Mediterranean German-Style Potato and Ground Beef Casserole
This casserole combines hearty layers of spiced ground beef and tender potatoes with a creamy, cheesy topping, inspired by traditional German comfort food but with a Mediterranean twist. Aromatic herbs and spices, along with optional vegetables like bell peppers or eggplant, bring vibrant flavor and depth. The creamy cheese layer ties everything together, creating a satisfying, family-friendly dish that works for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef Layer:
1 lb (450 g) ground beef (lean preferred)
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste or 1 cup diced tomatoes
1 tsp smoked or sweet paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp cumin
A pinch of nutmeg
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional additions: 1/2 cup diced bell peppers, 1/2 cup diced carrots, 1/2 cup diced eggplant
For the Potato Layer:
3–4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced or diced
1–2 tbsp olive oil or butter for sautéing (optional)
For the Creamy/Cheese Topping:
1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar, mozzarella, or soft cheese of choice)
1/2 cup cream of mushroom soup or 3/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup milk (if using soup or to thin cream)
Optional: 1 egg + 1 tbsp flour for a firmer potato layer
For Garnish (Optional):
Fresh parsley, cilantro, or mint, chopped
Instructions
Preheat oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the ground beef
In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until softened. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in tomato paste (or diced tomatoes) and spices: paprika, oregano, cumin, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Add optional vegetables if using. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
Prepare the potatoes
If desired, lightly sauté the potato slices in olive oil or butter for 5–7 minutes until slightly softened. This step helps ensure even cooking in the casserole.
Assemble the casserole
Spread half of the potatoes evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
Layer the cooked ground beef mixture on top.
Cover with the remaining potatoes.
Make the creamy topping
In a small bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup (or heavy cream), milk, and optional egg + flour. Pour evenly over the potato layer and sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
Bake
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is golden and bubbly.
Garnish and serve
Let casserole rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs for a bright finish.
Tips & Variations
Potato Options: Use Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or even sweet potatoes for a slightly different flavor. Thin slices cook more evenly than large chunks.
Vegetable Boost: Add diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the ground beef layer for extra nutrients and Mediterranean flair.
Cheese Variations: Try Gruyère, Havarti, or a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for a richer flavor.
Cream Alternatives: Heavy cream, evaporated milk, or Greek yogurt can be used for the creamy topping. Adjust quantity to achieve desired thickness.
Spice Adjustments: For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika.
Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole a few hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. Bring to room temperature before placing in the oven.
Crispier Top: Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with a little olive oil on top of the cheese for a crunchy finish.
Individual Servings: Prepare in muffin tins or small ramekins for single-serving portions, adjusting baking time slightly.
Q&A
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
A: Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well for a leaner version. You may need slightly less cooking time, and adding a bit of olive oil helps keep it moist.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before placing in the oven.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Yes. Skip the flour in the creamy topping or use a gluten-free flour substitute. Ensure any cream of mushroom soup is labeled gluten-free.
Q: How do I ensure the potatoes cook evenly?
A: Slice them thinly and, if desired, lightly sauté before layering. You can also cover the casserole with foil while baking to trap steam and ensure tenderness.
Q: Can I add more vegetables?
A: Yes, bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, or spinach all pair well. Add them to the beef layer and sauté lightly if they release a lot of moisture.
Nutrition
(per serving, serves 6)
Calories: ~380
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Sugar: 4g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 22g
(Values are approximate and can vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.)
Conclusion
This Mediterranean German-Style Potato and Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting, flavorful, and hearty dish perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese make it satisfying and filling. With simple tweaks like adding more vegetables or swapping meats, it can easily suit different dietary preferences while still delivering that warm, Mediterranean-inspired flavor.