Farmhouse Potato and Minced Meat Casserole

This delicious farmhouse potato and minced meat casserole is a hearty and comforting dish rooted in rustic traditions. Combining tender potatoes, savory minced meat, and a medley of fresh vegetables, this casserole offers a rich depth of flavors and textures. The creamy mashed potato layer atop a flavorful meat filling not only makes it visually appealing but also provides a delightful contrast of taste. It is an ideal dish to prepare for family gatherings or a cozy dinner, offering satisfying warmth and nourishment. The simplicity of its preparation belies the delicious, complex flavors that develop during cooking. You can personalize this recipe to suit your taste preferences, varying the amount of onion or carrot as desired. Adding cheese on top is optional, but it does enhance the dish with a savory crisp. Serve it with a side of sour cream or fresh salad to balance out the rich flavors. This recipe is easy to adapt and is sure to become a household favorite. Enjoy creating this classic dish with your own spin, and savor every bite with family and friends.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 6 medium potatoes (cut for boiling)
• 1 large carrot (finely chopped)
• 1 handful of peas (preferably fresh or frozen, canned can be used)
• 1 large onion (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves of garlic (finely chopped)
• 200 g minced meat (lamb, beef, or pork of choice)
• A little oil for frying
• 1 tablespoon of flour
• 1 glass of water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Butter for making mashed potatoes
• Baking dish
• Cheese (optional)

Preparation Time

60 minutes (including preparation and cooking time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Begin by boiling the potatoes in a large pot. This will form the basis for your mashed potato topping.
2. While the potatoes are boiling, heat a little oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
3. Add the minced meat to the pan along with the chopped onion and garlic. Brown the mixture, stirring frequently.
4. Incorporate the finely chopped carrot into the pan. Continue to sauté until the carrots soften slightly.
5. Add the peas to the pan. If using frozen peas, cook them slightly; if canned, they can be added directly.
6. Drain excess fat from the mixture to prevent the casserole from being greasy.
7. Sprinkle the flour over the meat mixture and stir well to combine.
8. Pour in the glass of water, stirring continuously. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened.
9. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
10. By now, the potatoes should be boiled. Drain them and place them in a separate bowl for mashing.
11. Add a knob of butter and a pinch of salt to the potatoes and mash until creamy and smooth.
12. Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
13. In a baking dish, spread the cooked meat mixture evenly across the bottom.
14. Carefully layer the mashed potatoes over the meat, smoothing the top with a spatula to create two distinct layers.
15. If desired, sprinkle grated cheese over the top of the mashed potatoes for added flavor.
16. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes.
17. The casserole is done when the top layer of potatoes has developed a golden-brown crust.
18. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
19. Serve the dish with sour cream, pickles, or a simple salad.
20. Enjoy your comforting farmhouse casserole and savor the heartwarming flavors!

Tips

• Substitutions: Use sweet potatoes for a different twist.
• Techniques: Ensure potatoes are mashed smoothly to avoid lumps.
• Cooking Tip: Make sure to simmer the meat filling thoroughly to combine flavors well.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving
• Protein: 15g
• Fats: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 45g

Variations

• For a vegetarian option, substitute the minced meat with lentils or mushrooms.
• Use different types of cheese like cheddar or mozzarella for a distinctive taste.

Serving Suggestions

• Ideal to pair with sour cream or a fresh garden salad.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for enhanced flavor.

Best Places

1. The Shepherd's Pie Co. - A quaint spot known for its variety of comforting casseroles. Location: 123 Main St, London, UK.
2. Potato Lodge - Celebrated for its inventive takes on classic potato dishes. Location: 246 Elm Rd, Edinburgh, Scotland.
3. Home Comfort Kitchen - Offers a homely atmosphere with traditional casseroles. Location: 789 Maple St, Toronto, Canada.
4. Gourmet Potatoes - Upscale dining featuring a modern twist on rustic favorites. Location: 555 Gourmet Ave, New York, USA.
5. Casserole Corner Café - Popular for its hearty servings and cozy environment. Location: 912 Cottage Ln, Dublin, Ireland.
6. Bistro de Champ - A blend of classic and contemporary potato dishes. Location: 66 Champs-Elysées, Paris, France.
7. The Pie Bar - Famous for its flavorful farmhouse pies and casseroles. Location: 321 Baker St, Melbourne, Australia.
8. Grandma's Kitchen - Offers a nostalgic menu of traditional dishes. Location: 890 Heritage Dr, Auckland, New Zealand.
9. Farmhouse Eats - Known for its fresh farm-to-table approach. Location: 155 Greenleaf Rd, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
10. Cozy Casserole Café - Perfect place for enjoying a warm, hearty meal. Location: 778 Sunset Blvd, San Francisco, USA.