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
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
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
- Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes work well for a sweeter and slightly nutty flavor. - 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. - What other cheeses can I use?
Gouda, Gruyere, or Monterey Jack are great alternatives. - Can I add vegetables to the meat mixture?
Yes, finely chopped carrots or spinach can be mixed into the meat for added nutrition. - How can I make this dish spicier?
Add red chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture. - Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. - What type of mushrooms work best?
Button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms are ideal for this dish. - Can I use a non-dairy cream substitute?
Yes, coconut cream or almond cream can be used for a dairy-free version. - 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. - Can I add herbs to the potato layer?
Absolutely, fresh rosemary or thyme would add great flavor to the potatoes.