Description
Comforting ground beef and potatoes casserole delivers hearty flavors straight from grandma’s kitchen. Rich layers of seasoned meat, melted cheese, and crispy potato edges guarantee a satisfying meal that brings families together around the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
Seasonings and Oils:
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, thoroughly draining any excess fat once cooked.
- Using the same skillet, gently sauté onions and garlic until they release their aromatic flavors and become translucent.
- Create a velvety sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour, and gradually incorporating milk until smooth and creamy.
- Season the sauce with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a dash of paprika for depth of flavor.
- Arrange layers in a greased baking dish: start with a base of potatoes, followed by the seasoned ground beef, and sprinkle a generous amount of cheese between layers.
- Pour the prepared creamy sauce evenly over the layered ingredients, ensuring complete coverage.
- Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes to allow ingredients to meld and potatoes to soften.
- Remove foil, add an extra layer of cheese on top, and return to the oven for a final 10 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving, which helps the layers set and makes cutting easier.
Notes
- Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a watery dish and ensure crispy, well-browned meat.
- Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best texture and ability to absorb creamy sauce.
- Consider low-fat alternatives by substituting ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier version.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or gruyere to customize flavor profiles and add depth to the dish.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg