.
- For a spicier kick, add red chili flakes to the meat mixture.
- For a richer flavor, mix Parmesan cheese into the sauce.
Nutritional Benefits
- High in protein from meat, eggs, and cheese.
- Rich in fiber and vitamins from potatoes and mushrooms.
- Packed with probiotics from sour cream.
Dietary Information
- Gluten-free
- Can be made dairy-free by using plant-based cheese and yogurt
- Can be made vegetarian by replacing meat with lentils or tofu
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 22g
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 1 month; thaw before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in an oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor
✔ Easy to make with simple ingredients
✔ Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
✔ Great balance of protein, veggies, and carbs
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Conclusion
This Cheesy Minced Meat and Potato Casserole is a rich, comforting, and satisfying dish, perfect for family meals or special occasions. The creamy garlic sauce adds an extra layer of flavor, making this dish irresistibly delicious. Try it today and enjoy a homemade, hearty meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use ground chicken instead of beef? Yes! Ground chicken or turkey works great.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Assemble and refrigerate before baking.
- Can I add more vegetables? Absolutely! Try zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots.
- Can I use another cheese? Yes! Parmesan, Swiss, or mozzarella are good choices.
- Can I make this spicy? Yes! Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper.