Looking for a hearty and comforting dish that satisfies every craving in one pan? This Cheesy Potato and Ground Meat Bake with Vegetables is the perfect answer! Layered with thinly sliced potatoes, rich ground meat, sweet vegetables, and aromatic herbs, then finished with melty mozzarella, this bake is warm, filling, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re preparing a weekday dinner or hosting guests, this recipe brings together rustic ingredients and bold flavor in a way that feels both familiar and special.
Cooking Time
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 40 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
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400 g (13 oz) mozzarella cheese, grated
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1 kg potatoes, thinly sliced
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Salt, to taste
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Vegetable oil, for frying and greasing
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1 onion, diced
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500 g ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
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1 red bell pepper, chopped
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1 tomato, diced
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2 cloves of garlic, minced
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A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
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Black pepper, to taste
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Paprika, to taste
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Provençal herbs, to taste
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Dill, for garnish
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
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Prepare the potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. Season with salt and lightly coat with oil.
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Par-bake the potatoes: Arrange the potato slices in a baking dish greased with oil. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30 minutes until just tender.
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Prepare the meat mixture: In a skillet, heat vegetable oil and sauté the diced onion until translucent.
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Add the ground meat: Stir in the ground meat and cook until browned.
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Add vegetables: Mix in chopped red bell pepper, tomato, and minced garlic. Cook for another 5–7 minutes until softened.
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Season: Add salt, pepper, paprika, and Provençal herbs to taste. Stir in chopped parsley and cook for 1 more minute.
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Layer the dish: Remove the pre-baked potatoes from the oven. Spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly over the top.
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Add cheese: Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese generously over the meat layer.
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Final bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh dill on top before serving. Enjoy hot!
Nutritional Information
(Per serving, based on 6 servings)
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Calories: 420 kcal
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Protein: 25 g
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Fat: 24 g
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Carbohydrates: 30 g
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Fiber: 4 g
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Calcium: 240 mg
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Iron: 3 mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Casserole-style dishes like this one trace their roots to European home cooking, where layers of potatoes, meat, and cheese are common in rustic, oven-baked meals. This specific version is influenced by Mediterranean and Eastern European flavors, especially with the use of herbs like dill and parsley, and cheeses like mozzarella. It’s popular for its simplicity, versatility, and the comforting satisfaction of a meal that comes together in one dish.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
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It’s a complete meal in one dish—protein, vegetables, and starch.
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Requires minimal cleanup.
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Perfect for batch cooking or freezing.
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Customizable based on what you have on hand.
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It’s cheesy, hearty, and family-friendly.
Health Benefits
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Potatoes offer a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
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Ground meat provides essential protein and iron.
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Tomatoes, garlic, and bell peppers add antioxidants and vitamin A.
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Herbs like parsley and dill are rich in anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve it with a side of lightly dressed greens or cucumber salad.
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Enjoy with sour cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side.
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Pair with a slice of rustic bread to soak up the juices.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Skipping the initial potato bake: The dish won’t cook evenly if the potatoes are added raw.
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Overcrowding the meat mixture with liquid vegetables: Drain excess liquid from tomatoes if needed to prevent sogginess.
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Not seasoning properly: Each layer should be seasoned to build balanced flavor.
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Using low-moisture cheese only: A combination of melty and flavorful cheese works best.
Pairing Recommendations
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Drinks: A glass of light red wine (like Pinot Noir) or herbal iced tea.
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Sides: Cabbage slaw, steamed green beans, or garlic sautéed spinach.
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Dessert: Apple strudel or berry yogurt parfait.
Cooking Tips
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Slice potatoes uniformly for even cooking.
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Use a mandoline for thin and consistent slices.
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You can substitute mozzarella with gouda, cheddar, or a cheese blend.
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For extra creaminess, mix a little cream or béchamel with the meat layer.
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Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes after baking to set.
Similar Recipes to Try
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Classic Shepherd’s Pie with Mashed Potato Topping
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Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
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Eggplant and Meat Moussaka
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Sweet Potato and Turkey Bake
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Cheesy Beef Lasagna
Variations to Try
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Vegetarian version: Replace meat with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or chickpeas.
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Spicy version: Add chili flakes or diced jalapeños.
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Creamy version: Pour a mix of sour cream and egg over the meat before adding cheese.
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Breakfast-style version: Add scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage for a morning meal.
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Low-carb version: Use thin zucchini slices instead of potatoes.
Ingredient Spotlight: Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella is beloved for its creamy texture and meltability. Originally from southern Italy, this cheese made from cow or buffalo milk is high in calcium and protein. In baked dishes, it forms a bubbly, golden crust and enhances every bite with its mild, comforting flavor. It’s a top choice for casseroles, pizzas, and gratins worldwide.
Conclusion Paragraph
This Cheesy Potato and Ground Meat Bake is the epitome of hearty home cooking. It brings together simple ingredients in a way that’s both comforting and flavorful. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, preparing for the week ahead, or just want something that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this dish will never disappoint. Give it a try and make it your new go-to family favorite.
10 Comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 5–10 extra minutes to the final bake.
2. Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Let the bake cool completely, then portion and freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
3. What’s the best way to reheat it?
Cover with foil and reheat in the oven at 170°C (340°F) for about 15–20 minutes. Alternatively, use a microwave.
4. Can I use other meats instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground chicken, turkey, or pork all work well in this dish.
5. How thin should the potato slices be?
About 1/8-inch (3 mm) is ideal. Too thick, and they may not cook through.
6. What kind of potatoes should I use?
Waxy or all-purpose potatoes like Yukon Gold work best. They hold their shape and layer well.
7. Can I add sauce to make it creamier?
Yes! A little béchamel sauce, cream, or sour cream mixed with the meat layer adds richness.
8. How do I make this recipe lighter?
Use lean meat, reduce the cheese, and add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.