Mansaka Casserole

Mansaka Casserole is an all-in-one dish that will make your family happy!
This casserole has everything you need – protein, vegetables, and a delicious sauce. Your family will love this hearty meal, and you’ll love how simple it is to prepare.

With Mansaka Casserole, you can have a healthy and delicious meal on the table in no time. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want to enjoy a good home-cooked meal without all the hassle.

Need something low-carb instead? Check out this keto taco casserole. It's loaded with flavor and lower in carbohydrates than most casseroles. A great weeknight meal.

glass baking dish of casserole on cutting board

What Dishes Go Well With Mansaka Casserole?

There are a few dishes that go well with Mansaka casserole. One option is to serve it with a side of bread. This will help soak up the sauce and make it even more filling.

Another option is to serve it with a side salad. The greens will help balance out the hearty casserole. Of course, you might also want to serve it with something like our asparagus casserole, spinach casserole, or a comforting cabbage casserole instead.

cheese and beef casserole in glass dish on top of wood cutting board

Ingredients

4 tablespoons olive oil (60ml)
1 pound ground beef (500g)
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup beef broth (250ml)
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (23g)
1 teaspoon salt (6g)
½ teaspoon black pepper (1.25 g)
1 tablespoon brown sugar (12.5g)
1 teaspoon dried basil (½g)
⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon (.25g)
3 tablespoons tomato paste (41g)
4 medium potatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (120g)

Kitchen Tools Used

mansaka casserole portion on gray plate on marble table

How to Make a Mansaka Casserole

Video Recipe:

Grease a 10" baking dish or spray with non-stick spray and set it aside, then preheat the oven to 375°F/190°C.

Now, you will begin by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat along with the onions. Cook the onions for 5 minutes, stirring regularly, until they are softened.

wooden spoon stirring onions in black skillet on hot plate

Next, you will add in the ground beef and cook it for about 10 minutes, stirring regularly as it cooks to break up the clumps of meat. While this cooks, slice the potatoes thinly using a mandolin.

Once the beef is cooked, drain off any excess grease, then season the meat with salt, black pepper, the brown sugar, cinnamon, and dried basil.

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 30-seconds. Then stir in the flour and cook it for another 30-seconds.

Now, pour in the beef broth and stir well. Let this cook until it begins to bubble.

ground beef sauce in skillet on hot plate

Now, place a layer of ⅓ of the potatoes into the bottom of the baking dish.

Then pour in ½ of the meat mixture. Top it with another ⅓ of the potatoes. Then the remaining beef mixture. Finally, add the last layer of potatoes.

potatoes being layered on top of ground beef

Then cover the casserole with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Check to make sure the potatoes are tender, then add the cheese, and bake for another 20 minutes uncovered.

Serve hot with a side of crusty bread.

oval glass baking dish of mansaka casserole topped with cheese

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Mansaka Casserole?

Mansaka Casserole is a hearty and filling dish that is perfect for a winter meal. It’s also a great option if you’re looking for a dish that is both healthy and delicious.

It is a dish made with sweet and savory ground beef layered with potatoes and topped with cheese. It can be made with rice or quinoa, but the classic recipe is usually potatoes. It may or may not be topped with a separate sauce. Our recipe uses meat sauce instead of a separate sauce.

What Ground Meats Can Be Used in Mansaka?

I am using ground beef in my Mansaka but there are a lot of choices that you can use. I have used ground pork, turkey, chicken, and even ground lamb before. In addition to using ground meats, you can use shredded meats as well. This is a great way to use leftovers from dinner. Just make sure that the meats are shredded into small pieces. You can also use a combination of different meats if you want.

How Long is Mansaka Good For?

Mansaka casserole will last in the fridge for up to four days. Once it has cooled completely, you can move it to an airtight container. If you have cooked it in a casserole dish with a lid, you can also use that lid in place of the container or wrap it with plastic wrap.

You can also freeze it for up to three months. When you are ready to eat it, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven. You can also let it cool, cut it into portions, and then wrap each portion individually to freeze so you can grab a single portion to reheat when you are ready to serve it again.

What Does Ground Cinnamon Do In Mansaka?

The ground cinnamon in Mansaka Casserole plays a few roles. First, it adds a bit of sweetness to the dish. This helps to balance out the savory flavors of the meat and vegetables. Second, it gives the casserole a warm and inviting flavor. And finally, it ties all of the flavors together and makes them pop.

gray bowl of mansaka casserole on white table

More Ground Beef Casserole Recipes

Ground beef is an affordable option for most menu plans. It can be boring, and you may get tired of the same old tacos and pasta dishes. If that's the case, you will love the ideas below. They liven up the ground beef with flavors and turn it into a delicious weeknight meal protein that everyone will love. Make sure that you bookmark the recipes, print out the tutorials, or pin them to Pinterest to make soon.

Yield: 8

Mansaka Casserole

Ground beef, potatoes and spices combine to make Mansaka casserole the ultimate in delicious comfort food flavors!

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes

Ingredients

4 tablespoons olive oil (60ml)
1 pound ground beef (500g)
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup beef broth (250ml)
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (23g)
1 teaspoon salt (6g)
½ teaspoon black pepper (1.25 g)
1 tablespoon brown sugar (12.5g)
1 teaspoon dried basil (½g)
⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon (.25g)
3 tablespoons tomato paste (41g)
4 medium potatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (120g)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F/190°C and spray a 10" or larger baking dish with non-stick spray.
In a large non-stick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring regularly, for 5 minutes, or until translucent and beginning to brown.
Then, add in the ground beef and cook this, breaking it up as it cooks, for 8 to 10 minutes, or until it is cooked through and no longer pink.
Drain off any excess grease from the pan and then season with salt, black pepper, brown sugar, cinnamon, and basil.
Stir this together, and then add in the tomato paste and stir, cooking for another 30-seconds.
Add the flour and continue cooking for 30-seconds.
Then, pour in the beef broth and simmer until it begins bubbling.
Now, slice the clean potatoes thinly, and layer ⅓ of them into the baking dish.
Then, pour ⅓ of the meat mixture on top.
Repeat this with more potatoes and sauce until you end with potatoes. Then, cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
If the potatoes are tender, then remove the foil, add the cheese on top, and bake for an additional 20-minutes.