Grandma’s Classic Minced Meat and Potato Skillet

This classic dinner is a family favorite, cooked by my grandma every few days, and it’s no wonder why! With simple ingredients like potatoes, minced meat, onions, and eggs, this dish is both hearty and delicious. It’s perfect for a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or looking for a quick and satisfying dinner, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your kitchen.

Preparation Time:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • Vegetable fat (for frying)
  • 4-5 potatoes, cut into small cubes
  • 450g minced meat (beef, pork, or a mixture)
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt (for seasoning the meat)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 5 eggs
  • 100g cheese, grated (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
  • 1 tsp salt (for eggs)

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Potatoes:
    • Heat a generous amount of vegetable fat in a large skillet over medium heat.
    • Add the cubed potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside, about 10-12 minutes.
    • Remove the potatoes from the skillet and set them aside.
  2. Cook the Minced Meat:
    • In the same skillet, add a little more vegetable fat if needed.
    • Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
    • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
    • Add the minced meat to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and black pepper to taste.
    • Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
  3. Combine Potatoes and Meat:
    • Once the meat is cooked, return the cooked potatoes to the skillet.
    • Stir everything together and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  4. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
    • In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with 1 teaspoon of salt.
    • Pour the beaten eggs evenly over the meat and potato mixture in the skillet.
  5. Add Cheese and Cook:
    • Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the top of the egg mixture.
    • Cover the skillet with a lid and cook on low heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted.
  6. Serve:
    • Once the eggs are cooked and the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from the heat.
    • Let it cool slightly before serving. Slice into portions and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor.

Cooking Tips:

  • For a crispier texture, you can briefly broil the dish in the oven after the eggs are set to brown the top.
  • Feel free to add other seasonings or herbs to the meat mixture, such as thyme or rosemary, for added depth of flavor.

Nutritional Benefits:

  • Potatoes: A great source of potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber.
  • Minced Meat: Provides high-quality protein and essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins.
  • Eggs: Rich in protein and provide important vitamins such as B12 and D.

Dietary Information:

  • Gluten-Free: Yes
  • Dairy-Free Option: Omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Nutritional Facts (per serving):

  • Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
  • Protein: 20g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sodium: 700mg

Storage:

  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • This dish is easy to prepare and requires simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.
  • It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
  • The combination of crispy potatoes, flavorful minced meat, and cheesy eggs makes for a comforting and delicious dinner.

Conclusion: Grandma’s classic minced meat and potato skillet is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s no wonder this recipe is a family favorite. Give it a try and enjoy the warm, hearty flavors that make this dish so special. Enjoy!


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

  1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of minced meat?
    • Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to minced beef or pork.
  2. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
    • Absolutely! Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms would be great additions.
  3. What type of cheese works best?
    • Cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack are all good choices, but feel free to use your favorite cheese.
  4. How can I make this dish spicier?
    • Add a pinch of chili flakes or a diced jalapeño to the meat mixture for extra heat.
  5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can prepare the meat and potato mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat it, add the eggs and cheese, and cook until the eggs are set.
  6. How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the skillet?
    • Make sure to use enough vegetable fat and a well-heated skillet to prevent sticking.
  7. Can I bake this dish in the oven?
    • Yes, you can transfer the cooked meat and potato mixture to a baking dish, add the eggs and cheese, and bake at 180°C (350°F) until the eggs are set.
  8. Is this dish suitable for freezing?
    • It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the cooked meat and potato mixture without the eggs. Thaw, reheat, add the eggs and cheese, and cook before serving.
  9. What can I serve with this dish?
    • A fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or even a slice of bread would complement this dish well.
  10. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
    • Yes, sweet potatoes can be used for a slightly sweeter and more nutrient-dense variation of the dish.