Easy Swiss Scalloped Lamb, Onion & Mushroom Potatoes

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Introduction

Swiss Scalloped Lamb, Onion & Mushroom Potatoes is a luxurious twist on the classic scalloped potatoes dish. Tender, succulent lamb, savory onions, and earthy mushrooms are combined with creamy Swiss cheese, creating a delicious and hearty meal. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner, special occasion, or family gathering. The combination of tender lamb, creamy potatoes, and a rich Swiss cheese sauce is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to prepare this comforting dish with tender lamb and savory ingredients, making it a standout at any table. Whether you are serving it as a side dish or the main course, this recipe will impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Comforting: The tender lamb adds a rich, savory flavor that perfectly complements the creamy, cheesy potatoes.
• Rich and Flavorful: The earthy mushrooms, caramelized onions, and Swiss cheese sauce create layers of deliciousness in every bite.
• Elegant and Special: Ideal for holiday meals or special occasions, this dish brings a touch of elegance to your dinner table.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the recipe by adding more vegetables or using a different type of cheese.
• Satisfying Meal: Swiss Scalloped Lamb, Onion & Mushroom Potatoes is a filling dish that stands on its own or pairs beautifully with a simple side salad.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 2 hours (30 minutes for prep, 1 hour 30 minutes for baking)
• Servings: Serves approximately 6-8 people.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving):
  • Calories: 400
  • Protein: 22g
  • Carbs: 35g
  • Fat: 25g
  • Fiber: 4g

Ingredients

Scalloped Potatoes:

• 4 large russet potatoes: Peeled and thinly sliced into 1/8-inch rounds.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For greasing the baking dish and sautéing the ingredients.
• 1 ½ cups Swiss cheese: Grated, to make the cheese sauce.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and smooth texture to the sauce.
• 1 cup whole milk: To balance the creaminess.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: To thicken the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For seasoning.
• Salt and pepper: To taste.

Lamb, Onion & Mushroom Layer:

• 1 pound lamb shoulder or stew meat: Cut into bite-sized pieces. Lamb adds a rich and flavorful element to this dish.
• 1 medium onion: Thinly sliced, for sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 8 oz mushrooms: Sliced, to add an earthy, savory flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic: Minced, for extra aromatic depth.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For cooking the lamb and vegetables.
• Salt and pepper: To season the lamb and vegetables.

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley: Chopped, for a pop of color and freshness.
• Extra Swiss cheese: For a cheesy golden top after baking.

Step-by-Step Preparation

FIRST STEP: PREPARE THE INGREDIENTS

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Slice the Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the russet potatoes into even rounds, about 1/8 inch thick. This ensures even cooking and helps the potatoes absorb the creamy sauce.
3. Prepare the Lamb: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the lamb pieces with salt and pepper, and cook in batches until browned on all sides. Remove the lamb and set it aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook until they are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and garlic, cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown.

SECOND STEP: MAKE THE CREAM SAUCE

1. Prepare the Roux: In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes, until the mixture becomes a smooth paste.
2. Add Milk and Cream: Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
3. Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the grated Swiss cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Continue to whisk until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference.

THIRD STEP: ASSEMBLE THE SCALLOPED POTATOES

1. Layer the Potatoes: In the prepared baking dish, layer the thinly sliced potatoes, slightly overlapping. Sprinkle some of the sautéed onions, mushrooms, and cooked lamb pieces on top of the potatoes.
2. Pour the Sauce: Pour a generous amount of the Swiss cheese sauce over the potatoes and other ingredients. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring all the potatoes are covered.
3. Repeat Layers: Continue layering the potatoes, lamb, onions, mushrooms, and sauce until all the ingredients are used up. The final layer should be the creamy Swiss cheese sauce.

FOURTH STEP: BAKE THE SCALLOPED POTATOES

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. This helps the potatoes cook through while keeping the dish moist.
2. Remove the Foil and Continue Baking: After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 30-45 minutes. The top should be golden and bubbly, and the potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork.
3. Let it Set: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes the dish easier to slice.

FINAL STEP: GARNISH AND SERVE

1. Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top of the dish for color and added freshness. If desired, sprinkle some extra Swiss cheese and place the dish under the broiler for a few minutes to create a golden, cheesy crust.
2. Slice and Serve: Slice the scalloped potatoes into squares and serve while hot. This dish is a hearty and satisfying main course or can be served as a side to grilled meats.

How to Serve Swiss Scalloped Lamb, Onion & Mushroom Potatoes

Swiss Scalloped Lamb, Onion & Mushroom Potatoes is a versatile dish that can be paired with many different sides:

1. As a Stand-Alone Meal

The combination of lamb, creamy potatoes, and savory vegetables makes this dish substantial enough to be a complete meal on its own. Serve with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded dinner.

2. Perfect with Roasted Vegetables

For a comforting, hearty meal, serve your scalloped potatoes with roasted vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts. The sweetness of the roasted vegetables complements the richness of the potatoes and lamb.

3. Great for Special Occasions

Swiss Scalloped Lamb, Onion & Mushroom Potatoes is perfect for holiday meals, family gatherings, or special dinners like Easter or Christmas. The lamb adds a festive touch, and the creamy potatoes make for an indulgent side dish.

4. Pair with a Fresh Green Salad

To balance the richness of the dish, serve it with a simple, fresh green salad. A light vinaigrette will provide a nice contrast to the creamy and savory flavors of the potatoes.

Additional Tips

1. Make-Ahead: You can assemble the scalloped potatoes ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
2. Freezing: After baking, allow the dish to cool completely before wrapping it tightly for freezing. Freeze for up to 3 months, and reheat by baking at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until heated through.
3. Add Herbs: For extra flavor, sprinkle fresh thyme or rosemary into the sauce or on top of the dish before baking.
4. Lamb Alternatives: You can use ground lamb or lamb chops, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Swiss Scalloped Lamb, Onion & Mushroom Potatoes is a rich and hearty dish that brings together tender lamb, earthy mushrooms, and creamy potatoes, all smothered in a luscious Swiss cheese sauce. Perfect for a family dinner, holiday meal, or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy.