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Baked Potato and Meat Casserole with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

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Baked Potato and Meat Casserole with Garlic Yogurt Sauce: A Comforting Delight

If you’re looking for a hearty and delicious meal that combines rich flavors and satisfying textures, look no further than this Baked Potato and Meat Casserole with Garlic Yogurt Sauce. This dish is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy family dinner, meal prep, or when you want to impress guests with something unique yet easy to make.

Packed with tender potatoes, savory meat, and topped with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce, this casserole is sure to become a household favorite. Plus, it’s versatile—you can use any type of meat you like, and the garlic yogurt sauce adds a tangy, creamy kick that ties all the flavors together beautifully.

Let’s dive into this simple and scrumptious recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Potato and Meat Casserole

  • Comfort Food Classic: With layers of tender baked potatoes, savory meat, and a creamy sauce, this casserole is as comforting as it gets.
  • Flavor-Packed: The combination of the garlic yogurt sauce with seasoned meat and potatoes makes every bite mouthwatering.
  • Easy to Make: It’s a one-pan meal that’s straightforward to assemble, making cleanup a breeze.
  • Versatile: You can use beef, chicken, or even ground turkey, and the casserole can be adjusted to suit any dietary preferences or restrictions.

Ingredients for Baked Potato and Meat Casserole

For the Casserole:

  • 4-5 medium baked potatoes, peeled and sliced (or use pre-cooked potatoes)
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef, ground turkey, or chicken (your choice)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon oregano (or mixed herbs)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:

  • 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek yogurt works best for a creamy texture)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes:

  • Start by baking the potatoes if they aren’t already pre-cooked. To bake them, wash the potatoes, prick them with a fork, and bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 40-50 minutes or until they are fork-tender. Once done, peel the skin and slice the potatoes into 1/4-inch thick slices. Set aside.

Pro Tip: If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave the potatoes for about 5-7 minutes or use leftover baked potatoes to speed up the process.

2. Cook the Meat:

  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
  • Add the ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken) to the skillet. Break it apart as it cooks, and season with paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook the meat for about 7-10 minutes until browned and fully cooked through.