When you’re looking for a hearty, budget-friendly meal that comes together with minimal effort, this minced meat and potato bake is the perfect solution. With just a handful of everyday ingredients and a simple “pour and bake” method, you can have a comforting, family-friendly dinner on the table in under an hour. It’s the kind of dish that feels like home-cooked comfort food without requiring advanced cooking skills.

This classic casserole combines tender sliced potatoes with savory seasoned ground beef, all baked together until golden and bubbling. The beauty lies in its simplicity: layer the potatoes, brown the meat, pour it over the top, and let the oven do the rest.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 4–5 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 lb (500g) ground beef (or any minced meat of your choice)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 cup tomato sauce or passata
• Olive oil (for greasing and cooking)
• Salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried oregano (to taste)
• Optional: grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) for a melty topping

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the baking dish: Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish with olive oil. Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom. Season generously with salt, black pepper, a pinch of paprika, and oregano.
3. Cook the minced meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion (and garlic, if using) until softened and fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Season well with salt, pepper, and additional paprika or oregano. Stir in the tomato sauce and let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes to meld the flavors.
4. Assemble the casserole: Simply pour the hot minced meat mixture evenly over the layered potatoes in the baking dish. Spread it out gently if needed.
5. Optional topping: For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle grated cheese over the top or add another thin layer of potato slices.
6. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the surface is golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is wonderfully satisfying on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Easy to customize, affordable, and universally loved—this minced meat and potato bake proves that delicious dinners don’t have to be complicated. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you crave something warm and comforting. Enjoy!

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