This Italian Layered Potato Bake is a comforting blend of rich flavors and textures that come together beautifully in this hearty dish. Each layer of thinly sliced potatoes, sautéed minced meat, and melted cheese is seasoned perfectly with herbs and spices, promising a satisfying bite. The golden, bubbly top and tender base make this casserole a visual and tasteful delight.
Ideal for a family dinner, this dish pays homage to classic Italian ingredients with a rustic, homey twist. The combination of creamy mozzarella and robust hard cheese adds a decadent touch to the well-seasoned meat and vegetables. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or just making a weeknight meal special, this casserole is sure to impress.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 500g potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 500g minced meat (your choice of beef, pork, or a mix)
- 150g tomato sauce
- 250g mozzarella cheese, sliced or in balls
- 150g hard cheese, grated
- 3 chicken eggs
- 200 ml milk
- 70g flour
- 20g sour cream
- Vegetable oil
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Dried ground sweet paprika, to taste
- Dried ground oregano, to taste
Directions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 180°C (355°F). In a large bowl, toss the sliced potatoes with some vegetable oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano until well coated.
- Prepare Meat Mixture: Heat a little vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the onion until translucent. Add the minced meat, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook until browned. Stir in the tomato sauce and remove from heat.
- Layer the Bake: In a baking dish, layer half of the seasoned potatoes, top with half of the meat mixture and half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with grated hard cheese.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, flour, sour cream, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Pour this mixture over the layered dish.
- Bake: Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 60 minutes | Kcal: 540 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
What Makes This Dish Special?
The Italian Layered Potato Bake stands out due to its layered construction, which allows each ingredient to maintain its unique texture and flavor while contributing to a harmonious overall taste. The dish begins with a base of thinly sliced potatoes, seasoned with a blend of herbs including oregano and paprika, providing a subtle warmth and earthiness. Each potato slice soaks up the flavors of the accompanying ingredients, becoming tender and flavorful during baking.
Ingredients Overview:
- Minced Meat: You can choose between beef, pork, or a mixture of both. The meat is sautéed with onions until golden brown, then seasoned with salt, pepper, and more paprika for a rich depth of flavor.
- Tomato Sauce: Adds a tangy sweetness that balances the savory meat and melds beautifully with the cheeses.
- Mozzarella and Hard Cheese: The mozzarella melts into stretchy layers of cheese, while the hard cheese provides a salty, sharp contrast that browns beautifully on top.
- Egg Mixture: A combination of eggs, milk, flour, and sour cream poured over the assembled layers gives the dish a creamy, custard-like texture that binds all the components together.
Cooking Tips:
- Slice Potatoes Evenly: Ensure that the potato slices are of even thickness to promote uniform cooking.
- Layering: Be generous and even with each layer to ensure every bite is as good as the last.
- Baking: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the first half of the baking time to prevent excessive browning on top, then remove the foil to allow the cheese to achieve a delicious golden crust.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this dish hot, straight from the oven, to enjoy the cheese in its most gooey state. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with balsamic vinegar and olive oil or steamed vegetables for a lighter side. For wine enthusiasts, a medium-bodied red wine such as Chianti can complement the robust flavors of the bake.
Nutritional Information:
This Italian Layered Potato Bake is a fulfilling meal that provides a good balance of protein, carbs, and fats. It’s particularly rich in calcium from the cheese and high in protein from the meat, making it a nutritious option for meal times.
Why You’ll Love It:
This recipe is a testament to the simplicity and brilliance of Italian cooking, where quality ingredients cooked right create a meal that’s both comforting and delectable. It’s also versatile – you can tweak the types of meat or seasonings based on what’s available, or cater to dietary preferences, making it a dependable recipe to have in your culinary repertoire.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or expecting guests, the Italian Layered Potato Bake is guaranteed to satisfy any palate and bring everyone together around your table.