Discover this hearty, comfort food masterpiece that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary family dinner! This authentic German-inspired casserole combines layers of tender potatoes, savory seasoned ground beef, and a rich creamy sauce topped with golden melted cheese. Perfect for cold evenings when you need something warm, satisfying, and absolutely delicious that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 500g ground beef (1.1 lb)
- 3-4 large potatoes – approximately 800g (1.8 lb)
- 1 medium onion – 150g (5 oz)
- 3 garlic cloves – 15g (½ oz)
- 1 bell pepper – 200g (7 oz)
- 200g canned tomatoes (7 oz)
- 70g tomato paste (2.5 oz)
- Salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, oregano to taste
- 1 bunch fresh parsley – 30g (1 oz)
- 80g butter (2.8 oz)
- 80g all-purpose flour (2.8 oz)
- 500ml whole milk (2 cups)
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 80g mozzarella or soft cheese (2.8 oz)
- Cherry tomatoes for garnish (optional)
- Vegetable oil for cooking and greasing
For the Optional Side Salad:
- 100g spring salad mix (3.5 oz)
- 2 medium tomatoes – 300g (10 oz)
- 1 red onion – 100g (3.5 oz)
- 1 bunch fresh parsley – 30g (1 oz)
- 200g canned chickpeas (7 oz)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – 30ml
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard – 15ml
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice – 15ml
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef Base
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it up well with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Grate potatoes using the large holes of a grater to create thin slices. Place in a bowl of water, rinse well to remove excess starch, then drain thoroughly.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
Finely chop onion and add to the ground beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Add Vegetables
Finely chop bell pepper and add to the skillet. Cook until pepper begins to soften, about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Create the Sauce Base
Add canned tomatoes and tomato paste to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and oregano to taste. Simmer for 5 minutes to develop flavors.
Step 6: Finish the Filling
Finely chop parsley and stir into the meat mixture. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 7: Make the White Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously for 2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually add milk in portions, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add nutmeg and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Step 8: Assemble the First Layer
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish with vegetable oil. Layer half of the grated potatoes in the bottom, overlapping slightly with no gaps.
Step 9: Add Sauce and Filling
Pour one-third of the white sauce over the potatoes. Spread all the ground beef mixture evenly on top. Pour another third of the sauce over the meat layer.
Step 10: Complete the Layers
Layer remaining potatoes on top, ensuring no gaps. Pour remaining white sauce over potatoes and spread evenly with a silicone brush.
Step 11: Add Cheese and Garnish
Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese generously over the top. If using, halve cherry tomatoes and arrange cut-side up for decoration.
Step 12: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 40 minutes until golden brown on top and potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife.
Step 13: Prepare the Side Salad (Optional)
While casserole bakes, combine spring mix, chopped tomatoes, sliced red onion, and chopped parsley in a bowl. Whisk together olive oil, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add chickpeas and dressing to salad, toss well.
Step 14: Serve and Enjoy
Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve hot with the fresh salad on the side.
Time & Serving Information
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Servings: 6-8 portions
- Difficulty: Intermediate
Nutrition Information (per serving, casserole only)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Calcium: 280mg
- Iron: 3.5mg
Why This German Casserole Recipe Is Healthy
This German-style casserole provides exceptional nutritional value through its combination of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and nutrient-dense vegetables. Ground beef supplies high-quality complete protein essential for muscle maintenance and repair, while also providing iron, zinc, and B vitamins crucial for energy metabolism and immune function.
The layered potatoes contribute complex carbohydrates for sustained energy release, plus potassium for heart health and vitamin C for immune support. Bell peppers add more vitamin C than oranges, along with antioxidants that support healthy vision and skin. Tomatoes provide lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may help protect against chronic diseases and support cardiovascular health.
The white sauce made with milk adds calcium for strong bones and teeth, while garlic and onions contribute allicin and quercetin compounds that have natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Fresh parsley provides additional vitamin K for bone health and antioxidants for cellular protection. This one-dish meal delivers balanced nutrition with comfort food satisfaction, making it perfect for family dinners that nourish both body and soul.