Rustic Potato and Minced Pork Gratin Recipe: Hearty Comfort Food

Hearty and comforting, this rustic potato and minced pork gratin brings warmth to your dining table with its rich, layered flavors.

Crisp edges peek out from golden-brown surfaces, promising a delightful culinary experience.

Aromatic herbs and tender meat mingle with soft potato slices, creating a harmonious blend of textures.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic dish, passing down techniques that make each bite memorable.

Cheese melts into every crevice, adding depth and creamy indulgence to the gratin.

Regional traditions shine through in this simple yet sophisticated recipe that connects us to time-honored cooking methods.

Let’s uncover the secrets behind this irresistible comfort food that will make everyone at the table ask for seconds.

Why Rustic Potato and Minced Pork Gratin Is Cozy and Satisfying

• Craft a Hearty One-Pan Meal: Combine protein, vegetables, and potatoes in a single delicious dish that saves on cleanup and maximizes flavor.
• Customize with Seasonal Ingredients: Swap green peas for other vegetables like zucchini or carrots to match what's fresh and available in your kitchen.
• Family-Friendly Comfort Food: Packed with familiar ingredients that appeal to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Simple Layered Technique: Learn an easy cooking method that creates beautiful, appetizing layers of meat, potatoes, and cheese with minimal culinary skills required.

What You Need for Potato and Pork Gratin

• Minced Pork: A flavorful and hearty meat that forms the base of the gratin's filling.
• Onion, Sweet Red Pepper, Green Peas: Colorful vegetables that add sweetness, texture, and nutritional value to the dish.

• Potatoes: The primary layering ingredient that creates a rustic and comforting base for the gratin.

• Salt, Meat Seasoning, Paprika: Spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the meat and vegetables.
• Tomatoes: A tangy ingredient that adds moisture and depth to the meat mixture.
• Egg: A binding agent that helps hold the layers together and creates a richer texture.

• Mozzarella Cheese: A melty topping that provides a golden, crispy finish to the gratin.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and meat to develop a rich flavor base.

• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover the dish during initial baking and help retain moisture.

Instructions for Rustic Potato and Pork Gratin

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up your oven to 356°F. Generously grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Chopped sweet red pepper

Step 3: Brown the Meat

Introduce minced pork to the skillet.

• Salt
• Meat seasoning
• Paprika

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Simmer

• Chopped tomatoes
• Green peas

Ensure all ingredients are well combined and heated through.

Step 5: Create First Potato Layer

Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle with a light layer of salt.

Step 6: Add Meat Mixture

Spread the cooked meat and vegetable mixture evenly over the potato layer.

Step 7: Complete Potato Topping

Cover the meat mixture with the remaining potato slices.

Season with another light sprinkle of salt.

Step 8: Add Creamy Egg Coating

Whisk an egg and pour it evenly across the top potato layer, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 9: Cheese Topping

Generously sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese over the entire surface.

Step 10: Initial Baking

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.

Step 11: Final Crispy Layer

Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes until the top turns golden and crispy.

Step 12: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

This helps the layers set and makes cutting easier.

Serving Suggestion: Pair with a fresh green salad or crusty bread.

Pro Tips for Rich, Creamy Pork Gratin

• Elevate your gratin with these expert tips
• – Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and perfect texture throughout the dish.
• – Choose lean minced pork for a healthier version without compromising on rich, meaty flavor.
• – Swap mozzarella with cheddar or gouda for a more intense cheese profile that adds depth to the gratin.
• – For a gluten-free option, replace regular meat seasoning with herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the overall taste.
• – Allow the gratin to rest after baking, which helps the layers set and makes serving easier without falling apart.

Ways to Customize Potato and Pork Gratin

• Spicy Mexican Fiesta Gratin: Replace paprika with chili powder, add jalapeños, swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese, and garnish with fresh cilantro for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Herb Gratin: Use lamb instead of pork, incorporate oregano and rosemary, mix in feta cheese, and top with kalamata olives for a Greek-style transformation.
• Vegetarian Garden Gratin: Substitute minced pork with mixed roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, use vegetable broth for moisture, and sprinkle nutritional yeast for extra flavor.

What to Serve with Rustic Pork Gratin

• Savor Complementary Flavors: Pair this hearty potato and pork gratin with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, which cuts through the richness and cleanses the palate.
• Enhance the Meal: Serve a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette on the side to balance the gratin's creamy texture and provide a light, refreshing contrast.
• Rustic Side Companion: Roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus will complement the dish's robust flavors and add nutritional variety.
• Perfect Finish: A light, citrusy dessert such as lemon sorbet or orange-infused panna cotta will provide a delightful, palate-cleansing end to the meal.

How to Store Pork Gratin Perfectly

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the gratin is completely cooled before sealing.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Gratin can be frozen for up to 2 months. Place a label with the date to track storage time.
• Microwave Reheating: Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
• Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 180°C. Cover the gratin with foil to prevent excessive browning.

FAQs About Potato and Minced Pork Gratin

• What ingredients make this gratin unique?

The combination of minced pork, sweet red pepper, and green peas creates a flavorful and hearty base that sets this gratin apart from traditional potato dishes.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground beef or ground turkey can be excellent substitutes for minced pork, offering similar texture and protein content.

• Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This gratin reheats well and maintains its delicious flavors, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time and enjoying throughout the week.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean ground pork, reduce cheese quantity, and add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to increase nutritional value without compromising taste.

Rustic Potato and Minced Pork Gratin Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

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

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Description

Comforting Polish potato and minced pork gratin showcases hearty countryside flavors with layers of creamy potatoes and savory meat. Golden-crusted edges and rich textures invite hearty appetites to savor each delicious, warmly spiced bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 kg (3.3 pounds) potatoes, peeled and sliced
• 1 kg (2.2 pounds) minced pork
• 100 g (3.5 ounces) hard mozzarella cheese, grated

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 raw sweet red pepper, chopped
• 300 g (10.5 ounces) canned green peas, drained
• 300 g (10.5 ounces) tomatoes in their own juice, chopped

Seasonings and Cooking Liquids:

• 1 chicken egg
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Salt to taste
• Meat seasoning to taste
• Dried ground sweet paprika to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 180°C, ensuring an even temperature for consistent cooking.
2. Sauté onions, garlic, and sweet red pepper in a large pan over medium heat until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
3. Add minced pork to the pan, cooking thoroughly until meat turns golden brown and develops rich caramelized edges.
4. Season the meat mixture with salt, meat seasoning, and paprika, creating a robust flavor profile.
5. Incorporate tomatoes and green peas into the meat mixture, stirring gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
6. Grease a baking dish and create the first layer of thinly sliced potatoes, lightly seasoning with salt.
7. Spread the prepared meat and vegetable mixture uniformly across the potato layer, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Arrange the remaining potato slices on top, creating a second layer and seasoning with additional salt.
9. Whisk an egg and drizzle it carefully across the potato surface, promoting even moisture distribution.
10. Generously sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese over the top layer, which will create a golden, crispy crust.
11. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld together.
12. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes until the surface turns golden and cheese becomes crisp.
13. Allow the gratin to rest for 5-7 minutes before serving, which helps stabilize the dish’s structure.

Notes

• Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Maris Piper for a creamy, rich texture that holds its shape during baking.
• Drain excess fat from the minced pork to prevent the gratin from becoming too greasy and maintain a balanced flavor profile.
• For a healthier version, swap full-fat mozzarella with low-fat cheese or use a mix of cottage cheese and parmesan for reduced calories.
• Vegetarian option: Replace minced pork with lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based ground meat alternative to create a delicious meat-free gratin.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg