Minced Meat and Vegetable Potato Casserole Recipe

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Minced Meat and Vegetable Potato Casserole is a deliciously hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for family meals or gatherings. Combining well-seasoned minced meat, tender vegetables, mashed potatoes, and a burst of flavor from tomatoes, garlic, and spices, this dish creates a balanced and satisfying meal. The richness of butter and the freshness of green onions bring an extra layer of flavor, while the simplicity of the ingredients makes it easy to prepare. It’s a wholesome dish that you can serve as a complete meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 500g minced meat (beef, lamb, or chicken)
  • 5-6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 40g butter
  • 1.5kg potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 carrot, grated or finely chopped
  • 1 sweet pepper, diced
  • 300g tomatoes in their own juice (canned or fresh)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 5-6 sprigs green onion, chopped
  • Seasonings:
    • Salt, to taste
    • Pepper, to taste
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • 1 teaspoon ground coriander

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

  1. Boil the Potatoes: Place the peeled and chopped potatoes into a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are soft, around 15-20 minutes.
  2. Mash the Potatoes: Drain the water and mash the potatoes. Add 40g of butter to the mashed potatoes, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Set the mashed potatoes aside for the casserole’s topping.

Step 2: Cook the Minced Meat

  1. Sauté the Minced Meat: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced meat, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the meat is browned.
  2. Add Garlic and Seasonings: Once the meat is browned, add minced garlic, paprika, ground coriander, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes to let the spices blend with the meat.
  3. Mix with the Egg: After cooking, let the meat cool slightly, then mix in the egg. This will help bind the mixture when baking.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

  1. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the onion, carrot, and sweet pepper over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add Tomatoes and Sugar: Add the tomatoes in their own juice and 1 tablespoon of sugar to the vegetables. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

  1. Layer the Meat: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). In a greased casserole dish, spread the cooked minced meat mixture evenly over the bottom.
  2. Add the Vegetable Layer: Spread the sautéed vegetables and tomato mixture evenly over the meat.
  3. Top with Mashed Potatoes: Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top of the meat and vegetable layers, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
  4. Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden and the layers are heated through.

Step 5: Add Green Onions

  1. Garnish with Green Onions: Once the casserole is baked, sprinkle chopped green onions on top for added freshness and color.
  2. Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Cut into portions and enjoy the combination of flavors!

Cooking Tips:

  • Adjust the Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste. You can add more paprika or black pepper for a spicier kick.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the minced meat and vegetable layers in advance and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, just top with mashed potatoes and bake.
  • Cheese Topping: For an extra cheesy twist, sprinkle grated mozzarella or cheddar cheese on top of the mashed potatoes before baking.

Storage:

  • In the Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole casserole in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes.
  • Freezing: You can freeze this casserole. Let it cool completely, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Facts (per serving, approximate):

  • Calories: 400-450 kcal
  • Protein: 22g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Sugar: 5g

FAQs:

  1. Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can use any type of minced meat, such as beef, lamb, chicken, or turkey.
  2. Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! You can add other vegetables such as zucchini, peas, or mushrooms to the vegetable mixture for more variety.
  3. What can I use instead of potatoes? If you prefer, you can use mashed sweet potatoes or even a cauliflower mash for a lighter option.
  4. Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes, you can replace the minced meat with plant-based ground meat or a mixture of lentils and mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

Conclusion:

This Minced Meat and Vegetable Potato Casserole is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights or special family dinners. It offers a balanced mix of protein, vegetables, and carbs, making it a satisfying and complete meal. Easy to prepare, customizable, and delicious, it will quickly become a favorite at your table. Enjoy this wholesome dish and share the joy of comfort food with your loved ones!

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