Grated Potato Casserole: A Cheap and Easy Recipe

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Unlock the secrets to an affordable and easy meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious! This Grated Potato Casserole recipe is the perfect dish for anyone looking to impress with minimal effort. Packed with the goodness of potatoes, mixed with flavorful veggies and spices, and baked to perfection, this dish is sure to be a hit whether as a main course or a hearty side. Follow along for the full recipe and tips to make your casserole standout.

Ingredients

  • Potatoes: 1 kg, peeled and grated
  • Eggs: 2, beaten
  • Onion: 1 large, diced
  • Bell Pepper: 1, diced (any color)
  • Cheese: 80 grams, grated (cheddar or mozzarella)
  • Seasonings: Salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon oregano
  • Olive Oil: For greasing

Instructions

Preheat the Oven
  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a medium-sized baking dish with olive oil.
Prepare the Vegetables
  1. Grate the potatoes and transfer to a colander. Press with a towel to remove excess moisture.
  2. Dice the onion and bell pepper finely.
Mix Ingredients
  1. In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes, diced onion, and bell pepper.
  2. Add the beaten eggs, grated cheese, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Stir until well mixed.
Assemble the Casserole
  1. Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish, spreading evenly and pressing down slightly.
Bake
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
Serve
  1. Let the casserole cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm.

Cooking Tips for Grated Potato Casserole

  1. Choosing Potatoes: Opt for starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds for this casserole, as they grate well and bake to a perfect texture.
  2. Removing Moisture: After grating the potatoes, it’s crucial to remove as much moisture as possible. Press them between layers of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. This step ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and gets that desirable crispy top.
  3. Layering Flavors: Building flavor layer by layer enhances the overall taste of the casserole. Season the potatoes well with salt and pepper before adding the other ingredients. Each layer of flavor contributes to a more complex final dish.
  4. Uniform Pieces: Dice the onion and bell pepper into uniform, small pieces to ensure they cook evenly and integrate well into the casserole. Consistency in size helps every bite to be perfectly balanced.
  5. Egg Binding: Beating the eggs thoroughly before mixing them into the casserole helps bind the ingredients more effectively, which keeps the casserole from falling apart when serving.
  6. Cheese Selection: While the recipe suggests cheddar or mozzarella, experimenting with different cheeses can add various flavor profiles. Consider trying smoked gouda for a deeper flavor or a mix of Parmesan for a sharper taste.
  7. Herb Enhancements: While paprika and oregano are suggested, adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can provide a fresh, aromatic touch to the dish. Herbs are added best towards the end of the cooking process to preserve their flavor and color.
  8. Preheating the Oven: Make sure your oven is properly preheated before baking the casserole. A correctly heated oven ensures that the casserole starts cooking immediately and helps achieve a uniformly cooked interior and a crispy exterior.
  9. Testing Doneness: Insert a toothpick or knife into the center of the casserole to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, without any sticky potato, the casserole is ready.
  10. Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking. This resting period allows the ingredients to set, making it easier to slice and serve neatly.

Nutritional Information

This Grated Potato Casserole is not only delicious but also nutritionally balanced, making it an excellent choice for a hearty meal:

  • Calories: Approximately 300 calories per serving, making it a moderate-calorie dish suitable for a main or side dish.
  • Carbohydrates: Rich in carbohydrates due to the potatoes, providing about 40 grams per serving, which supply the body with energy.
  • Proteins: Offers about 12 grams of protein per serving, thanks to the eggs and cheese, essential for muscle repair and growth.
  • Fats: Contains about 15 grams of fat per serving, which helps to increase satiety and flavor.
  • Fiber: High in dietary fiber, thanks to the skin-on potatoes, which aids in digestion and prolonged satiety.
  • Vitamins and Minerals: High in vitamin C and potassium from the potatoes, and a good source of calcium from the cheese.

Serving Suggestions

  • Brunch Option: This casserole is perfect for a brunch setting. Serve it with a side of mixed fruits or a citrus salad for a refreshing contrast.
  • Hearty Dinner: Pair it with a protein such as grilled chicken or a steak for a more filling dinner.
  • Vegetarian Main: Serve it as a vegetarian main course with a side of sautéed spinach or kale.
  • Additional Toppings: Consider adding sour cream, chives, or a sprinkle of extra cheese on top before serving to enhance the flavors.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes, assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

Q: Is this casserole freezer-friendly? A: Yes, bake and cool the casserole completely, then wrap and freeze. Reheat in the oven to serve.

Q: Can I add meat to this casserole? A: Absolutely! Adding cooked ground meat or diced sausage can make this a more hearty dish.

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