Turkish Potato & Ground Beef Bake (Etli Patates)

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A comforting, one-pan wonder straight from Turkish home kitchens—tender potatoes, spiced ground beef, and melted cheese baked to golden perfection. Simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Dish

✅ Easy weeknight dinner – Ready in under an hour
✅ Budget-friendly – Uses pantry staples
✅ Customizable heat – Adjust spices to taste
✅ Crispy-cheesy top – The best part!

Authentic Turkish Ingredients

Main Components

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or lamb for richer flavor)
  • 4 large potatoes, sliced ¼-inch thick
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, diced (or 1 tbsp tomato paste + ½ cup water)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup chopped parsley

Spice Blend (Baharat-inspired)

  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tsp salt

For the Topping

  • 1 cup shredded kasar or mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Brown the Meat

  1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in an oven-safe skillet.
  2. Sauté onion until translucent, then add garlic.
  3. Add ground beef, breaking it up. Cook until browned.
  4. Stir in tomatoes, spices, and parsley. Simmer 5 mins.

2. Layer the Potatoes

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Arrange potato slices over the meat in overlapping layers.
  3. Drizzle with remaining olive oil and sprinkle salt.

3. Bake to Perfection

  1. Cover with foil and bake 30 mins.
  2. Uncover, top with cheese, and bake 15-20 mins until golden.
  3. Broil 2 mins for extra crispiness.

4. Serve Traditionally

  • Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges.
  • Pair with cacık (yogurt sauce) and crusty bread.

Turkish Chef’s Secrets

🔥 Potato trick: Soak slices in water first for crispier results.
🧅 Depth hack: Caramelize onions slowly for sweetness.
🧀 Authentic touch: Use kashar cheese if available.

Variations

🍆 Vegetarian: Replace beef with diced eggplant.
🌶 Spicy Adana-style: Add 1 chopped green pepper + ½ tsp chili paste.
🍅 Summer version: Top with fresh tomato slices before cheese.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked potatoes?

Yes! Parboil slices for 5 mins to reduce baking time.

How to store leftovers?

Fridge for 3 days – Reheat in oven for best texture.

What’s the Turkish name?

Called “Etli Patates” (meat with potatoes) or “Patatesli Kıyma” (minced meat with potatoes).

Final Thoughts

This hearty Turkish bake is the epitome of comfort food—simple ingredients transformed into magic. Perfect for family dinners or when you crave something deeply satisfying.

Afiyet olsun! (Enjoy your meal!) 🇹🇷🥔

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