Minced Meat and Potatoes: A Comforting Classic for Every Table

This comforting classic dish combines the rich flavors of minced beef with creamy potato puree, making it a favorite for any table. It’s perfect for a hearty family dinner or a special gathering, offering warmth and satisfaction in every bite.

Ingredients

  • Minced Meat Layer:
    • 700g minced beef (1.54 lbs)
    • 2 onions, grated
    • 1 egg
    • 120g bread (4.2 oz)
    • 200ml fresh cow’s milk (3/4 cup + 2 tbsp)
    • 150g tomatoes, fresh or canned (5.3 oz), chopped
    • 3 garlic cloves, minced
    • Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
    • 2 tbsp breadcrumbs (15g)
    • 200g grated cheese (7 oz)
    • Fresh parsley, chopped, to taste
    • 1.5 tbsp vegetable oil (22.5ml)
  • Potato Puree:
    • 1.3 kg potatoes (2.87 lbs), peeled and chopped
    • 1/3 tbsp salt (5g)
    • 1 liter water (4 1/4 cups)
    • 50g cow butter (1.75 oz)
    • 3 tbsp grated cheese (21g)
    • 200ml warm cooking cream or fresh cow’s milk (3/4 cup + 2 tbsp)

Number of Servings

This recipe serves 6-8 people.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 450
  • Protein: 24g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Calcium: 250mg
  • Iron: 4mg

Preparation

Let’s dive into the cooking process step by step:

Prepare the Bread Crumbs:

  1. Soak the bread slices in fresh milk and blend them into fine crumbs.

Mix the Minced Meat:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the minced meat with grated onion, egg, tomatoes, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Layer the Meat Mixture:

  1. Spread the meat mixture evenly in a baking dish, then sprinkle grated cheese on top.

Prepare the Potato Puree:

  1. Peel and chop the potatoes, then boil them in salted water until fork-tender. Drain and mash the potatoes, mixing in butter, grated cheese, and warm cream or milk until smooth.

Layer the Potato Puree:

  1. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat mixture in the baking dish, using a fork to create a decorative pattern on top.

Preheat and Bake:

  1. Set your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (390 degrees Fahrenheit) and bake the dish for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and bubbling with deliciousness.

Serve:

  1. Allow the dish to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Tips for Perfect Potatoes

  • Choose Starchy Potatoes: Opt for starchy varieties like Russets for a creamy texture.
  • Cook Until Fork-Tender: Boil the potatoes until they’re easily pierced with a fork for smooth mashing.
  • Enhance Creaminess: Incorporate warm milk or cream into the mashed potatoes for extra richness.
  • Season Well: Don’t forget to season your mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking and Serving

Once your minced meat and potatoes are baked to perfection, it’s time to indulge in their deliciousness. Serve generous portions alongside your favorite greens or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this classic dish is sure to delight your taste buds and warm your heart.

Enjoy this comforting classic with your loved ones and create wonderful memories around the table. Bon appétit!