The Story Behind the Dish
Every great recipe has a story, and this potato and beef roll is no exception. Inspired by home-cooked memories and the warmth of family meals, this dish is a testament to simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. Drawing inspiration from traditional comfort foods, this recipe combines the heartiness of ground beef, the richness of cheese, and the comfort of perfectly prepared potatoes.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetable Filling:
- Ground Beef: 1 lb (500 g)
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, finely chopped
- Bell Pepper: 1, finely chopped
- Canned Tomatoes: 7 oz (200 g)
- Tomato Paste: 2.5 oz (70 g)
- Salt: to taste
- Black Pepper: to taste
- Cumin: 1/2 tsp
- Smoked Paprika: 1/2 tsp
Potato Base:
- Potatoes: 2 large
- Mozzarella Cheese: 7 oz (200 g)
- Olive Oil: for brushing
Side Salad:
- Fresh Cabbage: 7 oz (200 g), finely chopped
- Carrot: 1, grated
- Canned Peas: 3 tbsp
- Green Onions: a small bunch
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp
- Grape Vinegar: 1 tsp
Yogurt Sauce:
- Greek Yogurt: 2 tbsp
- Pickled Cucumber: 1, grated
- Dill: a bunch, finely chopped
- Garlic: 1 clove, grated
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Potato Base:
- Slice potatoes thinly
- Sprinkle 80% of grated cheese on parchment paper
- Layer potato slices, slightly overlapping
- Salt generously and brush with olive oil
- Bake for 30 minutes
- Prepare the Meat Filling:
- Sauté onions and garlic
- Add ground beef and bell pepper
- Stir in canned tomatoes and tomato paste
- Season with salt, pepper, cumin, and smoked paprika
- Simmer for 5 minutes
- Assemble the Roll:
- Remove potatoes from oven
- Spread meat filling over potatoes
- Sprinkle with green onions
- Sprinkle remaining cheese
- Carefully roll using parchment paper
- Bake for additional 10 minutes
- Prepare Side Salad:
- Mix chopped cabbage, grated carrot, peas
- Season with salt, pepper, olive oil, and vinegar
- Make Yogurt Sauce:
- Mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber
- Add chopped dill and grated garlic
Nutritional Information
- Servings: 4-5 people
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500
- Preparation Time: 45 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Use large potatoes for the best base
- Ensure meat is well-seasoned
- Don’t rush the rolling process
- Let the roll rest for a few minutes before serving
Variations and Substitutions
- Use ground turkey for a leaner option
- Replace bell pepper with zucchini
- Use lactose-free cheese for dairy-sensitive diets
- Add different herbs to the yogurt sauce
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I prepare this dish in advance? A: Yes, you can prepare components ahead of time and assemble just before baking.
Q: Is this dish freezer-friendly? A: The roll can be frozen before the final baking. Thaw and bake when ready to serve.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian? A: Replace beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.
Q: What if I don’t have mozzarella? A: Any melting cheese like cheddar or provolone works well.
Q: How do I prevent the roll from falling apart? A: Use parchment paper and roll carefully, letting it cool slightly before cutting.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) to maintain crispiness
- Separate salad and sauce when storing to prevent sogginess
Enjoy this delightful potato and beef roll – a true celebration of home cooking!
