Serbian Ground Beef, Veggie, and Potato Bake (SEO-Optimized Recipe)
Introduction
Serbian Ground Beef, Veggie, and Potato Bake is a comforting, rustic dish rooted in the heart of Balkan home cooking. Known locally as a style of zapečeni krompir sa mlevenim mesom, this oven-baked casserole brings together layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and a lightly creamy topping that binds everything into a deeply satisfying meal.
What makes this Serbian-style potato bake special is its balance: hearty without being heavy, rich without excess, and flavorful through simple, honest ingredients rather than complicated techniques. It’s the kind of dish served at family tables across Serbia—practical enough for weeknights, comforting enough for Sundays, and even better the next day.
This recipe is optimized for clarity, reliability, and Google Discover appeal, offering a complete, foolproof method that delivers consistent results every time.
Ingredients
Main Components
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1½ lb russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (⅛-inch thick)
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1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
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1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
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1 medium carrot, finely diced
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1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon salt, plus more for potatoes
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½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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1 teaspoon sweet paprika
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but traditional)
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½ teaspoon dried thyme
Creamy Topping
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1 cup whole milk
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½ cup heavy cream
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1 large egg
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Finish
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½ cup shredded mild cheese (kashkaval, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack)
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Potatoes
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold salted water for 10 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Cook the Beef and Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and carrot, cooking for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the bell pepper and garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6–8 minutes until fully browned and no longer pink. Season with salt, black pepper, sweet paprika, smoked paprika, and thyme. Remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Bake
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange half of the potatoes in an even layer, seasoning lightly with salt. Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly over the potatoes, then top with the remaining potato slices.
4. Mix and Pour the Creamy Topping
In a bowl, whisk together milk, cream, egg, salt, and black pepper. Slowly pour the mixture evenly over the casserole, allowing it to seep between layers.
5. Bake
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top if using, and return to the oven uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife.
6. Rest and Serve
Let the bake rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Expert Tips & Variations
Professional Tips
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Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking.
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Letting the casserole rest helps it set and improves sliceability.
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For deeper flavor, use half beef and half ground pork.
Ingredient Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | Ground pork or turkey |
| Heavy cream | Sour cream thinned with milk |
| Bell pepper | Zucchini or mushrooms |
Dietary Variations
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Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free.
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Lighter Option: Use ground turkey and replace cream with whole milk.
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Vegetarian: Replace beef with sautéed mushrooms and lentils.
Serving Suggestions
Serbian Ground Beef, Veggie, and Potato Bake is best served warm with simple accompaniments that balance its richness:
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Fresh cucumber and tomato salad with vinegar
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Pickled vegetables or sauerkraut
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Crusty bread to soak up the creamy juices
It works equally well as a standalone meal or as part of a larger Balkan-inspired spread.
Storage & Make-Ahead Notes
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Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezing: Freeze fully cooled portions for up to 2 months.
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Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until hot.
This dish improves in flavor after resting overnight, making it ideal for meal prep.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Based on 6 servings
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Calories: 420
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Protein: 24 g
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Fat: 26 g
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Saturated Fat: 11 g
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Carbohydrates: 24 g
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Fiber: 3 g
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Sugar: 4 g
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Sodium: 620 mg
Why This Serbian Potato Bake Recipe Works
This recipe stays true to Serbian home-cooking traditions while using accessible ingredients and modern techniques. The layered structure ensures even cooking, the creamy topping adds richness without heaviness, and the seasoning highlights natural flavors rather than overpowering them.
Whether you’re exploring Balkan cuisine or looking for a dependable comfort-food casserole, this Serbian Ground Beef, Veggie, and Potato Bake delivers warmth, flavor, and authenticity in every bite.