Minced Meat Casserole

A minced meat casserole is the epitome of comfort food, offering a hearty, satisfying meal that warms the soul. This dish is versatile, allowing you to use various meats and ingredients to create a delicious and filling one-dish wonder. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through making a savory minced meat casserole that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion when you crave a comforting, home-cooked meal.

Ingredients:

For the Minced Meat Mixture:

• 1 pound ground beef, turkey, or a meat of your choice
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Potato Topping:

• 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared in advance)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture

1. In a large skillet or frying pan, cook the minced meat (beef, turkey, or your choice) over medium-high heat until it’s browned and cooked through.
2. Remove any excess fat from the pan.
3. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper to the cooked meat. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in the frozen corn and peas, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
5. Cook the mixture for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove it from the heat.

Step 2: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

1. If you haven’t prepared mashed potatoes in advance, peel, chop, and boil potatoes until they’re tender. Drain them and mash them with milk, butter, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large baking dish, spread the minced meat mixture evenly to form the base layer.
3. Carefully spoon the mashed potatoes over the meat mixture, spreading them to cover it completely.
4. Optionally, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mashed potatoes for a golden, cheesy topping.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

1. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the filling is bubbling.
2. If desired, you can broil the casserole for a few additional minutes to achieve a crispy, golden top.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Remove the minced meat casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
2. Scoop out generous portions, serve them on plates, and enjoy your comforting minced meat casserole.

A minced meat casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines the richness of meat with the heartiness of mashed potatoes. This versatile recipe can be customized with your favorite ingredients and enjoyed as a filling family dinner or at gatherings with friends. The layers of savory meat and creamy potatoes create a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you and your loved ones craving more. So, prepare a batch and savor the comfort in every bite.