Experience the rich flavors and hearty satisfaction of this Ultimate Loaded Baked Potato Casserole. Combining classic ingredients like potatoes and minced meat with robust seasonings and creamy cheese, this dish elevates the humble baked potato into a decadent meal that’s both filling and flavorful. It’s perfect for a family dinner, a potluck, or any occasion when you want something special and delicious.
Why This Casserole Stands Out:
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with potatoes, minced meat, and mushrooms, this casserole is a complete meal in itself, offering both high protein and rich flavors.
- Versatile: You can tweak this recipe by using different types of minced meats or cheeses, making it customizable to different tastes and preferences.
- Comfort Food: Its warm, cheesy goodness makes it the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy evenings.
Ingredients:
- 1 kg potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 4 chicken eggs, beaten
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 500 g minced meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
- 150 g raw mushrooms, sliced
- 150 ml tomato sauce
- 150 g hard mozzarella cheese, grated
- A bunch of spring onions, chopped
- Vegetable oil (for frying and greasing)
- Seasonings: Salt, ground black pepper, dried sweet paprika, and dried ground garlic (to taste)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Boil the sliced potatoes in salted water until just tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Meat Mixture:
- In a large skillet, heat some vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent.
- Add the minced meat and cook until browned and crumbly.
- Stir in the sliced mushrooms and continue to cook until the mushrooms are soft.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried garlic. Cook for another 5 minutes until the mixture is well combined and slightly thickened.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish with some vegetable oil.
- Layer half of the boiled potatoes at the bottom of the dish.
- Spread the meat and mushroom mixture over the potatoes.
- Pour the beaten eggs evenly over the top.
- Add the remaining potatoes as the next layer.
- Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese and chopped spring onions on top.
- Bake:
- Place the casserole in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow it to set for easier slicing.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional spring onions if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy this loaded baked potato casserole on its own, or pair it with a fresh green salad for added freshness and balance. It’s also fantastic with a side of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for those who like a bit of extra spice.
This dish not only satisfies those comfort food cravings but also makes a visually appealing centerpiece for your dining table, ensuring that each bite is loaded with flavor and texture. It’s sure to become a new favorite!