Potato casserole with minced meat

10 servings

60 minutes

Potato casserole with minced meat is a cozy, hearty dish of Russian cuisine, originating from family dinners where simplicity and rich flavor are key. The tender mashed potatoes infused with creamy aroma perfectly complement the juicy minced meat sautéed with onions and spices. Provencal herbs and paprika add a touch of sophistication, while the golden crust of parmesan makes the dish appetizing and tempting. This casserole is perfect for home dinners, warming with its taste and texture. It is served hot, often accompanied by fresh vegetables or pickles. The simplicity of preparation and availability of ingredients make it a favorite dish for the whole family, while its aroma evokes memories of traditional Russian feasts.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 399.8
• Proteins: 21.3g
• Fats: 21.4g
• Carbohydrates: 31.7g

Ingredients

• Potato: 1.5 kg
• Minced meat: 800 g
• Parmesan cheese: 100 g
• Milk: 100 ml
• Onion: 2 head
• Bay leaf: to taste
• Ground black pepper: to taste
• Ground chili pepper: 1 tsp
• Paprika: 2 tbsp
• Butter: 15 g
• Provencal herbs: 2 tbsp

Cooking steps

1. We put the potatoes to boil, salt the water, and add a bay leaf.

   Required ingredients:

   • Potato: 1.5 kg
   • Bay leaf:  to taste

2. While the potatoes are boiling, we heat a large skillet, pour in olive oil, and when the skillet is hot, we add finely chopped onion.

   Required ingredients:

   • Onion: 2 heads

3. When the onion turns golden, we add the minced meat. Stirring, we wait for all the liquid to evaporate (if the meat is already browned but the liquid hasn't evaporated, it should be drained). We add spices: salt, pepper, paprika, and Provencal herbs. I also add basil. You can add any spices you are used to. Mix thoroughly, add tomato paste, and simmer for another 2 minutes. Set aside.

   Required ingredients:

   • Minced meat: 800 g
   • Ground black pepper:  to taste
   • Ground chili pepper: 1 teaspoon
   • Paprika: 2 tablespoons
   • Provencal herbs: 2 tablespoons

4. Meanwhile, the potatoes should be cooked; we remove them from the heat, drain most of the liquid, leave half a cup, take out the bay leaf from the pot, add milk and butter and make puree. (The puree will be even tastier if you add a bit of cream)

   Required ingredients:

   • Potato: 1.5 kg
   • Milk: 100 ml
   • Butter: 15 g

5. Place the minced meat in the form, top with puree, then grated parmesan. Some add mayonnaise on top of the cheese, but I think it's tastier without it, the main thing is to have plenty of cheese. Put it in a preheated oven at 180 degrees for 30 minutes. Generally, the readiness of the casserole is determined by the golden crust of the cheese.

   Required ingredients:

   • Minced meat: 800 g
   • Parmesan cheese: 100 g