Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• Minced Meat: 300-400 g (beef, pork, or a mix)
• Onions: 4 medium-sized, chopped
• Potatoes: 2-3 medium-sized, peeled and thinly sliced
• Boiled Eggs: 3, peeled and sliced
• Grated Cheese: 100 g (adjust to taste)
• Salt: To taste
• Spices: To taste (paprika, black pepper, cumin, etc.)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Boil the Eggs: Start by boiling the eggs. Place the eggs in a pot of cold water, bring to a boil, and cook for about 8-10 minutes. Once done, cool them in cold water, peel, and slice them into rounds.
2. Chop the Vegetables: Peel and slice the onions, potatoes, and chop any additional vegetables you want to add (like carrots or bell peppers for extra flavor). Slice the potatoes thinly to ensure even cooking.
3. Cook the Minced Meat: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add some oil, and sauté the minced meat until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and your choice of spices (such as paprika, cumin, or garlic powder). Cook for about 8-10 minutes, then set aside.

Step 2: Layer the Casserole

1. Grease the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with oil or butter to prevent sticking.
2. First Layer – Potatoes: Spread a layer of thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom of the dish. Season with a little salt and pepper.
3. Second Layer – Minced Meat: Evenly distribute the cooked minced meat over the potato layer.
4. Third Layer – Onions: Add a layer of chopped onions over the meat. The onions will soften and add sweetness to the dish as it bakes.
5. Fourth Layer – Boiled Eggs: Place the sliced boiled eggs evenly on top of the onions. They add a creamy texture and rich flavor to the dish.
6. Final Layer – Grated Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of grated cheese on top to form a golden, crispy layer when baked.

Step 3: Bake the Casserole

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
3. Remove the Foil and Broil: In the last 10 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to allow the cheese to melt and turn golden brown. If you want a crispy top, you can broil for the final 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Serve

Once done, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired, and enjoy with a side salad or crusty bread.

Cooking Tips

1. Use a Mandoline for Even Potato Slices: If you have a mandoline, use it to slice the potatoes thinly and evenly. This ensures that all the layers cook through evenly.
2. Customize the Flavors: Feel free to play around with the spices. Adding garlic, thyme, rosemary, or even a pinch of chili flakes can enhance the flavor profile of this dish.
3. Add Vegetables: For added nutrition, layer in vegetables like thinly sliced carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers.
4. Cheese Choices: While grated cheddar or mozzarella works well for this recipe, you can use other cheeses like gouda or parmesan to change up the flavor.

Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, use an oven or microwave to heat through, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying.
• Freezing: This casserole can be frozen before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the layers, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as per the instructions. If freezing after baking, store in portions for easy reheating.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Protein: 22 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fat: 22 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of meat?

Yes, you can substitute the minced beef or pork with other types of meat like chicken or turkey. You can also opt for plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version.

2. What if I don’t have grated cheese?

If you don’t have grated cheese, you can substitute it with sliced cheese or a creamier option like cream cheese or ricotta. It will give a softer texture but still be delicious.

3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! This casserole is great for meal prepping. You can assemble it in advance and keep it in the fridge until ready to bake. Just remember to increase the baking time slightly if baking directly from cold.

4. How can I make this dish lighter?

To make a lighter version, use lean minced meat, reduce the amount of cheese, and swap the potatoes for sweet potatoes or zucchini for a lower carb alternative.

5. What side dishes go well with this casserole?

This casserole pairs well with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the juices.

Conclusion

The Layered Minced Meat and Potato Casserole is a classic, comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. With layers of flavorful meat, tender potatoes, and creamy eggs, all topped with a deliciously crispy cheese crust, it’s sure to be a hit. The best part? It’s highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the flavors, spices, and vegetables to suit your taste. Make it ahead of time for an easy meal during the week, and enjoy the hearty flavors of this classic comfort food!