This Baked Potato, Leek, and Meat Casserole brings together the comforting flavors of tender potatoes, savory ground meat, and melted mozzarella. Enhanced by the tangy taste of kefir and fresh dill, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. Perfect for family dinners or as a cozy comfort food, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 – 3 large eggs
- 200 ml kefir (about ¾ cup)
- 200 g flour (1⅔ cups)
- 7 g baking powder (1½ tsp)
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and grated
- 1 leek, thinly sliced
- 120 g ground meat (beef, chicken, or turkey)
- 100 g mozzarella, grated (about 1 cup)
- A bunch of fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Nutritional Information (per serving, makes 8 servings)
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 370 mg
- Calcium: 130 mg
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
a. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it’s ready when your mixture is prepared.
b. Grease the Baking Dish:
Grease a rectangular baking dish or line it with baking paper. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make it easier to serve later.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
a. Whisk Eggs and Kefir:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and kefir until smooth. This mixture will form the base of your batter, adding both moisture and a slight tang to the dish.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients
a. Sift Flour and Baking Powder:
Sift 200 g of flour and 7 g of baking powder into the egg mixture. Whisk until you have a smooth, lump-free batter. This will ensure your casserole rises nicely and has a fluffy texture.
4. Prepare the Vegetables and Meat
a. Grate the Potatoes:
Peel and grate the 2 large potatoes using a box grater. Grated potatoes add a delightful texture to the dish, soaking up the flavors of the other ingredients.
b. Slice the Leek:
Cut the leek into thin slices. Leeks add a subtle onion-like flavor and a lovely green color to the casserole.
c. Cook the Ground Meat:
In a skillet, cook the 120 g of ground meat over medium heat until it is browned and cooked through. Season with a little salt and pepper. Drain any excess fat and set aside to cool slightly.
5. Combine All Ingredients
a. Mix Potatoes, Leek, and Meat:
In another bowl, combine the grated potatoes, sliced leek, and cooked ground meat. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste. This step ensures the vegetables and meat are well-flavored before adding them to the batter.
b. Fold Into the Batter:
Gently fold the potato and meat mixture into the batter, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed. This will help the casserole cook uniformly, with bits of potato, meat, and leek in every bite.
6. Assemble and Bake
a. Pour Into Baking Dish:
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula to ensure a uniform thickness.
b. Add Mozzarella:
Sprinkle the grated mozzarella evenly over the top of the casserole. The cheese will melt and form a delicious, golden crust as it bakes.
c. Bake:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the surface is golden brown and crispy. The casserole should be cooked through, with a beautifully browned top.
7. Serve the Casserole
a. Cool Slightly and Garnish:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped dill, which adds a fresh, herbal flavor that complements the richness of the dish.
b. Cut and Serve:
Cut the casserole into squares and serve warm. This dish is perfect as a main course or a hearty side. Pair it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Baked Potato Casserole
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes, leeks, and dill will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the potato mixture before baking and adjust the seasoning as needed, especially the salt and pepper.
- Optional Add-Ins: For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder, paprika, or even a bit of grated Parmesan to the batter.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Enjoy this Baked Potato, Leek, and Meat Casserole, a comforting and delicious dish that combines tender potatoes, savory meat, and melty cheese in every bite!
