Italian-Inspired Layered Egg, Meat & Potato Bake

This hearty and flavorful Italian-Inspired Layered Egg, Meat & Potato Bake is a comforting casserole that combines tender potatoes, savory spiced meat, and creamy eggs in one delicious dish. Perfect for brunch, dinner, or meal prep, this bake is packed with layers of texture and taste. Inspired by Italian flavors, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to assemble and even easier to enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Layered Comfort: Combines soft potatoes, spiced meat, and creamy eggs for a satisfying bite.
• Customizable: Swap in your favorite vegetables, spices, or cheeses for variety.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble ahead of time and bake when ready to serve.

 Ingredients:

• 5–6 medium potatoes (≈800g ), peeled and sliced ½ cm thick 🥔
• 2 tbsp olive oil , divided 🫒
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper , to taste
• 500g ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix ) 🍖
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large red onion , finely chopped 🧅
• 2 cloves garlic , minced 🧄
• 1 raw sweet bell pepper , diced 🌶️
• 1 tsp sweet paprika powder
• ½ tsp chili powder (adjust to heat preference )
• 1 tsp salt , plus more for seasoning the potatoes
• 4 large eggs , beaten 🥚
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping ) 🧀

 Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven 🔥

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) . Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes 🥔

1. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the potato slices for 5–7 minutes , or until just tender but not falling apart. Drain and set aside.
2. Toss the cooked potatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil , salt, and pepper to lightly coat them.

Step 3: Cook the Meat Mixture 🍖

1. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Stir in the chopped red onion , minced garlic , and diced bell pepper . Cook for 3–4 minutes , or until the vegetables soften.
3. Season the mixture with sweet paprika , chili powder , and 1 tsp salt . Stir well to combine, then remove from heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers 🥄

1. Spread half of the cooked potato slices evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Spoon the meat mixture over the potatoes, spreading it out into an even layer.
3. Add the remaining potato slices on top of the meat layer. Drizzle the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil over the potatoes and season again with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Add the Eggs 🍳

1. In a small bowl, beat the eggs and pour them evenly over the top layer of potatoes. Use a spatula or fork to gently spread the eggs across the surface.
2. Optional: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese over the top for added richness and flavor.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole 🍳

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes , or until the eggs are set, the top is golden, and the edges are bubbling.
   • Tip: If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

Step 7: Cool and Serve 🍴

1. Remove the bake from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
2. Serve warm as a main dish or side, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired.

Tips for Success:

• Add Veggies: Include sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the eggs for extra heat.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days . Reheat in the oven or microwave.
• Freeze Option: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months . Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 6):

• Calories: ~350
• Protein: ~20g
• Carbohydrates: ~30g
• Fat: ~18g

Enjoy this Italian-Inspired Layered Egg, Meat & Potato Bake as a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying throughout the week. Its rich layers of tender potatoes, spiced meat, and creamy eggs make it a standout meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Pair it with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete dining experience!