Tuesday 22 July 2008

Rustic Beef and Potato Bake

This is a firm family favourite in our house and has been for many years. It is a cheat's dish but if you dislike using processed food you can of course make it from scratch. I have done it both ways. I have also modified the cheat's version slightly. Whatever way you choose to do it, trust me, it is a tasty and filling meal. If you have a busy schedule I suggest you make it the night before then all you have to do is pop it in the oven when you come home from work or wherever your day takes you. Such a relief when you know there is a tasty meal waiting for you and there is no effort. Just pour a glass of wine and relax while it heats.

This will serve 3-4 people. If you want more increase the amount of potatoes as there is plenty of meat and sauce to accommodate this.


450g/1lb minced beef (or lamb)
275g/10oz ready made cheese sauce ( I have used a can of condensed mushroom soup here with added grated cheese)
225g/80z spicy pasta sauce
1 teasp dried oregano
3 largish potatoes thinly sliced
1 onion finely chopped
1 clove of garlic smushed
100g/40z cheddar cheese or mozzarella (I use both)
Freshly milled black pepper.

Preheat the oven to 190.C/375.F/Gas 5
Grease a not too deep baking dish.

Fry the mince until brown draining off any excess fat.
Boil the potato slices for about five minutes then drain and allow to dry without the lid.
Whisk together the cheese sauce and the pasta sauce adding the oregano and garlic. If you are making this to put straight in the oven warm the sauce in a saucepan first stirring until it is smooth..

Layer and arrange the potato slices in the dish.
Sprinkle over the chopped onion and give a good grinding of black pepper.
Spread the mince on top of the potato and onions.
Pour the sauce over the top.
Cover with greased foil and cook in the oven for 40-50 minutes.
Sprinkle over the cheese (cheddar first and then mozzarella if using both)
Return to the oven and bake uncovered for a further 10 minutes or until the cheese melts.

If you have left overs they are very nice re-heated the next day.



15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yum!!! Looks fabulous, I think I'll make it from scratch soon :)
xxx

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

Oh, yummy! It looks delicious and hyper tasty!

cheers,

Rosa

Gloria Baker said...

And this is absolutely yummy! Oh my I want a dish of this now!!! Love it, Gloria

Anonymous said...

This sounds like a great weeknight family meal. I'm sure it'd be great from scratch, but I think I'll do it the way you suggested sometime when I really need something easy, filling and tasty.

Rhyleysgranny said...

George I knew you would go this route:)

Rosa and Gloria it is such a tasty meal I don't think you will be disappointed.

Lulu It is a very good and tasty quick meal done this way.

I do generally make my own cheese sauce but that is because I like it very thick and cheesy
xxx

Thinking About Food said...

Looks delicious, such a lovely photo! This looks like something I could make the night before for my (long!) days at uni, just the ticket!

Jeanine - The Baking Beauties said...

This looks yummy! So simple, yet so delicious. Wonderful job on the picture as well. :)

Cathy - wheresmydamnanswer said...

I have to say this was a mouse stopper on food gawker - This looks so great -

This is a must make for sure

Cheers
Cathy
www.wheresmydamnanswer.com

Anonymous said...

sounds so comforting and heartwarming. i'm hunggry.

Deborah said...

I'm always craving potatoes, and I think this dish is going on my list!

Rhyleysgranny said...

Jeanine,CathyC,Becky and Deborah thank you for dropping in and leaving such kind comments.
xxx

La Bella Cooks said...

Oh my goodness, this looks and sounds heavenly!!

Sylvia said...

I craving potatoes and cheese, I stopped here after watched the photo in tastespotting.Looks absolutely delicious I must to try this.

Rhyleysgranny said...

Sylvia Nice to see you here. thank you for your nice comment. I hope you enjoy if you make it
xxx

Nickki said...

Oh Granny, that looks like my kind of food. Delicious :)