Potato Turbate

Potato Turbate is a beloved dish that has become a comfort food for many, especially those who grew up in Pinellas County, St. Petersburg. First introduced in the early 1960s, it quickly became a school lunchroom favorite, evoking fond memories of shared meals among classmates. This dish, often served at school reunions or gatherings, features whipped potatoes, ground beef, and a variety of seasoned vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery. The comforting nature of the meal, with its juicy ingredients and delicious flavors, reminds many of the menu from their school days. For those cheese lovers, the addition of cheese makes it even more appealing.

Whether you’re a little kid or an adult reminiscing about those simpler times, Potato Turbate brings a sense of cozy satisfaction. Family members often crave this dish when they’re seeking something that feels like home, a meal that delivers the deliciousness of familiar flavors. It’s not just a dish; it’s a symbol of community, with every bite taking you back to those cozy gatherings. The healthy nature of the ingredients, with their balance of potatoes, turkey, and ground beef, also makes it a solid option for those looking for a tasty yet nourishing meal. Pup Daddy, who has been making this dish for years, says it’s the perfect way to relive those nostalgic moments while filling your stomach with warmth and satisfaction.

What is Potato Turbate?

Potato Turbate is a traditional recipe that brings together sliced potatoes, beef, and cheese, layered together in a creamy sauce for a comforting meal. The family favorite dish is often served as a side or dinner and can be easily customizable with ingredients like turkey or chicken, making it a great choice for different tastes. The baked nature of the dish ensures that it is both delicious and lighter than other heavier meals, while still being satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a group of kids or gathering with the family, Potato Turbate is a good option that everyone can enjoy, offering a comforting blend of flavors that bring families together. It’s a go-to meal when you want to enjoy good food and classic favorite meats, especially on those cozy nights. My husband loves it with thinly sliced potatoes layered with beef, but you can always tweak it to suit your tastes and family preferences.

Ingredients

To create a well-balanced Potato Turbate with the most flavorful and cohesive ingredients, I would recommend using the following:

Meat and Vegetable Filling Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 cup fresh, shredded carrots
• 1 ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 ¼ tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp light soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 ⅓ cups beef stock

Whipped Potatoes Ingredients:

• 4 cups mashed potatoes
• 2 cups of grated cheese
• 1 cup of milk
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• Paprika to sprinkle on top before baking

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mandoline slicer or sharp knife 
• Saucepan 
• Baking dish 
• Aluminum foil 
• Oven

How to Make a Potato Turbate?

Step 1: 

Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a sauté pan, cook 1 small onion, chopped, in butter until softened. Add 2 lbs ground beef and stir until browned. Stir in 1 ¼ tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 ½ tsp garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually add 1 ⅓ cups beef stock and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to create a thick sauce. Set aside.

Step 2: 

Grease a 9×13 baking pan. Microwave-steam the potato slices for a few minutes until softened. In a bowl, prepare mashed potatoes by mixing 4 cups mashed potatoes, 1 cup milk, 2 tablespoons butter, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Whisk to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.

Step 3: 

Start assembling in the greased 9×13 baking pan. Layer the bottom with the steamed potato slices, followed by a layer of the cooked beef mixture. Repeat the layers, sprinkling cheese between each layer. Finish with a layer of the mashed potatoes on top.

Step 4: 

Top the dish with more cheese and a sprinkle of paprika. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes at 350°F. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes to achieve a golden top.

Step 5: 

Once baked, remove the Potato Turbate from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then slice into portions and enjoy.

Some Tips!

• Use a mandoline slicer to cut thin, even potato slices so they cook evenly and create a smooth texture in your Potato Turbate.
• For a richer filling, try adding cooked bacon or shredded chicken between the layers for extra flavor and protein.
• If you like spicy food, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into your cream mixture to give the dish a nice spicy taste.
• Make sure your layers are balanced—alternate the potato slices and filling carefully so every bite has flavor and structure.

How to Store Leftovers?

To store leftover Potato Turbate, first allow it to cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze the entire dish or divide it into individual portions. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to prevent freezer burn. If freezing, the dish can be stored for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F or 175°C for 40-50 minutes. For a quicker option, you can also microwave it for 2-3 minutes or until thoroughly heated. If kept in the refrigerator, leftovers can last for about 3-4 days. Always ensure that the dish is fully cooked before storing and reheat to a hot and warm temperature before serving to kids or adults.

What to Eat with this Potato Turbate?

