Ingredients:

• Potatoes – 2 kg
• Minced meat (beef, pork, or a mix) – 500g
• Milk – 50 ml
• Bulb onion – 150g, finely chopped
• Fresh parsley – 5g, finely chopped
• Fresh cilantro – 5g, finely chopped
• Butter – 80g, divided
• Vegetable oil – 1 tablespoon
• Ground black pepper – 1/3 teaspoon
• Coarse red chili pepper – 1/3 teaspoon
• Ground coriander – ½ teaspoon
• Eggs – 1 large
• Salt – To taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

1. Boil the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and place them in a large pot filled with salted water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the potatoes are soft and easily pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain and Mash: Once the potatoes are fully cooked, drain the water and return the hot potatoes to the pot. Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes until smooth.
3. Add Milk, Butter, and Egg: While the potatoes are still hot, add 50 ml of warm milk, 80g of butter (set aside a bit for greasing the baking dish), and one egg. Mix everything thoroughly until the mashed potatoes are smooth and creamy. Set the mashed potatoes aside.

Step 2: Cook the Minced Meat Filling

1. Sauté the Onion: In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
2. Cook the Minced Meat: Add the 500g of minced meat to the pan with the onion. Break up the meat with a spatula and cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and fully cooked.
3. Season the Meat: Season the minced meat mixture with 1/3 teaspoon of ground black pepper, 1/3 teaspoon of coarse red chili pepper, ½ teaspoon of ground coriander, and salt to taste. Stir well to combine all the spices with the meat.
4. Add Fresh Herbs: Once the meat is cooked and well-seasoned, stir in the finely chopped parsley and cilantro. Turn off the heat and set the meat mixture aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Grease the Baking Tray: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a medium-sized baking tray or casserole dish with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Layer the Potatoes and Meat:
   • Spread half of the mashed potatoes evenly on the bottom of the baking tray. Use a spatula to smooth it out.
   • Next, layer the cooked minced meat mixture evenly over the mashed potatoes.
   • Finally, spread the remaining mashed potatoes over the top of the meat layer. Smooth the top with a spatula.
3. Add the Finishing Touch: Dot the top layer of mashed potatoes with small bits of butter. This will help create a golden, crispy crust as the casserole bakes.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy around the edges.
2. Cool and Serve: Once the casserole is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Cut into slices and enjoy your comforting potato and minced meat casserole!

Cooking Tips:

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Starchy potatoes such as Russets or Yukon Gold are best for mashed potatoes because they create a smooth and creamy texture.
• Make it Spicier: If you enjoy a bit more heat, you can increase the amount of chili pepper or add some fresh chili peppers to the meat mixture while it’s cooking.
• Adding Vegetables: You can add more vegetables to the meat filling, such as diced carrots, bell peppers, or peas, for a heartier and more nutritious dish.
• Mashed Potato Consistency: If you find that the mashed potatoes are too thick, you can add a bit more warm milk to achieve a creamier texture.
• Make it Cheesy: For an extra indulgent touch, you can sprinkle grated cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella) on top of the casserole before baking for a cheesy crust.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven before serving.
• Freezing: You can also freeze the assembled casserole before baking or after it has been baked. If freezing before baking, assemble the casserole and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. If freezing leftovers, freeze individual portions in airtight containers.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings):

• Calories: 400-450 kcal
• Protein: 20-25g
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Fiber: 3-4g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 500-600mg

This Potato and Minced Meat Casserole is a good source of protein from the minced meat, with carbohydrates from the mashed potatoes. It provides essential nutrients such as vitamins A and C from the parsley and cilantro and calcium from the butter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance, refrigerate it, and bake it the next day. If you’re making it ahead of time, be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out in the refrigerator.

2. Can I substitute the minced meat? Absolutely! You can use any minced meat, such as turkey, chicken, or lamb. For a vegetarian version, you could substitute the meat with lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat substitute.

3. How can I make the mashed potatoes extra creamy? To make the mashed potatoes extra creamy, you can add more butter or a splash of heavy cream along with the milk. You can also whip the potatoes with an electric mixer for an extra-smooth texture.

4. Can I add cheese to the casserole? Yes! Adding cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, to the top layer of mashed potatoes or mixed into the meat layer will add a delicious richness and make the dish even more indulgent.

5. What should I serve with this casserole? This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or a light soup for a balanced and nutritious dinner.

Conclusion:

This Potato and Minced Meat Casserole is a delicious, comforting meal that’s perfect for feeding the whole family. The combination of creamy mashed potatoes and flavorful minced meat creates a hearty and satisfying dish that everyone will enjoy. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this casserole is ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or customize it with additional ingredients, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your home.