Minced meat casserole

A minced meat casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that combines ground or minced meat with a variety of ingredients, often including vegetables, spices, and sometimes a creamy or cheesy topping. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to your preferences, making it a popular choice for family dinners or gatherings. Below, you’ll find a basic recipe for a minced meat casserole, but feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.

Ingredients:

For the Meat Mixture:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef, pork, or a mixture of both
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., carrots, peas, corn)
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil

For the Topping:

• 2 cups mashed potatoes (prepared separately)
• 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella work well)
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat Mixture:
   • In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onions and cook until they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
   • Add the ground meat and cook until it’s browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks.
   • Once the meat is browned, drain any excess fat if necessary.
   • Stir in the mixed vegetables, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
   • Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender and the flavors are well combined. Remove from heat.
2. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Transfer the meat mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
3. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
   • While the oven is preheating, prepare the mashed potatoes. You can boil, mash, and season them as you prefer. Some people like to add butter and milk for creaminess.
4. Top with Cheese and Mashed Potatoes:
   • Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the meat mixture in the casserole dish.
   • Spread the mashed potatoes on top of the cheese, creating an even layer.
5. Bake:
   • Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
6. Serve:
   • Once the minced meat casserole is done, remove it from the oven.
   • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
   • Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your delicious minced meat casserole as a comforting and satisfying meal. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete dinner.