This comforting and delicious recipe from my grandma is sure to surprise and delight everyone at the dinner table. Combining creamy potatoes, savory ground beef, and melted mozzarella cheese, this dish is perfect for family gatherings. Follow these steps to create this wonderful meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 kilogram peeled potatoes, chopped into dices
- 1 teaspoon salt (for potatoes)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Parsley to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
- 1 medium onion, chopped into dices
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 450 grams ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt (for meat)
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 generous pinch black pepper
- 200 grams tomato sauce
- 50 grams grated mozzarella cheese, divided
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Cook the Potatoes: In a medium saucepan, add 1 kilogram of diced potatoes and 1 teaspoon of salt. Fill the saucepan with enough water to cover the potatoes. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender.
- Drain and Season: Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the saucepan. Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and parsley to taste. Mix well until the butter is melted and the parsley is evenly distributed.
2. Divide the Potatoes:
- Portion the Potatoes: Divide the potato mixture into 4 equal parts. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Ground Beef:
- Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, add a drizzle of olive oil.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and crushed garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Cook the Beef: Add 450 grams of ground beef to the skillet. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika, and a generous pinch of black pepper. Cook until the beef is browned.
- Add Tomato Sauce: Pour in 200 grams of tomato sauce and stir to combine. Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce is heated through.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
- Layer the Potatoes and Beef: In a baking dish, layer one part of the potato mixture, followed by an equal portion of the ground beef mixture. Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of potatoes.
- Add Cheese: Equally divide 50 grams of grated mozzarella cheese and sprinkle it over the top of the casserole.
5. Bake the Casserole:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (356 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Bake: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
- Enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting and delicious dish.
Cooking Notes:
- Potato Texture: Make sure the potatoes are tender before draining them. Overcooking can cause them to fall apart, while undercooking will leave them hard.
- Ground Beef: For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Cheese: Feel free to use other types of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone, for a different flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I prepare this casserole in advance? Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Add an additional 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
2. How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
3. Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! You can add vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers to the ground beef mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
4. What if I don’t have mozzarella cheese? You can use any melting cheese you prefer, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Swiss.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as all ingredients (such as the tomato sauce) are gluten-free.
This potato and ground beef casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners. With layers of creamy potatoes, savory beef, and melted cheese, it’s sure to become a favorite.
Try making this delicious casserole at home and let us know how it turns out! If you love sharing and discovering comforting family recipes, leave a comment saying “I love homemade casseroles” and share this with your friends and family. Happy cooking!
Enjoy this hearty and satisfying casserole that brings the comforting flavors of grandma’s kitchen to your home!
