Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Heat the oil: In a large pan over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until the onions are translucent and fragrant, around 3-4 minutes.
Cook the meat: Add the beef (or chicken) to the pan and cook until browned. This should take around 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Season the meat: Stir in 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 120g tomato pasta sauce, and 200g chopped tomatoes. Mix everything well.
Simmer the sauce: Pour in 300ml of water (or vegetable broth) and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with black pepper to taste. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Sauce (Béchamel)
Melt the butter: In a separate pan, melt 30g of unsalted butter over medium heat.
Make the roux: Stir in 15g of wheat flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
Add the milk: Gradually pour in 300ml of milk while whisking to combine the ingredients. This will help the sauce thicken evenly.
Season and thicken: Add 3 pinches (1.5g) of salt and continue to stir for about 5 minutes until the sauce has thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes
Peel and slice: Peel and slice 400g of potatoes into thin, even rounds.
Cook the potatoes: You can either microwave the potatoes until they are slightly tender or boil them in water for about 5 minutes. They should be partially cooked but still firm. Drain and pat the potatoes dry.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
Layer the potatoes: In a greased baking dish, arrange the partially cooked potato slices in an even layer.
Add the meat sauce: Pour the prepared meat sauce over the potato layer, spreading it out evenly to cover all the potatoes.
Pour the cream sauce: Next, pour the cream sauce (béchamel) over the meat sauce. Spread it evenly for full coverage.
Add cheese: Generously sprinkle 280g of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
Step 5: Bake
Bake: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Bake until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let the dish cool slightly before cutting into portions. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Tips:
For even layers: If you want a straight shape when cutting the casserole, bake the dish and let it cool completely before slicing.
Remove excess starch: Washing the potatoes after slicing can help remove the excess starch, preventing the slices from sticking together during baking.
Boiling potatoes: If you prefer not to use a microwave, boil the potato slices in water for 5 minutes until they are slightly tender.
Storage:
This dish stores well in the refrigerator. Simply cover any leftovers with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving Approx.):
Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 850mg
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 7g
FAQs:
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, chicken can be used as an alternative to beef. Just ensure it’s cooked through before assembling the dish.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat and cream sauces ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and then assemble the dish when you’re ready to bake.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the meat sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat the leftovers in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
What can I serve with this dish?
Serve Potatoes Sealed with Cheese with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Conclusion:
Potatoes Sealed with Cheese is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines the creaminess of béchamel sauce with the savory taste of meat sauce, all topped with a gooey layer of mozzarella cheese. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner and can easily be customized to suit your preferences. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this cheesy potato casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With easy-to-follow steps and common ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen. Enjoy!
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