This hearty and comforting dish is perfect for a family dinner. Combining flavorful minced meat, tender potatoes, savory onions, and creamy eggs, this casserole is layered with cheese to create a deliciously rich meal. It’s an easy-to-prepare recipe that can also be made ahead for convenient weeknight meals. The versatility of this dish allows you to adjust the spices and ingredients to suit your taste.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• Onion: 400 g (14 oz) – Adds sweetness and depth.
• Minced meat: 1 kg (2 lb) – A hearty protein base.
• Salt: 5 g (0.2 oz) – For seasoning.
• Black pepper: 2 g (0.1 oz) – Adds a subtle kick of spice.
• Ground coriander: 5 g (0.2 oz) – For earthy, aromatic notes.
• Sweet paprika: 5 g (0.2 oz) – Brings warmth and a touch of sweetness.
• Garlic: 10 g (0.4 oz) – Infuses bold, aromatic flavor.
• Soft butter: 200 g (7.1 oz) – Adds richness.
• Eggs: 5 pcs – Creates a creamy topping.
• Water: 500 ml (17 fl oz) – For cooking the ingredients evenly.
• Potatoes: 200 g (7.1 oz) – Thinly sliced to create creamy layers.
• Cheese: 100 g (3.5 oz) – Adds gooey, melted richness.
• Mayonnaise: 50 g (1.8 oz) – For a creamy, golden topping.

Directions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   • Chop onions into small pieces. Divide into two portions: one for sautéing with meat, and one for layering.
   • Season minced meat with salt, black pepper, ground coriander, and sweet paprika. Mix well.
   • Mince the garlic and set aside.
2. Cook the Minced Meat:
   • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 100 g of butter.
   • Add half the chopped onions and cook until golden and translucent.
   • Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
   • Add the seasoned minced meat and cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Potatoes:
   • Peel and slice the potatoes thinly (about 1/8 inch thick).
   • Parboil the sliced potatoes in salted water for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
   • Grease a large baking dish with the remaining butter.
   • Start by layering sautéed onions at the bottom of the dish.
   • Add a layer of minced meat, followed by a layer of parboiled potatoes, slightly overlapping.
   • Repeat the process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of potatoes on top.
5. Prepare the Topping:
   • In a bowl, whisk eggs with mayonnaise until smooth. Add a pinch of salt for seasoning.
   • Pour the egg mixture over the casserole, ensuring it seeps into the layers.
   • Sprinkle grated cheese generously on top for a golden finish.
6. Bake the Casserole:
   • Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
7. Serve:
   • Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: Approximately 480 kcal per serving.
• Servings: Serves 6-8.

Enjoy this delicious, comforting casserole with your loved ones!

The History of Casseroles

Casseroles, or “one-pot” meals, are as old as cooking itself. The term “casserole” comes from the French word for “saucepan,” which refers to the pot in which the dish is traditionally cooked. The modern concept of casseroles began in the 19th century, particularly in the United States and Europe, where they became an essential part of home cooking. The ability to combine meat, vegetables, starches, and sauces into one dish, then bake it until the flavors melded together, made casseroles a convenient and efficient meal option.

Casseroles became especially popular during the Great Depression in the 1930s due to their affordability and ability to feed large families. They allowed cooks to use inexpensive ingredients like ground meat, potatoes, and canned vegetables, while still creating filling, flavorful meals. Over the years, casseroles have continued to evolve, with countless variations emerging, including popular dishes like macaroni and cheese, shepherd’s pie, and lasagna.

The Savory Minced Meat and Potato Casserole represents a classic take on the casserole tradition, utilizing the rich, savory flavors of minced meat, the comforting texture of potatoes, and the indulgent richness of butter and cheese. This dish embodies the spirit of casserole cooking: it’s easy to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for any occasion.

The Importance of Seasoning in Casseroles

One of the keys to creating a truly great casserole lies in the seasoning. While the basic ingredients may be simple, it’s the seasonings that bring depth, flavor, and complexity to the dish. In this recipe, the combination of salt, black pepper, coriander, and paprika elevates the minced meat, infusing it with a warm, aromatic flavor that balances beautifully with the creamy potatoes and cheese.

• Ground coriander adds an earthy, slightly citrusy flavor, which pairs wonderfully with the richness of the meat and butter. It’s a spice that’s often used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, where it complements other savory ingredients like cumin and paprika.
• Sweet paprika contributes both warmth and a subtle sweetness, without being overpowering. This spice is a key component in many classic European dishes, where it helps to deepen the flavor profile of savory stews, meats, and sauces.
• Black pepper is a staple seasoning that brings a touch of spice and heat to balance out the richness of the butter and cheese.

Together, these spices enhance the minced meat, creating a flavorful base that perfectly complements the creamy, tender potatoes and rich cheese topping. The layering of flavors in this casserole is one of the reasons it’s such a satisfying dish.

The Role of Potatoes and Cheese in the Casserole

Potatoes and cheese are both classic ingredients in casseroles, and for good reason. Potatoes offer a hearty, comforting texture, while cheese provides that satisfying gooey, melt-in-your-mouth richness. In this recipe, the thinly sliced potatoes create delicate layers that absorb the savory flavors of the meat and seasonings, while remaining tender and creamy as they bake. The potatoes form the perfect base for the casserole, creating a substantial, satisfying foundation that holds all the other elements together.

The cheese topping adds an extra layer of indulgence. Whether you opt for a sharp cheddar, a creamy mozzarella, or a more robust cheese like Gruyère, the melted cheese forms a golden, bubbly crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft potatoes and savory minced meat. It’s the finishing touch that takes this dish from simply comforting to truly indulgent.

The Importance of Texture

Casseroles are often praised for their diverse textures. A well-made casserole has layers of contrasting textures that provide a satisfying bite with every forkful. The crispy, golden cheese crust at the top offers a delightful crunch, while the soft, tender potatoes give way to the juicy, well-seasoned minced meat. The inclusion of onions and garlic adds a slight bite and aromatic punch, while the mayo topping provides a rich, creamy finish.

The interplay of these textures—crunchy, tender, creamy, and juicy—makes every bite of the casserole a pleasure to eat, ensuring that the dish remains satisfying and memorable.

Tips for Perfecting Your Casserole

• Use the right potatoes: Choose a waxy variety, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes, for the best texture in casseroles. These potatoes hold their shape well during baking and create a creamy texture without becoming mushy.
• Layer the ingredients: For a more even distribution of flavors, layer the potatoes, meat, and cheese thoughtfully. You want each bite to have a balance of all the components, so take the time to arrange the ingredients neatly.
• Experiment with spices: While the basic recipe calls for coriander and paprika, feel free to experiment with other spices such as thyme, rosemary, or even a pinch of cayenne for heat. Spices are what give casseroles their distinctive flavor profiles.
• Rest before serving: After removing the casserole from the oven, let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set and allows the flavors to meld together, making it easier to slice and serve.

Conclusion: Why This Casserole Should Be Your Go-To Comfort Food

The Savory Minced Meat and Potato Casserole is a perfect example of why comfort food has stood the test of time. With its hearty minced meat, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese topping, it offers a rich, flavorful meal that satisfies both hunger and craving. The seasonings provide warmth and depth, while the balance of textures ensures that each bite is as enjoyable as the last.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, hosting a casual gathering, or simply in the mood for a comforting dish, this casserole is sure to impress. It’s easy to make, highly customizable, and best of all, incredibly satisfying. So next time you’re craving something hearty and delicious, this casserole recipe will be there to deliver comfort in every bite.