Description
Rustic potato and meat bake brings comfort from Eastern European kitchens with layered potatoes, savory ground beef, and rich seasonings. Hearty ingredients blend perfectly, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef or venison
- 3 cups (750 ml) thinly sliced potatoes (approximately 5 potatoes)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1.5 cups (375 ml) shredded cheese
- 1.5 cups (375 ml) cream of mushroom soup or 1 can (check for gluten-free options if required)
- 0.5 cups (125 ml) stock (any kind)
- 0.25 cups (60 ml) milk or cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tsp paprika (optional)
- 1 tsp rosemary (optional)
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Ignite the oven to 350°F (175°C) and delicately coat an 11 x 7 inch glass baking dish with a light butter or cooking spray layer.
- Meat Foundation: In a robust skillet, transform ground meat and onions over medium-high heat, browning thoroughly until no pink remains, simultaneously releasing robust flavors and eliminating excess fat.
- Seasoning Fusion: Elevate the meat mixture with aromatic garlic powder, paprika, and rosemary, generously seasoning with salt and black pepper to create a flavor-packed base.
- Creamy Integration: Whisk cream of mushroom soup, beef stock, and whole milk into a silky sauce, ensuring balanced and harmonious flavor profiles.
- Layering Technique: Construct the casserole by strategically placing potato slices across the baking dish’s bottom, then cascade one-third of the soup mixture, ensuring complete potato coverage.
- Cheese and Meat Stratification: Distribute seasoned meat mixture and shredded cheese across potato layers, repeating the process to create a multi-dimensional culinary landscape.
- Baking Transformation: Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 to 1.5 hours, allowing potatoes to tenderize and surfaces to caramelize into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
- Resting Period: After removing from the oven, let the casserole settle for 10-15 minutes, allowing layers to consolidate and flavors to harmonize before serving.
Notes
- Slice Potatoes Uniformly: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to cut potatoes into consistent 1/4-inch thick slices, ensuring even cooking and perfect texture throughout the dish.
- Drain Meat Thoroughly: Remove excess fat from browned meat to prevent a greasy casserole and maintain a rich, concentrated flavor profile.
- Cheese Selection Matters: Choose a melting cheese like sharp cheddar or gruyere for maximum flavor and creamy, golden-brown top layer.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to sit for 10-15 minutes after baking, which helps layers set and makes cutting and serving easier without falling apart.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg