Description
This Creamy Cheesy Potato Bake with Minced Meat is the ultimate comfort food! Layers of tender, sliced potatoes, a rich and savory minced meat sauce, and a luscious cream sauce, all topped with a generous blanket of melted cheese. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. This recipe is designed to be simple and straightforward, ensuring that even novice cooks can achieve delicious results. The combination of textures and flavors makes it an instant hit – creamy, cheesy, savory, and utterly irresistible. Plus, it all comes together in under an hour, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
- 7-8 medium potatoes (such as Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 2 packs of grated cheese (approximately 400g total, 1x Cheddar, 1x Mozzarella)
Minced Meat Sauce:
- 700g minced meat (beef or mixed)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 100g tomato sauce
- 100ml soya cream (or any other cream)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon Italian Herb
- Vegetable broth (enough to moisten the sauce)
Cream Sauce:
- 200ml soya cream (or any other cream)
- 200g cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Optional Topping:
- Green Onion, chopped
- Parmesan, grated
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Slice the potatoes into approximately 1/4-inch thick rounds. Avoid slicing them too thin or too thick. Boil the sliced potatoes in salted water for about 25–30 minutes, or until they are tender but not falling apart. Drain the potatoes thoroughly and set them aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Ground Beef
While the potatoes are boiling, cook the ground beef in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once the ground beef is browned, drain off any excess grease. Add the finely chopped onion to the pan and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the paprika, tomato paste, tomato sauce, soya cream, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Add enough vegetable broth to create a rich, moist sauce. Simmer the mixture for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Sauce
In the same pan (after removing the ground beef mixture), add the soya cream, cream cheese, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and smoked paprika. Stir continuously over low heat until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and well combined. Do not let it boil.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange a layer of boiled potato slices on the bottom of the dish, slightly overlapping them. Pour some of the cream sauce evenly over the potato layer. Spread the ground beef mixture over the cream sauce. Add another layer of boiled potato slices on top of the ground beef. Pour the remaining cream sauce over the top potato layer, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Sprinkle a generous amount of grated cheese (Cheddar and Mozzarella) over the entire casserole.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and bubbling. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Cheesy Potato Bake is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it combines simple ingredients into a comforting and flavorful dish that everyone loves. The creamy sauce and melted cheese create a rich and satisfying texture, while the savory minced meat adds depth and heartiness. It’s also incredibly versatile – you can easily customize the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to share at a potluck, this potato bake is sure to be a hit. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients and reduce food waste.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot, straight from the oven.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Pair with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Serve as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, steak, or sausages.
Tips:
- To save time, you can boil the potatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of different cheeses, such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or provolone.
- If you don’t have soya cream, you can use regular heavy cream or half-and-half instead.
- Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your taste.
- If the cheese starts to brown too quickly in the oven, cover the dish with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Nutrition Information: (per serving, approximate)
Calories: 450-550 Protein: 25-35g Sodium: 600-800mg
Conclusion
The Creamy Cheesy Potato Bake with Minced Meat is a comforting, versatile, and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its layers of tender potatoes, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheese topping, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Easy to customize and simple to make, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add a hearty and satisfying meal to their repertoire. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While the recipe calls for minced beef, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative. Just ensure that you adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
Q2: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Q3: What if I don’t have soya cream?
A: No problem! You can substitute soya cream with regular heavy cream, half-and-half, or even a plant-based cream alternative like oat or almond cream. The consistency and flavor might vary slightly, but the dish will still be delicious.
Q4: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
A: Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables such as sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the minced meat sauce for added flavor and nutrients. Just sauté the vegetables with the onions before adding the other sauce ingredients.
Q5: How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the minced meat and add a can of drained and rinsed lentils or chickpeas to the sauce. You can also add extra vegetables like chopped carrots, celery, or zucchini to add more substance to the dish.
