This hearty and flavorful Minced Meat and Potato Bake is the perfect comfort food for dinner! With minced meat seasoned to perfection and layered with vegetables and potatoes, it creates a rich and delicious dish that your family will love. The combination of spices and a hint of Georgian adjika adds a unique twist, making this meal both satisfying and memorable.
Preparation Time:
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 50 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 600 g minced meat (beef, pork, or mixed)
- Salt, pepper, dry garlic, paprika (to taste)
- 1-2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Approx. 600 g potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
- 1 large pepper, sliced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/3 tablespoon Georgian spicy adjika (optional but adds great flavor)
- Salt, basil (to taste)
- 150-200 ml water
- Vegetable oil (for frying and greasing)
Directions:
- Prepare the Minced Meat:
- In a large bowl, combine the minced meat with salt, pepper, dry garlic, paprika, breadcrumbs, and finely chopped onion.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Beat the mixture slightly to improve texture and tenderness.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Peel and slice the potatoes, then rinse them in cold water and set aside.
- Slice the large onion, carrot, and pepper into even-sized pieces.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, heat some vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onion, carrot, and pepper, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add Tomato Paste and Adjika:
- Stir in the tomato paste and Georgian adjika to the sautéed vegetables.
- Add salt and basil to taste.
- Pour in 150-200 ml of water, stir well, and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Grease a baking dish with vegetable oil.
- Layer the sliced potatoes at the bottom of the dish, followed by a layer of the minced meat mixture.
- Top with the sautéed vegetable mixture and spread it evenly across the top.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with foil to prevent drying out.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (392°F) for 50 minutes.
- If needed, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown slightly.
- Serve:
- Let the bake rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
- Enjoy this delicious, hearty dinner with your favorite side dish or a fresh salad!
Cooking Tips:
- Adjust spices: Feel free to modify the seasoning according to your preference. If you like it spicier, add more adjika or paprika.
- Use foil: Keep the bake moist by covering it with foil, especially in the first part of baking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Simple and Flavorful: The combination of spices and vegetables enhances the flavor of this dish, making it both easy and delicious.
- Family Favorite: With hearty ingredients like potatoes and minced meat, this is a perfect comfort food that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make this dish ahead of time, and store it in the fridge for easy reheating.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Minced Meat: A good source of protein, iron, and essential vitamins.
- Vegetables: Carrots, peppers, and onions provide fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants.
- Potatoes: Rich in potassium and an excellent energy source.
Storage Information:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) or in the microwave until warmed through.
Conclusion:
This Minced Meat and Potato Bake is the perfect family-friendly meal, combining savory flavors and tender textures. It’s a great dish for a cozy dinner, and with its rich flavors, it’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of meat?
- Yes, you can use ground chicken, turkey, or lamb instead of beef or pork.
- What can I substitute for adjika?
- You can substitute adjika with a mix of chili powder and garlic for a similar spicy kick.
- Can I add cheese on top?
- Absolutely! A layer of grated cheese on top before baking can add a delicious cheesy crust.
- Is this dish gluten-free?
- To make it gluten-free, replace the breadcrumbs with a gluten-free alternative or omit them altogether.
- Can I freeze leftovers?
- Yes, this dish freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Enjoy your meal!