This layered potato and meat casserole is a satisfying and flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or when you just want something cozy and home-cooked. Packed with seasoned ground meat, sautéed vegetables, tender potatoes, and finished with melty cheese and fresh herbs, this casserole is the ultimate one-pan comfort food.
Recipe description
This baked casserole brings together everything we love in a hearty meal—layers of savory seasoned potatoes, juicy ground meat, tender vegetables, and a cheesy, creamy topping. What makes this casserole stand out is its combination of layers: thinly sliced potatoes as the base, followed by a spiced meat layer, sautéed vegetables, mushrooms, and tomato slices, all drizzled with sour cream and baked under a golden cheese crust.
It’s a dish that satisfies every craving: warm, cheesy, filling, and balanced with fresh herbs and vegetables. Best of all, it’s easy to prep ahead and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you serve it as a main dish with a salad or as a side to roasted meats, this potato and meat casserole is sure to be a hit.
Preparation, cook, and total times
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Yield
Serves 6–8 portions
Cuisine
European-style comfort food
A full list of ingredients
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Minced Meat (beef or a mix): 600g
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Salt and Black Pepper: to taste
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Sweet Paprika: 1 teaspoon
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Egg: 1
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Breadcrumbs: 2 tablespoons
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Fresh Parsley: to taste (chopped)
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Butter: for greasing and sautéing
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Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
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Carrot: 1 medium, grated
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Garlic: 1 clove, minced
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Potatoes: 5 medium, peeled and thinly sliced
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Italian Herb Blend: to taste
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Olive Oil: for drizzling
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Sour Cream: 4 tablespoons
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Fresh Dill: to taste (chopped)
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Mushrooms: 5, sliced
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Cheese (any melting cheese): 50g, grated
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Tomato: 1, thinly sliced
Optional: pinch of chili flakes for a spicier meat mixture
Step-by-step cooking directions
Prepare the Meat Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the minced meat with salt, black pepper, and sweet paprika. Crack in the egg and add the breadcrumbs. Finely chop some fresh parsley and stir it into the mixture. Use clean hands or a spoon to mix until everything is well incorporated and slightly sticky.
Cook the Vegetables
In a pan, heat a small knob of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Add the grated carrot and minced garlic, stirring regularly until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
Layer the Dish
Butter the base and sides of a medium or large baking dish. Layer the sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom. Season this layer with salt, black pepper, and Italian herb blend. Drizzle lightly with olive oil to help the potatoes cook evenly and get tender.
Add the Meat Layer
Spread the seasoned meat mixture over the potatoes, pressing it down gently with a spatula or your fingers to create a uniform layer.
Add the Vegetables
Spoon the sautéed onion, carrot, and garlic mixture over the meat. Then add the sliced mushrooms evenly over the vegetable mixture. Sprinkle with a pinch more salt and pepper.
Add the Final Layer
Top everything with thin slices of tomato, spaced evenly across the dish. Drizzle sour cream over the top of the tomato layer, then sprinkle with freshly chopped dill. This adds a touch of creaminess and fresh herby flavor that ties everything together.
Top with Cheese
Generously sprinkle the grated cheese over the casserole. You can use mozzarella for meltiness, cheddar for flavor, or gouda for richness—any cheese you love will work well.
Bake the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Bake the casserole for 50 minutes. After that, lower the temperature to 180°C (350°F) and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes until the top is golden, bubbly, and slightly crispy.
Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving cleaner. Enjoy warm with a green salad, a slice of crusty bread, or a dollop of extra sour cream.
Nutritional information (per serving, approx.)
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Calories: 360–400 kcal
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Protein: 20 g
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Carbohydrates: 25 g
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Fat: 22 g
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Fiber: 3 g
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Sodium: Moderate
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Sugar: 3 g
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Calcium: Good source (especially with cheese and sour cream)
The origins and popularity of the recipe
This casserole takes inspiration from Eastern European and Mediterranean layered bakes, where meat, vegetables, and potatoes are often combined in one dish. It’s reminiscent of moussaka, gratins, or shepherd’s pie but simplified and made without a crust or béchamel. Recipes like this are loved for their affordability, versatility, and crowd-feeding capacity. They’ve become favorites for weeknight meals, potlucks, and even festive occasions across many cultures.
Reasons why you’ll love the recipe
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Easy to prepare with everyday ingredients
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Comfort food at its best—warm, cheesy, and hearty
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Layers of flavor from seasoned meat and sautéed vegetables
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Can be made ahead of time and reheated
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Freezer-friendly and meal prep approved
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Customizable to suit dietary needs or preferences
Health benefits
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Potatoes are rich in potassium, fiber, and vitamin C
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Carrots add beta-carotene and antioxidants
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Garlic and onions support immune health
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Dill and parsley are great for digestion and freshness
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Cheese and sour cream provide calcium and probiotics (especially if using fermented versions)
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Balanced with protein, carbs, and healthy fats
Serving suggestions
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With a salad: Serve with a side of arugula, cucumber, and lemon vinaigrette
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As a main dish: Enjoy with a glass of dry white wine or sparkling water with lemon
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For leftovers: Wrap slices and reheat in the oven for lunch the next day
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With sauce: Drizzle with a garlic-yogurt dip or spicy ketchup
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With bread: Pair with a soft dinner roll or buttered baguette
Cooking tips
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Slice the potatoes thinly so they cook through easily
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Pre-cook the vegetables to enhance their flavor and prevent moisture buildup
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Let the casserole sit after baking to avoid it falling apart when slicing
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Taste the meat mixture before layering to adjust seasoning
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Use parchment paper under the potatoes if you want an easy release and easy cleanup
Variations to try
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Vegetarian version: Replace meat with lentils or sautéed mushrooms and zucchini
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Spicy version: Add chili flakes to the meat or sliced jalapeños on top
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Cheesy version: Use a blend of cheeses—Parmesan, cheddar, and mozzarella
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Herby version: Mix fresh thyme or oregano into the meat layer
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Low-carb version: Swap potatoes with thinly sliced eggplant or cauliflower
A conclusion
This layered potato and meat casserole is a cozy, flavorful meal that checks all the boxes: it’s hearty, easy to make, and incredibly satisfying. The combination of soft potatoes, savory beef, sautéed vegetables, and golden cheese creates a comforting dish that brings people together around the table. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this recipe is guaranteed to deliver warmth, flavor, and compliments.
Make it once and you’ll understand why it’s a repeat favorite. The ingredients are basic, but the result is anything but ordinary—a beautiful, multi-layered bake that will become part of your regular rotation.
A 10 comprehensive FAQ section
1. Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?
Yes, just make sure to season it well and possibly add a bit of olive oil since lean meats are drier.
2. Do I need to boil the potatoes before baking?
No. Thin slices cook fully in the oven thanks to the steam and layering.
3. Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven or microwave.
5. Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely. Slice and freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
6. What cheese works best for topping?
Mozzarella melts beautifully, while cheddar adds flavor. Use what you prefer or have on hand.
7. Is sour cream necessary?
It adds creaminess and tang, but can be replaced with plain Greek yogurt or omitted.
8. Can I make it in a glass baking dish?
Yes, but reduce oven temperature slightly to avoid burning the base.
9. What else can I add to the meat layer?
Try grated zucchini, spinach, or chopped bell peppers.
10. What side dish pairs best?
A crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a light cucumber-dill salad are perfect pairings.