This Layered Meat & Potato Bake is a soul-warming dish that brings together tender slices of potato, seasoned ground meat, and a bubbling cheese topping in one glorious casserole. It’s the kind of meal that feels like home—simple ingredients, layered with care, and baked until everything melds into a savory, golden masterpiece.
The dish begins with alternating layers of thinly sliced potatoes and spiced ground meat, arranged in a circular pattern for visual appeal and even cooking. The meat is seasoned with herbs, onions, and spices, forming juicy patties that release flavor into the potatoes as they bake. Once the layers are assembled, the dish is topped with shredded cheese and baked until the top is crisp and golden, and the inside is tender and flavorful.
This recipe is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. It’s budget-friendly, deeply satisfying, and easily adaptable—add vegetables, swap cheeses, or spice it up to suit your taste. Serve it with a side salad or yogurt dip for a complete meal.
🧾 INGREDIENTS:
For the meat layer:
- 500g ground beef or chicken
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano or thyme
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander or parsley
For the potato layer:
- 3–4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
For the topping:
- 1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- Optional: 2 tbsp cream or milk (to moisten before baking)
🥣 INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Prepare the meat mixture:
In a bowl, combine ground meat with chopped onion, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, herbs, and fresh coriander. Mix well and shape into small patties or spoonfuls for layering.
2. Slice the potatoes:
Peel and slice the potatoes into thin rounds—about ⅛ inch thick. Toss lightly with salt, pepper, and olive oil to season.
3. Layer the dish:
In a greased circular baking dish or casserole, begin layering:
- Start with a slice of potato, then a meat patty, alternating around the dish in a spiral or concentric pattern.
- Continue layering until the dish is filled, slightly overlapping each piece for a snug fit.
4. Add moisture (optional):
Drizzle a few tablespoons of cream or milk over the layers to keep the bake moist and tender.
5. Top with cheese:
Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the entire surface. You can use a mix of cheeses for flavor and meltability.
6. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the potatoes are fork-tender.
7. Rest and serve:
Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
🍽 SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
- Serve with a side of garlic yogurt or mint chutney.
- Pair with a crisp salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemon.
- Add a fried egg on top for a brunch twist.