Imagine a dish that brings together the rustic comfort of perfectly cooked potatoes, savory seasoned meat, and a creamy egg custard – all in one mouthwatering casserole. This potato casserole with meat is the ultimate family-friendly meal that combines simplicity with incredible flavor, promising to become a staple in your home cooking repertoire.
Ingredients
- Minced pork or beef: 500 g (1.1 lbs)
- Potatoes: 7-8 medium
- Onion: 1 medium
- Garlic: 12 cloves
- Butter: 50 g (1.8 oz)
- Fresh parsley and dill
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- Milk: 200 ml (6.8 fl oz)
- Eggs: 2-3 large
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes Wash potatoes thoroughly, peel, rinse again, and cut into uniform strips. This ensures even cooking and the perfect texture.
- Fry the Potatoes Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan and fry potato strips until almost done. Season lightly with salt and pepper, creating a golden exterior.
- Prepare the Meat Base
- Finely chop onion and garlic
- Sauté onion and garlic in vegetable oil for 3 minutes
- Add minced meat and cook for 7-8 minutes
- Break up the meat with a spoon while cooking
- Season with salt and pepper
- Layer the Casserole Spread the fried meat mixture evenly over the prepared potato layer, creating a smooth surface.
- Create the Egg Custard
- Crack eggs into a deep bowl
- Lightly beat eggs with a whisk
- Pour in milk
- Add a pinch of salt
- Whisk the mixture gently
- Finish and Bake
- Pour the egg-milk mixture over the meat and potatoes
- Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs on top
- Dot the surface with butter pieces
- Cover and cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes
- Let sit for an additional 10 minutes after cooking
Nutrition and Serving
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Why This Recipe is a Nutritional Powerhouse
This potato casserole is more than just a delicious meal – it’s a nutritionally balanced dish that offers:
- High-quality protein from meat
- Complex carbohydrates from potatoes
- Essential vitamins and minerals
- A good balance of macronutrients
- Comfort food that doesn’t compromise on nutrition
The combination of lean meat, potatoes, and a protein-rich egg custard makes this casserole a complete meal that provides sustained energy and satisfies hunger effectively.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole warm, straight from the pan or transferred to a beautiful serving dish. Complement it with:
- A crisp green salad
- Crusty bread
- Additional fresh herbs sprinkled on top
Pro Tip: For a lighter version, use lean ground meat and reduce the butter quantity. You can also add extra vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to boost nutritional value.