Meat and Potato Casserole with Mushrooms and Cheese

This hearty and flavorful casserole combines tender ground meat, creamy potatoes, sautéed mushrooms, and a cheesy topping. It’s a perfect comfort dish for family dinners and special occasions.

Preparation Time

  • Prep time: 20 minutes
  • Cook time: 50 minutes
  • Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

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

Directions

  • Prepare the Meat Mixture:
    • In a bowl, combine 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 butter in a skillet over medium heat.
    • Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • Prepare the Potatoes:
    • Boil the sliced potatoes in salted water for 10 minutes or until just tender. Drain and set aside.
  • Sauté the Leek and Mushrooms:
    • In a separate skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
    • Add the chopped leek and cook until softened. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until golden brown. Remove from heat.
  • 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 dish.
    • Spread the meat mixture evenly over the potatoes.
    • Add the cooked onion and tomato paste mixture on top.
    • Layer the sautéed leek and mushrooms over the meat.
    • Top with the remaining potatoes.
  • Prepare the Cheese Topping:
    • In a small bowl, mix the grated cheese with milk. Pour this mixture evenly over the casserole.
  • Bake the Casserole:
    • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
    • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve hot with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables on the side.
  • Pair with a glass of red wine or a refreshing lemonade.

Cooking Tips

  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese mixture.
  • You can substitute ground beef with ground chicken or turkey.
  • Use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a richer cheese topping.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Potatoes: A great source of potassium and vitamin C.
  • Ground Meat: Provides protein and essential nutrients like iron and zinc.
  • Mushrooms: Low in calories and rich in antioxidants.

Dietary Information

  • Contains Dairy and Eggs
  • Gluten-Free if tomato paste and cheese are gluten-free

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 4 g

Storage

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Combines hearty ingredients into one comforting dish.
  • Perfect for meal prep or family dinners.
  • Versatile and can be customized with your favorite herbs and vegetables.
  • Balanced flavors and textures make it a crowd-pleaser.

Conclusion
This meat and potato casserole is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The tender meat, creamy potatoes, and golden cheesy crust make it a comforting and satisfying meal. Serve it as a main course with a side salad for a complete and delicious dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
    Yes, sweet potatoes work well for a sweeter and slightly nutty flavor.
  2. Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
    Yes, you can assemble it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Bake when ready to serve.
  3. What other cheeses can I use?
    Gouda, Gruyere, or Monterey Jack are great alternatives.
  4. Can I add vegetables to the meat mixture?
    Yes, finely chopped carrots or spinach can be mixed into the meat for added nutrition.
  5. How can I make this dish spicier?
    Add red chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.
  6. Can I freeze this casserole?
    Yes, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
  7. What type of mushrooms work best?
    Button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms are ideal for this dish.
  8. Can I use a non-dairy cream substitute?
    Yes, coconut cream or almond cream can be used for a dairy-free version.
  9. Can I cook this dish in a slow cooker?
    Yes, layer the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
  10. Can I add herbs to the potato layer?
    Absolutely, fresh rosemary or thyme would add great flavor to the potatoes.