This hearty meat and potato casserole is the perfect comfort food that combines layers of tender potatoes, savory ground meat, and aromatic vegetables. The creamy cheese topping adds a delicious finishing touch to this flavorful dish. Whether you’re looking for a filling dinner or a satisfying family meal, this casserole will surely become a favorite.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cuisine: European, Comfort Food
Ingredients
- 500 g (1.1 lbs) ground meat (Hackfleisch)
- 2 eggs
- Salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried garlic
- Mixed pepper, to taste
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Fresh dill, chopped
- 100 g (3.5 oz) cream
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 20 g (0.7 oz) butter
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 500 g (1.1 lbs) potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 leek, finely chopped
- Olive oil, for frying
- 20 g (0.7 oz) butter (for potatoes)
- 100 g (3.5 oz) mushrooms, sliced
- 50 g (1.8 oz) cheese, grated
- 100 ml (3.4 fl oz) milk
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
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Prepare the Meat Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, eggs, salt, sweet paprika, dried garlic, mixed pepper, minced garlic, chopped dill, and cream. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Set aside. -
Cook the Onion and Tomato Paste:
Heat 20 g of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté it until it becomes translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the tomato paste to blend with the onions. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside. -
Prepare the Potatoes:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the peeled and sliced potatoes, and cook for about 10 minutes or until they are just tender. Drain the potatoes well and set them aside. -
Sauté the Leek and Mushrooms:
In a separate skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped leek and cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until softened. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until they become golden brown and tender. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside. -
Assemble the Casserole:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish with butter.
Layer half of the boiled potatoes at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread the meat mixture evenly over the potatoes, ensuring that it covers the entire layer.
Add the cooked onion and tomato paste mixture on top of the meat layer.
Next, layer the sautéed leek and mushrooms over the meat, ensuring an even distribution. Top this with the remaining half of the boiled potatoes. -
Prepare the Cheese Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the grated cheese with milk. Stir well to form a smooth, pourable mixture. Pour this cheese mixture evenly over the casserole, covering the top layer of potatoes and vegetables. -
Bake the Casserole:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and turned golden brown. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Slice into portions and enjoy this comforting and delicious meal.
Nutritional Information
- Serving size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Vitamin A: 8%
- Vitamin C: 15%
- Calcium: 10%
- Iron: 15%
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
This casserole is a blend of several traditional European cuisines, known for their hearty and comforting qualities. The use of ground meat, potatoes, and vegetables such as mushrooms and leeks has been a staple in many central and eastern European dishes for generations. Its versatility and ability to be adapted with different ingredients have contributed to its enduring popularity. The cheese topping adds a rich, creamy finish that makes this casserole particularly comforting, especially during colder months.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
- Hearty and Filling: This casserole combines the richness of meat with the creaminess of cheese and potatoes, making it a satisfying meal.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: It’s a great recipe for meal prepping since it can be made in advance and reheated without losing its flavor.
- Customizable: You can easily modify the ingredients to suit your preferences, such as using different vegetables or substituting the meat for a vegetarian alternative.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or potlucks, as it serves a good number of people and appeals to a wide range of tastes.
Health Benefits
- Rich in Protein: Ground meat and cheese provide a significant amount of protein, which is essential for muscle building and tissue repair.
- High in Fiber: The potatoes, mushrooms, and leeks contribute a healthy amount of fiber, which supports digestive health and helps to keep you full longer.
- Vitamins and Minerals: This dish offers a good balance of vitamins, particularly Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and calcium, all of which are important for maintaining healthy skin, immune function, and strong bones.
- Low in Refined Carbs: The use of whole vegetables like potatoes and leeks instead of processed grains makes this casserole a more wholesome choice.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Fresh Salad: Pair this casserole with a light, fresh green salad to balance out the richness of the dish.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Serve it alongside roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts for an even heartier meal.
- With Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce from the casserole.
Cooking Tips
- Ensure Even Layering: For a perfectly even distribution of flavors, make sure each layer is spread evenly before adding the next ingredient.
- Squeeze Out Excess Moisture: When using mushrooms, ensure they are cooked until golden to reduce excess moisture, preventing the casserole from becoming soggy.
- Use Leftover Meat: If you have leftover cooked meat, feel free to use it in place of raw ground meat for a quicker option.
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground meat with a plant-based protein like lentils or a mixture of roasted vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses such as Gruyère, mozzarella, or a blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan for a richer flavor.
- Add Spices: For an extra kick, add some chili flakes, cumin, or oregano to the meat mixture for a more intense flavor.
- Sweet Potatoes: For a twist, you can substitute regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter taste and added nutrients.
Conclusion
This hearty meat and potato casserole is a comforting dish that brings together flavorful ingredients in a satisfying way. With layers of ground meat, tender potatoes, and sautéed vegetables, topped with a creamy cheese mixture, this casserole is perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare and full of nutrients, it’s a great addition to your meal rotation. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking to impress guests, this casserole is sure to become a go-to favorite.
10 Comprehensive FAQs
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Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when ready to serve. -
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Just let it cool completely, cover it tightly, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. -
What kind of meat can I use?
You can use any ground meat, such as beef, pork, turkey, or chicken, depending on your preference. -
Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes, you can use dairy-free cheese and a non-dairy milk alternative to make it dairy-free. -
Can I use other vegetables instead of mushrooms and leeks?
Yes, you can swap the mushrooms and leeks for other vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. -
Is this casserole spicy?
No, it’s not spicy. However, you can add chili flakes or hot paprika if you prefer some heat. -
How do I make this casserole spicier?
To add heat, mix in chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot paprika to the meat mixture. -
Can I skip the cheese topping?
Yes, you can skip the cheese topping or use a dairy-free alternative for a lighter version. -
What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole goes well with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread. -
How long does the casserole last in the fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.