Potato casserole with meat and hard cheese
4 servings
60 minutes
Potato casserole with meat and hard cheese is a cozy dish of Russian cuisine that combines the tenderness of mashed potatoes, the juiciness of minced meat, and the spiciness of baked cheese. This recipe is rooted in home cooking traditions where simple and accessible ingredients turn into rich and hearty meals. The casserole has an appetizing golden crust hiding a soft, aromatic layer of meat filling. It is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy evening. The combination of potatoes, meat, and cheese makes the dish versatile—it is equally good as a standalone treat or paired with a light vegetable salad. Sour cream adds creaminess while spices enhance the depth of flavor. Each serving of casserole brings warmth and richness, reminding one of home traditions.
1
We are cleaning the potatoes.
- Potato: 1.3 kg
2
We boil it in salted water with bay leaf until cooked.
- Bay leaf: 1 piece
- Salt: to taste
3
Meanwhile, we fry the chopped onion in vegetable oil.
- Onion: 2 pieces
- Vegetable oil: 1 tablespoon
4
Once the onion becomes transparent, add the minced meat, season with salt and pepper to taste. Fry until the meat is cooked.
- Ground beef: 500 g
- Ground black pepper: to taste
- Salt: to taste
5
By this time, the potatoes should be cooked. Remove the bay leaf and mash the potatoes into a coarse puree.
- Potato: 1.3 kg
6
Spread half of the obtained puree in a baking dish previously greased with butter. The layer should be even and dense.
- Butter: 1 g
7
Layer the minced meat with onions, then cover with the remaining potatoes. Smooth it out with a spoon or spatula. Spread sour cream on top. Sprinkle with grated cheese. Bake in the oven at 180°C for about 40 minutes.
- Sour cream: 4 tablespoons
- Hard cheese: 150 g
8
During this time, the casserole should heat thoroughly from the inside and brown on top.
9
Divide into portions and serve hot.