Finnish Meat and Mashed Potato Casserole (Liha-perunasoselaatikko)
Liha-perunasoselaatikko is a beloved Finnish everyday comfort food made with creamy mashed potatoes and seasoned ground meat baked together into a simple, hearty casserole.
It is also a fantastic way to use leftover mashed potatoes from a previous meal.
Serve it with peas and a fresh green salad for an easy and satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 kg (2.2 lb) floury potatoes, such as Rosamunda or another good mashing potato
- 50 g (3½ tbsp) butter
- 400 ml (1⅔ cups) whole milk
- 2 eggs
- 400 g (14 oz) ground beef
- 100 g (3½ oz) onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground white pepper
Instructions
1. Make the Mashed Potatoes
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
Peel the potatoes and cut them into chunks.
Cook them in salted water until completely tender.
Drain the potatoes well, then mash until smooth.
Add the butter and milk and mix until creamy.
Allow the mixture to cool slightly if very hot, then stir in the eggs.
2. Prepare the Meat Filling
Cook the ground beef in a frying pan in its own fat, breaking it apart as it browns.
Toward the end of cooking, add the peeled and finely chopped onion and garlic.
Season with salt and white pepper.
Add the cooked meat mixture to the mashed potatoes and mix until evenly combined.
Transfer the mixture to an ovenproof baking dish with a capacity of approximately 2.5 litres (2.6 quarts).
3. Bake
Bake at 200°C (400°F) for approximately 30 minutes, until heated through and lightly golden on top.
Serve warm with peas and a fresh green salad.
Notes
This classic Finnish casserole is a popular everyday family meal because it is simple, filling and made from affordable ingredients.
Leftover mashed potatoes can be used instead of making a fresh batch, making this recipe particularly useful for reducing food waste.
Although traditionally made with ground beef, other types of ground meat can also be used.
The casserole is naturally gluten-free, provided all seasonings and additional ingredients used are certified gluten-free where necessary.
Recipe and image source: Valio.fi
