Teresa's Recipes
Laatikko: Finnish Casserole
Laatikko, a comforting and hearty dish from Finland, is a casserole that warms your heart and home. This delightful dish is a symphony of robust ground beef, tender carrots, and creamy potatoes, all baked to perfection with a golden breadcrumb crust. A true embodiment of homestyle Finnish cuisine, Laatikko brings a taste of Scandinavia to your dining table. This dish, grounded in the simplicity and warmth of Finnish traditions, offers a comforting meal that's perfect for cold winter nights.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons, plus extra for greasing Butter
- To taste Salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 Egg
- 1 cup Milk
- 1, finely chopped Onion
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 2, peeled and sliced Carrots
- 3, peeled and sliced Potatoes
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 6
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 40g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Sugar: 5g
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with butter.
- In a large pot of salted water, boil the potatoes and carrots until tender, approximately 10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and egg until well combined.
- Begin the layering process in the greased baking dish. Start with half of the sliced potatoes and carrots, followed by the cooked ground beef mixture.
- Add the remaining potatoes and carrots on top of the beef layer.
- Evenly pour the milk and egg mixture over the layers, ensuring it permeates through the stacked ingredients.
- To finish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and dot with the remaining butter.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
- Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the layers to set and makes it easier to serve.
Tips
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based alternative.
- If you'd like a creamier consistency, add a layer of cream of mushroom soup before the breadcrumb layer.
- Serve this dish with a fresh salad or pickled vegetables for a complete meal.