Rustic Beef and Potato Casserole with a Crisp Fennel and Apple Salad

Experience the heartwarming flavors of a homemade Rustic Beef and Potato Casserole, paired with a refreshing Crisp Fennel and Apple Salad. This easy-to-follow recipe, brought to you by Essen Recipes, promises a delightful dinner that is both satisfying and full of flavor. Indulge in the comforting taste of tender beef and potatoes baked to perfection, complemented by the crispness of fennel and apple, tossed in a zesty dressing. Share the joy of a good meal, and please don't forget to support Essen Recipes by subscribing, liking, and sharing their content! 😍

Ingredients:
For the casserole:
🥔 4-5 potatoes, peeled and sliced
🫒 Olive oil (for drizzling)
🧂 Salt and black pepper (to taste)
🌶️ 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
🥩 450g ground beef
🧅 1 onion, chopped
🧂 Salt and black pepper (to taste)
🌶️ 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
🌿 1/2 teaspoon oregano
🍅 9 ounces crushed tomatoes
🧀 Mozzarella cheese (optional)
For the salad:
🍋 3 tablespoons lemon juice, plus more to taste
🧂 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
🌑 Freshly ground black pepper
🫒 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
🌱 1 large fennel bulb, thinly sliced
🍏 1 Granny Smith apple or 1 green apple, thinly sliced
🥬 3 celery stalks, sliced
🌿 Fennel leaves or roughly chopped parsley leaves (to taste)
🥜 1/2 cup toasted walnuts
🧀 Parmesan cheese (grated, for garnish)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Equipment: baking dish, skillet, mandolin or sharp knife, mixing bowl
Servings: 4-6
Instructions:
For the casserole:

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. Arrange the sliced potatoes in a greased baking dish and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of sweet paprika.
3. Bake the potatoes for 20 minutes or until they are just starting to become tender.
4. While the potatoes are baking, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef and chopped onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent.
5. Season the beef mixture with salt, black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika, and oregano. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and allow to simmer for 3-4 minutes.
6. Once the potatoes are ready, spread the beef mixture over them. Top with mozzarella cheese if desired.
7. Bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
   For the salad:
8. In a mixing bowl, combine lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper. Gradually whisk in the extra-virgin olive oil to create the dressing.
9. Add thinly sliced fennel bulb and apple, celery, and a handful of fennel leaves or parsley to the bowl.
10. Toss the salad with the dressing until evenly coated.
11. Sprinkle with toasted walnuts and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
    Cooking Tips:

• For an even bake, cut the potatoes into uniform slices.
• If desired, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes to get a golden brown cheese topping.
• Customize the casserole by adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture.
  Recipe credits to Essen Recipes and their YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@EssenRecipes.
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  YouTube channel - Essen Recipes: https://www.youtube.com/@EssenRecipes
  Rustic Beef and Potato Casserole with Crisp Fennel and Apple Salad