Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450 grams) finely minced yellow onion
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef
- 1 kilogram (about 2 cups) frozen peas
- 1 cup olive oil (or any preferred cooking oil)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped carrot
- 1 diced tomato
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 240 milliliters (1 cup) vegetable stock (or any stock of your choice)
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric-based flour (or regular all-purpose flour)
- 4-5 fresh parsley sprigs, for garnish (optional)
- Potatoes (amount depending on size), peeled and sliced
Instructions:
- Begin by prepping all your ingredients. Peel and slice the potatoes into thin rounds, ensuring they cook evenly. Mince the garlic, chop the onion, carrot, and tomato. This preparation will help streamline the cooking process and ensure a smooth assembly of the dish.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely minced onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Continue to cook until the beef is well-browned and fully cooked. Season the beef with salt, pepper, chili powder (if using), thyme, and parsley to create a well-rounded flavor profile.
- To the skillet, add the minced garlic, finely chopped carrot, diced tomato, and frozen peas. Stir to combine and cook for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Sprinkle the turmeric-based flour over the mixture, stirring constantly to ensure it’s well incorporated and to avoid lumps. Gradually pour in the vegetable stock, stirring continuously to blend everything together. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-7 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and the flavors meld.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the sliced potatoes in a single layer at the bottom of the dish. Spoon the savory ground beef mixture over the potatoes, spreading it out evenly. Season the top layer with a bit more salt and pepper, if desired. This layering method ensures that the potatoes absorb the rich flavors of the meat and sauce.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes to allow the potatoes to begin cooking. After this time, remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes. This step ensures that the top layer becomes slightly crispy while the potatoes cook through and become tender.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley sprigs for a burst of color and a hint of herbal freshness. Serve the Ground Beef and Potato Bake hot, straight from the oven, and enjoy the comforting combination of flavors.
