German-Inspired Layered Potato and Beef Casserole

The Story Behind the Dish

Discover a culinary gem straight from a German magazine – a mouthwatering potato and beef casserole that promises to revolutionize your dinner routine. This incredible one-dish wonder combines the heartiness of ground beef, the creaminess of mashed potatoes, and the irresistible allure of melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for busy families and food lovers alike, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular meal that can be prepared in just 15 minutes of active cooking time.

Ingredients

For the Casserole

• Ground Beef: 1 lb (454 g)
• Potatoes: 4-5 large (approximately 2 lbs / 900 g)
• Eggs: 2 large
• Mozzarella Cheese: 3.5 oz (100 g)
• Butter: 2 tbsp (1 oz / 30 g)
• Flour: 2 tbsp (15 g)
• Tomato Sauce: 4 tbsp
• Vegetable Oil: For cooking
• Onion: 1 medium
• Garlic: 3 cloves
• Bell Pepper: 1 medium
• Fresh Dill: 1 small bunch
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Spices: Smoked Paprika, Cumin

For the Side Salad

• Red Cabbage: 1/2 medium head
• Tomato: 1 medium
• Radishes: 3
• Cucumber: 1 small
• Bell Pepper: 1 medium
• Green Onions: A small bunch
• Olive Oil: 2 tbsp
• Lemon: 1 wedge
• Salt and Pepper: To taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Mixture:
   • Heat a pan with vegetable oil
   • Add ground beef and cook until browned
   • Finely chop and add onion, cooking until golden
   • Add minced garlic and chopped bell pepper
   • Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin
   • Stir in tomato sauce and fresh dill
   • Remove from heat and set aside
2. Cook the Potatoes:
   • Peel and cut potatoes into large pieces
   • Boil in salted water until fully cooked
   • Drain and mash thoroughly
   • Whisk eggs and mix into the mashed potatoes
   • Add butter and flour, mixing well
3. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C)
   • Prepare a round baking dish with parchment paper and oil
   • Layer 70% of mashed potatoes as the first layer
   • Add the entire meat mixture as the second layer
   • Top with remaining mashed potatoes
   • Generously sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese over the top
4. Bake and Finish:
   • Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly
   • Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving
5. Prepare the Side Salad:
   • Finely shred red cabbage
   • Chop tomato, radishes, cucumber, and bell pepper
   • Add chopped green onions and remaining dill
   • Dress with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (Approximate):

• Calories: 450-500
• Protein: 25-30g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Fat: 25-30g
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Serves: 4-6 people

Expert Cooking Tips

• Use a coarse grater for the mozzarella to get those beautiful golden, crispy cheese edges
• Don’t skip mashing the potatoes thoroughly to ensure a smooth, creamy texture
• For extra flavor, use fresh garlic and high-quality ground beef
• Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to set and make cutting easier

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• Cheese Alternatives: Replace mozzarella with cheddar, gouda, or a blend of cheeses
• Meat Options: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, lamb, or a plant-based meat alternative
• Vegetarian Version: Replace meat with lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based ground meat
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for extra heat
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch in place of regular flour

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes! Prepare the casserole up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 10 minutes to baking time when cooking from cold

Q2: How do I store leftovers? A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best results.

Q3: Can I freeze this casserole? A: Absolutely! Freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Q4: What can I serve with this casserole? A: The included side salad is perfect, but you can also serve with a green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread.

Q5: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes? A: Yes, sweet potatoes will work, but they’ll add a slightly different flavor and slightly more sweetness to the dish.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking
• Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days
• For best texture, reheat in the oven rather than the microwave
• Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 3 months
• Thaw in refrigerator before baking

Enjoy this comforting, delicious German-inspired potato and beef casserole – a true culinary treasure that brings warmth and flavor to your dinner table!