Cheesy Tortilla Potato and Minced Meat Casserole

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This Cheesy Tortilla Potato and Minced Meat Casserole is a delicious and hearty meal that brings together soft mashed potatoes, savory minced meat, tortillas, and melted cheese. It’s an easy-to-make, comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. The combination of creamy potatoes, flavorful meat, and tortillas layered with rich tomato sauce and gooey cheese creates a wonderful fusion of textures and flavors. Top it off with some fresh parsley for a refreshing finish, and you have a perfect dish for any occasion!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Potato Layer:

  • Potatoes (amount as desired, approx. 5-6 medium)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Butter (as needed, approx. 2 tablespoons)
  • Milk (as needed, approx. 1/2 cup)

For the Minced Meat Layer:

  • 1 onion (finely chopped)
  • 400g minced meat (beef, pork, or a mixture)
  • Black pepper (to taste)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Green peas (amount as desired, optional)
  • Tomatoes (amount as desired, optional, sliced)

For Assembly:

  • 6 tortillas
  • Tomato sauce (approx. 1 cup)
  • Cheese (amount as desired, shredded, approx. 200g)
  • Olive oil (for sautéing and greasing)
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

  1. Boil the Potatoes:
    Peel the potatoes and cut them into quarters. Place them in a pot of salted water, bring to a boil, and cook until soft, about 15-20 minutes.
  2. Mash the Potatoes:
    Once the potatoes are tender, drain them and return them to the pot. Add butter, milk, and salt to taste. Mash until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Minced Meat

  1. Sauté the Onion:
    In a large pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the Minced Meat:
    Add the minced meat to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  3. Add Green Peas and Tomatoes:
    If desired, stir in green peas and a few sliced tomatoes to add more vegetables to the dish. Cook for another 5 minutes until the peas are tender and the tomatoes are slightly softened.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

  1. Layer the Tortillas:
    Grease a large casserole dish with olive oil. Place 2 tortillas at the bottom of the dish to form the first layer.
  2. Add Mashed Potatoes:
    Spread a generous layer of the mashed potatoes over the tortillas.
  3. Layer the Minced Meat:
    Spoon half of the cooked minced meat mixture over the mashed potatoes.
  4. Repeat Layers:
    Place another layer of 2 tortillas on top of the meat, followed by another layer of mashed potatoes and the remaining meat. Finish with the final 2 tortillas on top.
  5. Add Tomato Sauce and Cheese:
    Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the top layer of tortillas. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the tomato sauce.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Bake:
    Place the assembled casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

  1. Garnish:
    Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish.
  2. Serve:
    Slice the casserole into portions and serve hot.

Cooking Tips:

  • Customize the Vegetables:
    Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, or spinach to the minced meat mixture for more variety.
  • Make-Ahead Tip:
    You can prepare the mashed potatoes and minced meat ahead of time and assemble the casserole when ready to bake.
  • Alternative Cheese:
    For a richer flavor, use a combination of cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda.
  • Use Whole Wheat Tortillas:
    To make the dish healthier, substitute regular tortillas with whole wheat or gluten-free options.

Storage:

  • In the Refrigerator:
    Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.
  • In the Freezer:
    You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. To bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Calcium: 150 mg

FAQs:

  1. Can I use another type of meat instead of minced meat?
    Yes! Ground chicken, turkey, or even plant-based meat substitutes can be used as alternatives to minced pork or beef.
  2. Can I add more sauce to the casserole?
    Absolutely! If you prefer a saucier dish, feel free to add an extra layer of tomato sauce or even a béchamel sauce for extra creaminess.
  3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
    Yes, you can replace the minced meat with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or another plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.
  4. Can I use pre-made mashed potatoes?
    Yes, store-bought or leftover mashed potatoes can be used for convenience.

Conclusion:

This Cheesy Tortilla Potato and Minced Meat Casserole is a comforting, layered dish that brings together the heartiness of mashed potatoes, the richness of minced meat, and the gooey goodness of cheese, all wrapped in soft tortillas. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it’s easy to make, customizable with your favorite veggies or meats, and sure to satisfy any crowd. Serve it with a side salad or enjoy it on its own for a complete, filling meal. Whether you’re preparing it in advance or whipping it up for a quick dinner, this casserole is sure to become a household favorite!

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