Savor the Comfort: Ground Beef and Potato Bake You Can't Resist

Are you looking for a simple yet satisfying dinner recipe? Look no further! This Ground Beef and Potato Bake is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor. Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!

Ingredients You’ll Need 🥔

Before we get started, let’s gather our ingredients. You’ll need:

• 4-5 medium potatoes
• Olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 tsp sweet paprika
• 450 grams of minced meat (ground beef)
• 1 onion
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp sweet paprika
• 250 grams of tomato passata
• Fresh mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• 1 large fennel bulb (optional)
• 1 green apple (optional)
• 3 sticks of celery (optional)
• Fennel leaves or roughly chopped parsley leaves (optional)
• 1/2 lemon (for sauce)
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (for sauce)
• 1/2 cup toasted walnuts (for sauce)

Preparing the Potatoes 🥔

First things first, let’s prepare the potatoes. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).

Take your 4-5 potatoes and wash them thoroughly. Then, slice them into thin rounds or cubes, depending on your preference. In a bowl, drizzle some olive oil over the potatoes and season with salt, black pepper, and sweet paprika. Make sure they are evenly coated.

Spread the seasoned potatoes on a baking tray and bake them in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes.

Cooking the Ground Beef 🍖

While the potatoes are baking, let’s prepare the ground beef mixture. In a skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Chop the onion finely and add it to the skillet, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent.

Next, add the 450 grams of minced meat to the skillet. Season it with salt, black pepper, oregano, and sweet paprika. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the meat is browned.

Once the meat is browned, add 250 grams of tomato passata to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Assembling the Dish 🍽️

By now, your potatoes should be ready. Take them out of the oven and layer them in a baking dish. Pour the cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes, making sure to spread it evenly.

Now it’s time for the best part—adding cheese! Tear the fresh mozzarella into pieces and sprinkle it generously over the beef.

For an extra cheesy crust, don’t be shy—add more mozzarella on top!

Baking to Perfection 🔥

Place the assembled dish back in the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is deliciously browned and bubbly.

Preparing the Fennel Salad 🥗

While the bake is finishing up, let’s prepare a refreshing fennel salad. Thinly slice 1 large fennel bulb using a mandolin or a sharp knife. You want the slices to be as thin as possible.

In a bowl, combine the sliced fennel, 1 green apple (thinly sliced), and 3 sticks of celery (chopped). Add some fennel leaves or roughly chopped parsley for extra flavor.

Making the Dressing 🍋

For the dressing, juice 1/2 lemon into a small bowl. Whisk in 1/2 tsp of salt, some black pepper, and 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil. Finally, add 1/2 cup of toasted walnuts for a crunchy texture.

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything together.

Serving Your Meal 🍽️

Your Ground Beef and Potato Bake is ready to be served! Pair it with the fresh fennel salad for a balanced meal. Enjoy the hearty flavors and the delightful crunch of the salad.

Thank you for following along with this delicious recipe! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts or variations in the comments below. Happy cooking! 🥰