History about the recipe
History and Origins
Potato and ground meat casserole (potatis och köttfärsgratäng) became popular in Sweden during the 20th century, when ground meat became more accessible after World War II. Potatoes had long been a staple in Swedish cuisine, and combining them with seasoned meat in the oven was both practical and filling. The result was a dish that quickly found its place in Swedish home cooking.
The dish is also commonly referred to as “köttfärsgratäng med potatis”, and both names remain in use — in cookbooks as well as in recipe searches online.
Variations Over Time
The traditional version is built with layers of sliced potatoes, sautéed ground meat with onion and tomato, cream, and melted cheese. Over time, countless variations have developed:
- Adding vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers.
- Making a spicier version with chili, garlic, and herbs.
- Replacing the meat with chicken mince or vegetarian options such as lentils or soy-based ground meat.
A Modern Everyday Favorite
Today, potato and ground meat casserole continues to be one of Sweden’s most beloved everyday dishes. It’s easy to prepare, works well for meal prep, and is perfect as leftovers. The fact that people search both for potatis och köttfärsgratäng and köttfärsgratäng med potatis reflects just how established the dish is in Swedish food culture — under both names.
