Introduction
Indulge in the hearty, savory goodness of our Easy Potato and Ground Meat Dinner. This dish is a delightful combination of crispy potatoes, flavorful ground meat, and a rich tomato sauce, all topped with melted cheese and black olives. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. Follow these detailed steps to create a meal that’s bursting with flavor and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
- 1 kg potatoes (2.2 lbs)
- 500g ground meat (1.1 lbs)
- 1 onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 red bell pepper
- 400ml tomato pulp (1 2/3 cups)
- 180ml tomato puree (3/4 cup)
- Black olives (to taste)
- Grated cheese (to taste)
- Salt, black pepper, oregano, paprika, garlic powder (to taste)
- Oil (as needed)
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/6 of the dish)
- Number of Servings: 6 portions
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 18g
Instructions
Prepare the Potatoes
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into thin slices.
- Aim for uniform slices to ensure even cooking.
- Heat a little oil in a pan and add the potato slices. Fry them until golden brown.
- Ensure each slice is well-coated with oil for a crispy texture.
- Season the potatoes with salt, black pepper, paprika, oregano, and garlic powder.
- Stir to evenly distribute the spices.
- Cover the pan and let the potatoes bake for about 15 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- This ensures the potatoes are tender and flavorful.
Layering the Dish
- Transfer the fried potatoes to a baking tray and arrange them neatly.
- Spread them evenly to form the base layer.
- Cut the red bell pepper into small pieces.
- Set aside for the next step.
Sautéing the Vegetables and Meat
- In a separate pan, heat a little oil and sauté chopped onion and garlic until fragrant.
- This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the chopped red pepper and cook for approximately 3 minutes.
- Stir frequently to avoid burning.
- Next, add the ground meat to the pan, breaking it up and frying until browned.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Preparing the Sauce
- Once the meat is browned, pour in the tomato pulp and tomato puree.
- Stir well to combine.
- Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and oregano.
- Allow it to simmer for at least 10 minutes to develop the flavors.
Assembling and Baking
- Once the sauce is ready, pour it over the potatoes in the baking dish.
- Ensure the sauce covers all the potatoes for even flavor.
- Sprinkle grated cheese over the top, followed by black olives and a sprinkle of oregano.
- The cheese should be evenly distributed for a gooey, melted topping.
- Bake the dish in a preheated oven at 220°C (430°F) for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Keep an eye on the cheese to prevent over-browning.
Serve and Enjoy
- Once baked to perfection, remove the dish from the oven and serve hot.
- Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.
- Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors with your favorite side salad or bread.
Tips for the Perfect Potato and Ground Meat Dinner
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh potatoes, vegetables, and cheese make a big difference.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Feel free to add more or less of the spices as per your preference.
- Ensure the potatoes are cooked through before adding the sauce. They should be tender but not mushy.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine to the meat and tomato sauce mixture while simmering.
Conclusion
This Easy Potato and Ground Meat Dinner Recipe is a comforting and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of crispy potatoes, savory ground meat, and rich tomato sauce topped with melted cheese creates a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. Serve it hot and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite. Happy cooking!