Ingredients

For the Potatoes:

• 500g (18 oz) potatoes, peeled and sliced
• 1 liter (34 fl oz) water
• 20g (0.7 oz) butter
• 10g (0.4 oz) salt
• 70g (2.5 oz) cheese, grated
• 15g (0.5 oz) dill, chopped

For the Meat Layer:

• 1 kg (2 lb) minced meat (beef, lamb, or pork)
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 150g (5.3 oz) mushrooms, sliced
• 100g (3.5 oz) bread crumbs
• 1 egg
• 100g (3.5 oz) cheese, grated
• 15g (0.5 oz) parsley, chopped
• 10g (0.4 oz) salt
• 10g (0.4 oz) black pepper
• 3g (0.1 oz) garlic powder
• 3g (0.1 oz) sweet paprika
• 3g (0.1 oz) oregano

For the Sauce:

• 150g (5.3 oz) tomato sauce
• 10ml (0.3 fl oz) olive oil
• 7g (0.2 oz) oregano
• 3g (0.1 oz) black pepper
• 10g (0.4 oz) salt

For the Salad (Optional):

• 2 cucumbers, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 10g (0.4 oz) parsley, chopped
• 10g (0.4 oz) dill, chopped
• 10g (0.4 oz) scallions, chopped
• 1 carrot, grated
• 10g (0.4 oz) salt
• 3g (0.1 oz) sweet paprika
• 3g (0.1 oz) garlic powder
• 3g (0.1 oz) turmeric
• 100ml (3.4 fl oz) vegetable oil (for dressing)

Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Servings

This recipe serves 6 people, making it an ideal dish for a family dinner or a small gathering.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Protein: 25 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fat: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sodium: 980 mg

How to Make Hearty Layered Potato and Meat Casserole with Fresh Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Boil the Potatoes: In a large pot, bring 1 liter of water to a boil. Add 10g salt and the sliced potatoes. Boil for about 10–12 minutes until the potatoes are tender but not falling apart. Drain and set aside.
2. Season the Potatoes: Transfer the boiled potatoes to a bowl. Mix with 20g butter, 70g grated cheese, and 15g chopped dill. This creates a creamy, flavorful base for the casserole. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Layer

1. Cook the Onions and Mushrooms: In a skillet, heat a little vegetable oil. Sauté the chopped onions and mushrooms until golden and softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Mix the Meat: In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced meat, sautéed onions and mushrooms, bread crumbs, egg, grated cheese, parsley, salt, pepper, garlic powder, sweet paprika, and oregano. Mix until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Layer the Potatoes: In a greased baking dish, evenly spread the seasoned potatoes to form the bottom layer.
2. Add the Meat Mixture: Press the meat mixture evenly over the potato layer.
3. Top with Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the tomato sauce, olive oil, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Spread this sauce evenly over the meat layer.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the casserole for about 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the meat is fully cooked through.
2. Rest and Slice: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers stay intact when served.

Step 5: Prepare the Salad (Optional)

1. Chop the Vegetables: Combine the sliced cucumbers, chopped bell pepper, tomatoes, parsley, dill, scallions, and grated carrot in a large bowl.
2. Season and Dress: Sprinkle with salt, paprika, garlic powder, and turmeric. Drizzle with vegetable oil and toss well to coat.

Why This Recipe is Timeless

This casserole is a perfect example of how simple, everyday ingredients can be elevated into a dish that feels both hearty and indulgent. The layering of flavors, textures, and aromas ensures that each bite is a delightful combination of creamy, savory, and tangy.

This dish carries the essence of home cooking, where love and effort are poured into each layer. It’s versatile enough to suit any occasion—be it a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast. The addition of a fresh salad complements the richness of the casserole, creating a balanced meal.

FAQs

Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes! While waxy potatoes hold their shape well, starchy varieties like Russets provide a creamier texture.

Can I substitute the meat?

Absolutely. You can use turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian alternative like lentils or plant-based mince.

Is it possible to make this casserole in advance?

Yes. Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I skip the salad?

The salad is optional but adds a refreshing element to the dish. If you prefer, you can serve the casserole with steamed vegetables or a simple green side.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerating: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
• Freezing: Casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: To maintain the texture, reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.

Tips for Making the Best Casserole

1. Season Generously: Each layer should be seasoned well to ensure the final dish is flavorful.
2. Use Fresh Herbs: Dill and parsley add a vibrant freshness to the dish.
3. Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can dry out the meat. Bake until just cooked through.
4. Customize the Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Gouda, Mozzarella, or Parmesan for varied flavors.

Conclusion

The Layered Potato and Meat Casserole with Fresh Salad is more than just a meal—it’s a culinary experience that combines warmth, nostalgia, and flavor. Every layer of this dish has been thoughtfully crafted to ensure balance and satisfaction, from the creamy potatoes to the juicy meat and tangy tomato sauce.

The optional salad, with its fresh crunch and vibrant flavors, elevates this meal into a feast. Perfect for family gatherings or a comforting meal on a chilly evening, this casserole proves that simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let this timeless recipe bring warmth and joy to your table. Serve it, share it, and most importantly, savor every delicious bite!