Finnish Rye and Potato Casserole
Ruisperunavuoka
A comforting and rustic casserole featuring layers of thinly sliced potatoes and a savory filling, all baked together until tender and golden. This dish combines the earthy flavors of rye with the heartiness of potatoes, making it a satisfying side or a light main course.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 400 g Ground beef or beef/pork mixture
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 4 tbsp Butter, divided
- 1.5 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp Dried marjoram
- 500 ml Half and half (or whole milk)
- 3 tbsp Breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish.
💡 Tip: Butter the dish generously to prevent sticking and help create a golden crust. - 2
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 7 minutes.
💡 Tip: Sautéing the onion first develops its sweetness and flavor. - 3
Add the ground meat to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until lightly browned. Drain off any excess fat.
💡 Tip: Avoid overcooking the meat to keep it tender. - 4
Stir in ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and the dried marjoram. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
💡 Tip: Toasting the spices briefly enhances their aroma. - 5
Arrange ¼ of the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the meat mixture over the potatoes.
💡 Tip: Slicing the potatoes thinly ensures they cook through evenly. - 6
Add another layer of potatoes, followed by the remaining meat mixture. Top with the final layer of potatoes, ensuring the meat is fully covered.
💡 Tip: Overlapping the potato slices slightly helps create a cohesive top layer. - 7
In a separate bowl or glass, whisk together the half and half (or milk), remaining 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the casserole.
💡 Tip: Using half and half will result in a richer, creamier casserole. - 8
Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top. Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and drizzle over the breadcrumbs.
💡 Tip: The buttered breadcrumbs create a delicious, crispy topping. - 9
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 50 minutes.
💡 Tip: Covering with foil steams the potatoes and ensures they cook through. - 10
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and crispy.
💡 Tip: Baking uncovered allows the top to brown and crisp up. - 11
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
💡 Tip: Resting allows the casserole to set, making it easier to serve.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For an authentic Finnish touch, you can add a pinch of whole allspice kernels to the meat mixture.
- ✓If you prefer a more rustic crust, consider using a mix of rye and all-purpose flour for the breadcrumbs.
- ✓This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time if baking from cold.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a layer of thinly sliced carrots along with the potatoes for added color and sweetness.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms and leeks as the savory filling.
- A sprinkle of grated cheese (like Gruyere or Emmental) on top before the final baking can add extra richness.