Potato and minced meat casserole

Potato and Minced Meat Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender potatoes with flavorful minced meat. It's a great one-dish meal that's easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a family. Here’s a simple recipe to make this satisfying casserole:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground pork, lamb, or a combination)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or dried oregano)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups (480ml) beef or chicken broth
• 4 cups (about 1 lb or 450g) potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 cup (150g) shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Meat Mixture:

   • Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
   • Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
   • Season the meat with thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

3. Add Broth:

   • Pour the beef or chicken broth into the skillet. If you want a thicker sauce, you can whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour before adding the broth. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes until slightly reduced and thickened.

4. Prepare the Potato Layer:

   • In a large baking dish, arrange a layer of potato slices, slightly overlapping them. You should have enough to cover the bottom of the dish.

5. Layer the Casserole:

   • Spread half of the meat mixture over the potato layer.
   • Add another layer of potato slices on top of the meat.
   • Spread the remaining meat mixture over the second layer of potatoes.
   • Finish with a final layer of potato slices.

6. Prepare the Sauce:

   • In a bowl, mix the milk with any remaining meat sauce from the skillet. Pour this mixture over the top of the casserole.

7. Add Cheese:

   • Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

8. Bake:

   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.

9. Cool and Garnish:

   • Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
   • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Tips:

• Potatoes: Thinly slicing the potatoes ensures they cook evenly. You can use a mandoline slicer to make this easier.
• Cheese: Choose a cheese that melts well for a gooey, delicious topping.
• Meat Options: Feel free to use different types of ground meat or even a combination for varied flavor.

Potato and Minced Meat Casserole is a comforting and satisfying meal that's perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering. Enjoy the layers of savory meat, tender potatoes, and melted cheese!