When serving Potato Turbate, you can balance the rich, hearty dish with some refreshing side dishes. A great option to pair with it is grilled steak or baked salmon, which adds protein without overpowering the flavors. For a lighter touch, serve with roasted vegetables to complement the creamy layers of the dish. Classic comfort foods like Buttered Corn or Macaroni and Cheese also make perfect companions, adding a warm, nostalgic element to the plate. As for drinks, sparkling water or iced tea provide a crisp, refreshing contrast, and squeezed lemonade is always a great option for a citrusy twist. If you’re in the mood for something more indulgent, a Hot Honey Margarita or a strong drink could be a fun choice for those who prefer alcoholic beverages, while non-alcoholic options like fruity iced tea or orange juice keep things light. Whether it’s for a gathering or a casual meal, these sides and drinks will create the perfect meal to enjoy with Potato Turbate.

FAQs

Can I Make Potato Turbate Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can assemble the Potato Turbate in advance. Simply cover it with foil and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to serve, remove it from the fridge, let it come to room temperature, and then bake it as directed for about 15 minutes to heat through.

Can I Store Potato Turbate in the Freezer?

Yes, you can freeze Potato Turbate. After the dish has cooled completely, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and cover with aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It freezes well and can be stored for a few months.

How Can I Reheat Leftover Potato Turbate?

To reheat leftover Potato Turbate, you can either use the oven or the microwave. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (or 175°C) and bake the dish, covered with foil, until it’s heated through. For a quicker option, you can reheat individual servings in the microwave for a few minutes.

What Type of Cheese Is Best for Potato Turbate?

A classic choice for Potato Turbate is cheddar, as it melts well and complements the flavors of the dish perfectly. You can also experiment with other types of cheese that melt easily for a creamy texture.

How Do I Know When Potato Turbate Is Fully Cooked?

Potato Turbate is done when the potatoes are tender and the top is golden. You can also check by inserting a fork to ensure it goes through the potatoes easily.

Conclusion

Making Potato Turbate is a great way to bring your family and friends together for a delicious, hearty meal. It’s a loved dish that’s perfect for gatherings and will leave everyone enjoying every bite. If you’re a fan of delicious recipes, this one is definitely worth trying. Don’t forget to share this recipe with others and subscribe to my blog for more easy-to-follow, tasty meals. Whether you’re eating it for a special occasion or a casual dinner, Potato Turbate is sure to be a hit!

Potato Turbate

Recipe by Emily HarperCourse: SidesCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

5

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

Calories

349

kcal

Total time

1

hour 

20

minutes

Potato Turbate is a comforting baked dish featuring layers of thinly sliced potatoes, beef, and cheese in a creamy sauce. It’s a family favorite dinner that’s easy to customize with different meats like turkey or chicken, perfect for cozy meals everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• Meat and Vegetable Filling Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 1 cup fresh, shredded carrots

• 1 ½ tsp garlic powder

• 1 ¼ tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp light soy sauce

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 ⅓ cups beef stock

• Whipped Potatoes Ingredients:

• 4 cups mashed potatoes

• 2 cups of grated cheese

• 1 cup of milk

• 2 tablespoons of butter

• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder

• Paprika to sprinkle on top before baking

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a sauté pan, cook 1 small onion, chopped, in butter until softened. Add 2 lbs ground beef and stir until browned. Stir in 1 ¼ tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 ½ tsp garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually add 1 ⅓ cups beef stock and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to create a thick sauce. Set aside.
• Grease a 9×13 baking pan. Microwave-steam the potato slices for a few minutes until softened. In a bowl, prepare mashed potatoes by mixing 4 cups mashed potatoes, 1 cup milk, 2 tablespoons butter, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Whisk to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
• Start assembling in the greased 9×13 baking pan. Layer the bottom with the steamed potato slices, followed by a layer of the cooked beef mixture. Repeat the layers, sprinkling cheese between each layer. Finish with a layer of the mashed potatoes on top.
• Top the dish with more cheese and a sprinkle of paprika. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes at 350°F. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes to achieve a golden top.
• Once baked, remove the Potato Turbate from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then slice into portions and enjoy.

Notes

• Use a mandoline slicer to cut thin, even potato slices so they cook evenly and create a smooth texture in your Potato Turbate.
• For a richer filling, try adding cooked bacon or shredded chicken between the layers for extra flavor and protein.
• If you like spicy food, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into your cream mixture to give the dish a nice spicy taste.
• Make sure your layers are balanced—alternate the potato slices and filling carefully so every bite has flavor and structure.