Layered Balkan Beef and Potato Bake

Ingredients

• 500g lean ground beef
• 750g potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 250g brown rice
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 400ml water
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Handful of fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). While the oven heats, cook the brown rice according to package directions.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart and cook until evenly browned. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
4. Season the Filling: Stir in the paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the 400ml of water and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste to create a light broth.
5. Layer One: Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish (approx. 20x30cm) with the remaining olive oil. Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer on the bottom.
6. Layer Two: Spoon the cooked beef mixture over the potato layer, spreading it out evenly to cover the potatoes.
7. Layer Three: Top the beef with the remaining potato slices, arranging them in a slightly overlapping, neat layer.
8. Add the Broth: Carefully pour the tomato-water mixture over the entire dish. Tilt the dish gently to ensure the liquid seeps through all the layers.
9. Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the top is lightly golden brown.
10. Rest and Serve: Let the bake rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps it hold its shape. Serve warm with the cooked brown rice and a garnish of fresh parsley.

Tips & Substitutions

• Add Some Cheese: For a richer dish, sprinkle some crumbled feta or grated Gruyère cheese over the top potato layer before the final 15-20 minutes of baking.
• Veggie Variations: Feel free to add a layer of sautéed zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers between the potato and beef layers for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Spice it Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot paprika to the beef mixture along with the other spices.

Nutrition Information

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