Creating a flavorful and satisfying meat and potatoes dish without frying is easier than you might think. This baked version brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients while keeping the meal healthy and delicious. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450 grams) of lean ground beef or turkey
- 5 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (whole, 2%, or a dairy-free alternative)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Ingredients:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes, ideally to about 1/8-inch thickness. A mandoline slicer can help achieve uniform slices.
- Slice the Onion and Mince the Garlic: Thinly slice the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
2. Cooking the Meat:
- Brown the Meat: In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Season with half of the salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Making the Sauce:
- Create a Roux: In a small saucepan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is golden and smooth.
- Add Broth and Milk: Slowly whisk in the beef or chicken broth and milk. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Season the Sauce: Add the remaining salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano to the sauce. Remove from heat.
4. Assembling the Dish:
- Layer the Potatoes and Meat: In a greased baking dish, start by layering half of the sliced potatoes evenly at the bottom. Top with half of the cooked meat mixture. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and meat.
- Pour the Sauce: Pour the sauce evenly over the layered potatoes and meat.
- Add Cheese (Optional): If you’re using cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the top.
5. Baking:
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
6. Serving:
- Garnish: Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
Tips for the Best Meat and Potatoes Dish:
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for this recipe as they hold their shape and have a creamy texture when baked.
- Uniform Slices: Ensure the potato slices are uniform in thickness to ensure even cooking. A mandoline slicer can help achieve this.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese Options: If you want to experiment with cheese, consider using Gruyere, mozzarella, or a mix of your favorites.
Variations:
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or sage for an aromatic twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture for some heat.
- Vegetarian: Replace the meat with a mix of sautéed mushrooms and lentils for a hearty vegetarian version.
This meat and potatoes recipe is a comforting and hearty dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. By baking instead of frying, you achieve a deliciously rich and flavorful meal without the extra fat. Serve this dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal. Enjoy the simplicity and satisfaction of this timeless combination!
