This Minced Meat and Potato Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish with layers of seasoned meat, potatoes, and a creamy mushroom sauce. The rich, flavorful sauce adds depth to the tender potatoes and juicy minced meat, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and satisfying.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Casserole:
- 600g minced meat
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Sweet paprika, to taste
- Italian herb blend, to taste
- 2 onions, chopped
- Fresh dill, chopped
- 800g potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Butter (for greasing and sautéing)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sauce:
- 150g mushrooms, sliced
- Butter, for sautéing
- 1 tbsp flour
- 200g sour cream
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Italian herb mixture, to taste
- 1 tsp sugar
Directions:
- Prepare the Meat Layer:
- In a bowl, combine the minced meat, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, Italian herbs, and chopped onions. Mix well.
- Shape the mixture into small patties or crumble it into a pan.
- Heat some vegetable oil in a pan and cook the meat mixture over medium heat until browned and cooked through.
- Prepare the Potato Layer:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F).
- Grease a baking dish with butter and layer the thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and some of the dill.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Layer the cooked minced meat on top of the potatoes.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and additional dill.
- Dot with butter and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a pan, sauté the sliced mushrooms in butter until softened.
- Add the flour and stir for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add the sour cream, stirring continuously to create a smooth sauce.
- Season with salt, pepper, Italian herbs, and sugar to balance the flavor.
- Cook for another 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Serve:
- Once the casserole is done, pour the mushroom sauce over the top and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
- Pair with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Garnish with extra parsley and dill for added freshness.
- A light yogurt or sour cream dip goes great on the side.
- For a heartier meal, pair with roasted vegetables.
Cooking Tips:
- Make sure to slice the potatoes thinly to ensure they cook evenly.
- You can prepare the meat mixture ahead of time to save time on cooking day.
- For a lighter version, substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- Add a bit of grated cheese on top of the casserole before baking for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Rich in protein from the minced meat and eggs.
- High in fiber and antioxidants from the fresh vegetables and mushrooms.
- The use of sour cream adds healthy fats, while the dill aids in digestion.
Storage:
- Store any 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:
- This casserole combines all the best comfort foods in one dish: potatoes, meat, and a creamy sauce.
- It’s easy to make and perfect for meal prep.
- The flavorful mushroom sauce gives this dish an extra touch of richness.
- It’s a filling, balanced meal that can feed a crowd.
Conclusion:
This Minced Meat and Potato Casserole with Mushroom Sauce is the perfect comfort food to enjoy with family or friends. The savory meat and potato layers, combined with the creamy mushroom sauce, create a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and filling. It’s a simple recipe that doesn’t take much effort but delivers big on taste. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this casserole will definitely become a favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of minced beef. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day before and bake it when ready to serve. - Can I add cheese to the casserole?
Absolutely! Sprinkle some grated cheese on top of the casserole before baking for an extra cheesy layer. - How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour in the sauce instead of regular flour. - Can I use frozen potatoes?
Fresh potatoes will yield the best texture, but you can use frozen hashbrowns as a quick alternative. - How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well for up to 3 months. - Can I add other vegetables?
Feel free to add carrots, peas, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients. - How long does the casserole need to bake?
It takes about 35-40 minutes at 180°C (355°F) for the potatoes to cook fully. - Can I make the sauce without mushrooms?
Yes, you can make the sauce without mushrooms or replace them with another vegetable like spinach.