Hearty Potato and Minced Meat Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Hearty potato and minced meat casserole promises a comforting meal that feels like a warm embrace from grandma’s kitchen.

Rustic ingredients blend seamlessly in this classic dish.

Crispy edges and soft, creamy centers make every bite irresistible.

Layers of seasoned meat and tender potatoes create a satisfying symphony of flavors.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients can become something extraordinary.

Minimal prep work means you can have this delicious casserole on the table in under an hour.

Dig in and savor every delectable spoonful of this crowd-pleasing comfort food.

Why Potato Meat Casserole Is So Hearty

• Tackle Weeknight Dinners: A hearty, satisfying meal that comes together with minimal prep and maximum flavor, perfect for busy families craving a comforting home-cooked dish.
• Customize with Confidence: Easily swap ingredients like ground beef for turkey, add different vegetables, or experiment with cheese varieties to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and straightforward cooking steps make this casserole a stress-free cooking experience that delivers delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Using affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and basic pantry spices creates a filling meal that feeds multiple people without breaking the bank.

What Goes Into Potato Meat Casserole

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that form the base layer and provide a hearty texture to the casserole.
• Ground Beef: Protein-rich meat that creates a savory and filling core for the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds a creamy, melted topping with rich flavor.

• Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that enhance the depth and complexity of the meat mixture.

• Tomato Paste, Salt, Black Pepper, Dried Oregano: Seasonings that build layers of flavor and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Beef Broth: Liquid that helps create a moist and flavorful sauce for the casserole.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and preventing sticking.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps to cover and steam the casserole during initial baking.
• Fresh Parsley: Garnish that adds a fresh and bright finish to the dish.

Steps To Make Potato Meat Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Fire up your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a casserole dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Slice and Dice Ingredients

Carefully slice potatoes into thin, even rounds.

• Onion into small pieces
• Garlic finely minced
• Red bell pepper diced

Step 3: Brown the Meat

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in ground beef and cook until it transforms into golden, crumbly bits, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Add Vegetable Companions

Introduce the chopped onions, garlic, and red bell pepper to the sizzling beef. Let them dance together for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their aromatic magic.

Step 5: Season the Mixture

• Tomato paste
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried oregano

Stir thoroughly to create a perfectly seasoned meat mixture.

Step 6: Create a Savory Sauce

Pour beef broth into the skillet, allowing it to simmer and develop a rich, mouth-watering sauce.

Step 7: Build the First Potato Layer

Spread half of the potato rounds across the bottom of the casserole dish, creating a sturdy foundation.

Step 8: Add the Meat Layer

Generously spread the seasoned beef mixture over the potato base, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 9: Top with Remaining Potatoes

Arrange the remaining potato slices on top, slightly overlapping to create a beautiful pattern.

Step 10: Cheese Finale

Shower the top with a generous blanket of grated cheddar cheese.

Step 11: Initial Baking

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes, letting the flavors meld and potatoes soften.

Step 12: Crisp and Golden Finish

Remove the foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes until potatoes turn a gorgeous golden brown and cheese melts into a bubbly perfection.

Step 13: Rest and Garnish

Pull the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a final touch of freshness before serving.

Smart Ideas For Potato Meat Casserole

• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Select lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and maintain a healthier dish while preserving rich flavor.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like mozzarella or Swiss for unique taste profiles and interesting culinary variations.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the beef mixture for deeper, more complex flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Optional dairy-free alternative: Replace cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese substitute for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Tweak Potato Meat Casserole Your Way

• Greek-Style Potato Casserole: Replace ground beef with lamb, add crumbled feta cheese, incorporate dried mint, and use Greek seasoning blend for Mediterranean flavor.
• Spicy Mexican Potato Bake: Swap ground beef for chorizo, mix in jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, sprinkle chili powder, and garnish with fresh cilantro.
• Vegetarian Potato Casserole: Substitute ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, and spinach, use vegetable broth, add smoked paprika for depth, and top with nutritional yeast.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Replace potato rounds with thinly sliced cauliflower, keep original meat seasoning, use less cheese, and add extra herbs for enhanced taste.

Serve Potato Meat Casserole With These

• Pair Rustic Red Wine with Hearty Comfort: Choose a bold, medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that complements the rich beef and cuts through the cheesy potato layers.
• Create Fresh Green Salad Contrast: Prepare a crisp arugula salad with light vinaigrette dressing to balance the casserole's heaviness, adding bright, tangy notes that refresh the palate.
• Serve Crusty Garlic Bread Sidekick: Bake a warm, golden garlic bread to soak up the savory beef sauce, providing a crunchy texture that enhances the overall dining experience.

Keep Potato Meat Casserole Fresh Easily

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety.
• Freeze: Transfer casserole to freezer-safe containers or wrap securely in heavy-duty aluminum foil. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 3 months. Prevent freezer burn by removing excess air from packaging.
• Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place refrigerated or thawed casserole in oven-safe dish. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Uncover during last 5 minutes for crispy top.

FAQs About Potato Meat Casserole

• Is this dish good for meal prep?

Yes, this potato and minced meat casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it in advance, refrigerate, and reheat portions throughout the week for quick, delicious meals.

• Can I use different types of meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or lamb depending on your preference and dietary needs.

• How do I ensure the potatoes cook evenly?

Slice potatoes uniformly and thinly, about 1/4 inch thick. This helps them cook consistently and prevents some pieces from being undercooked or overly crispy.

• Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze this casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Potato and Minced Meat Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 75-80 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty potato and minced meat casserole delivers comfort straight from Eastern European kitchens. Layers of creamy potatoes and seasoned ground beef create a satisfying meal that warms souls and brings families together at the dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 500 g / 1.1 lb ground beef
• 2 pieces chicken breast

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 4 medium potatoes
• 1 large onion
• 1 red bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly oil a casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Carefully slice potatoes into thin, consistent rounds. Finely chop onion, mince garlic, and dice red bell pepper into small, uniform pieces.
3. Heat skillet over medium-high heat and brown ground beef, breaking it into crumbly texture for about 5-7 minutes.
4. Incorporate onions, garlic, and red bell pepper into the beef. Sauté until vegetables become tender and release aromatic flavors, approximately 3-4 minutes.
5. Blend tomato paste, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano into the meat mixture, ensuring even seasoning distribution.
6. Pour beef broth into skillet, allowing the liquid to simmer and develop a rich, concentrated sauce.
7. Create the first potato layer in casserole dish, covering the bottom with half of the potato rounds in an even, slightly overlapping arrangement.
8. Distribute the seasoned beef mixture uniformly across the potato base, ensuring complete and consistent coverage.
9. Complete the casserole by layering remaining potato slices on top, arranging them in an attractive, slightly overlapping pattern.
10. Generously sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the potato surface, creating a golden, melty topping.
11. Cover casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes to allow flavors to meld and potatoes to soften.
12. Uncover and continue baking for 15-20 minutes until potato edges turn crisp and golden, and cheese melts completely.
13. Remove from oven and let casserole rest for 10 minutes to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

• Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best texture and even cooking.
• Pat potato slices dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture and achieve crispy edges.
• Consider pre-boiling potato slices for 2-3 minutes to reduce overall baking time and ensure tender potatoes.
• For a leaner version, swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives.
• Enhance flavor by adding smoked paprika or cumin to the meat mixture for extra depth.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like mozzarella or gruyère for varied taste profiles.
• Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free tomato paste and checking beef broth ingredients.
• Prepare casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg