Cheesy Potato and Meat Bake
This Cheesy Potato and Meat Bake is a hearty comforting dish that layers tender potato slices over a savory ground meat and vegetable filling then tops it with golden bubbly cheese and sweet cherry tomatoes. It’s easy to make crowd-pleasing and perfect for a cozy dinner or casual gathering.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
4–5 medium potatoes peeled and thinly sliced
500g ground meat (beef chicken or turkey)
1 red bell pepper diced
1 small onion finely chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
1 cup shredded mozzarella or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar
Cherry tomatoes for topping
Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Meat Filling
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic and sauté until soft. Add ground meat and cook until browned. Stir in diced red pepper tomato paste salt pepper and paprika. Simmer for 5–7 minutes then remove from heat
Assemble the Dish
Spread the cooked meat mixture evenly in a baking dish. Layer the thinly sliced potatoes over the top slightly overlapping. Season the top layer of potatoes with a little salt
Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for 30 minutes. Remove foil add shredded cheese and cherry tomatoes on top. Return to oven uncovered and bake for another 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and golden
Garnish and Serve
Let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Cut into squares and serve warm
Tips
Slice potatoes evenly to ensure they cook uniformly
Precook potatoes in boiling water for 5 minutes if you want softer layers faster
Drain excess fat from the meat after browning to prevent a greasy bake
Use a mandoline slicer for quick even potato slices
Let it rest for 5–10 minutes after baking to help it set for cleaner slices
Variations
Add vegetables like grated carrot spinach or zucchini to the meat layer for more nutrition
Use sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes for a different flavor and added nutrients
Make it spicy by adding red chili flakes or chopped jalapeños to the meat mix
Switch up the cheese by using gouda provolone or parmesan for a deeper flavor
Try a white sauce layer (like béchamel) between the meat and potatoes for a creamier version
Q&A
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes you can assemble it ahead cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours then bake when ready to serve
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes bake it first then let it cool completely before wrapping tightly and freezing for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until hot throughout
Q: What meat works best?
A Ground beef or turkey are great options but you can use chicken lamb or even a plant-based meat substitute
Q: Do I need to peel the potatoes?
A Peeling is optional. For a rustic look and added fiber you can leave the skins on
Nutrition Info (per serving based on 8 servings)
Calories 340
Protein 20g
Carbohydrates 25g
Sugars 3g
Fat 18g
Saturated Fat 8g
Sodium 420mg
Fiber 3g
Note These are approximate values and may vary with ingredient choices
Conclusion
Cheesy Potato and Meat Bake is the perfect combination of simple ingredients and bold comforting flavors. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for a potluck this dish delivers on taste texture and satisfaction. It’s easy to customize and even better the next day making it a reliable favorite in any kitchen