This Cheesy Potato and Minced Meat Bake is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for dinner. Layered with tender potatoes, savory minced meat, and fresh vegetables, it’s topped with a creamy egg mixture and gooey mozzarella cheese for an irresistible finish.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings
- Serves: 6
Ingredients
For the Egg Mixture:
- 3 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 50 ml (¼ cup) cream
For the Potatoes:
- 4 medium potatoes (about 800 g), peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons oil (for frying)
For the Minced Meat Filling:
- 500 g (1 lb) minced meat (beef, pork, or your choice)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 50 g (¼ cup) tomato sauce
- 1 carrot, grated
- 100 g (3.5 oz) mushrooms, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
For Topping:
- 100 g (3.5 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Fresh dill, chopped
Directions
1. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- In a bowl, beat together eggs, salt, black pepper, and cream. Set aside.
2. Cook the Potatoes:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add thinly sliced potatoes, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until slightly tender, about 5–7 minutes. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Minced Meat Filling:
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent.
- Add minced meat and cook until browned.
- Season with salt, paprika, and black pepper, then stir in tomato sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Add Vegetables:
- Stir in grated carrot, sliced mushrooms, chopped bell pepper, and tomatoes.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Assemble the Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (360°F).
- Grease a baking dish. Layer half of the cooked potatoes at the bottom.
- Spread half of the minced meat mixture on top of the potatoes.
- Pour half of the egg and cream mixture over the layers.
- Repeat with remaining potatoes, meat mixture, and egg mixture.
6. Top with Cheese:
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
7. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
8. Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and dill. Serve warm and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Pair with garlic bread or dinner rolls for added comfort.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt on the side.
- Serve alongside a simple tomato or cucumber salad for freshness.
Cooking Tips
- Thinly slice potatoes for even cooking.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference, especially for the minced meat filling.
- Use a mix of cheeses, like cheddar and mozzarella, for extra flavor.
- To save time, prepare the meat mixture and potatoes ahead of time.
Nutritional Benefits
- Potatoes provide complex carbohydrates and potassium.
- Eggs are a great source of protein and essential vitamins.
- Vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Dietary Information
- Gluten-free (verify all ingredients used are gluten-free).
- Contains dairy and eggs.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 180°C (360°F) for 10–15 minutes, or microwave individual portions.
- Freeze: Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A comforting one-dish meal with layers of flavor and texture.
- Packed with protein, veggies, and cheesy goodness.
- Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or meat.
- Perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Potato and Minced Meat Bake is a wholesome, hearty dish that brings comfort and flavor to the table. With tender potatoes, a rich meat filling, and a cheesy topping, it’s a crowd-pleasing meal that’s simple to make and perfect for any occasion. Give it a try, and enjoy a warm, satisfying dinner!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes add a unique flavor and work well in this dish. - Can I substitute the minced meat?
Absolutely! Ground chicken, turkey, or plant-based meat alternatives work great. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the layers, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh when ready to serve. - What other vegetables can I add?
Zucchini, spinach, or corn are great additions. - Can I use heavy cream instead of regular cream?
Yes, heavy cream will make the dish richer and creamier. - How do I prevent the dish from becoming watery?
Drain the vegetables well before adding them to the filling. - Can I freeze the bake?
Yes, freeze cooked portions and reheat for a quick meal later. - Can I add cheese to the filling?
Yes, mix some shredded cheese into the meat and vegetable filling for extra cheesiness. - How do I know the bake is done?
The top should be golden and bubbly, and the egg mixture should be set. - Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, cheddar, gouda, or a cheese blend can be used instead of mozzarella.