Description
Hearty Potato and Meat Bake brings rustic comfort from Polish kitchens, layering savory ground beef with creamy potato slices and golden cheese. Warm, satisfying layers promise a delicious meal that connects heritage and home cooking for eager dinner companions.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 pound (1 lb) lean ground beef or venison
Vegetables:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cups thinly sliced potatoes (approximately 5 potatoes)
Seasonings and Liquid Components:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon rosemary (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups cream of mushroom soup or 1 can (check for gluten-free options if required)
- ½ cup stock (any kind)
- ¼ cup milk or cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 11 x 7 inch (28 x 18 centimeters) glass baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the chopped onions and ground meat until completely browned and no pink remains, approximately 7-9 minutes.
- Enhance the meat mixture with garlic powder, paprika, and rosemary, seasoning generously with salt and black pepper. Drain any excess fat to prevent a greasy final dish.
- Prepare the creamy sauce by whisking cream of mushroom soup, beef or chicken stock, and whole milk or heavy cream in a mixing bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Create the first potato layer by arranging half of the thinly sliced potatoes across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring even coverage.
- Drizzle approximately one-third of the soup mixture over the potato layer, distributing it evenly to moisten the potatoes.
- Spread half of the seasoned meat mixture across the potatoes, then sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layering process with remaining potatoes, soup mixture, meat, and cheese to create a second complete layer.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring the greased side faces downward to prevent sticking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until potatoes are fork-tender and the top appears golden and bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set and cool slightly.
Notes
- Prep Like a Pro: Gather all ingredients beforehand to make cooking smooth and stress-free.
- Flavor Boost: Drain excess meat grease to keep the dish lighter and prevent a greasy texture.
- Seasoning Secret: Experiment with herbs like rosemary, paprika, or garlic powder to elevate the dish’s taste profile.
- Layering Technique: Create even layers of potatoes, meat, and cheese for a balanced bite every time.
- Baking Tip: Cover with foil to prevent burning and ensure potatoes cook evenly and become perfectly tender.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This casserole can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking, making meal planning a breeze.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg