Description
Hearty cheesy ground beef and potatoes blend classic comfort with robust flavors from home kitchens. Home cooks will savor this simple, satisfying casserole that delivers warmth and richness in each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 russet potatoes
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup (4 oz) cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
- 2 tbsps butter
- 2 tbsps flour
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsps olive oil
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring rack is positioned in the middle.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until thoroughly browned and no pink remains, breaking meat into small crumbles.
- Remove beef from skillet, leaving behind drippings, and transfer to a separate plate.
- Using the same skillet, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and aromatic, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add thinly sliced potatoes to the skillet, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and cook until edges become slightly golden and potatoes begin to soften.
- Create a creamy cheese sauce by melting butter in a separate saucepan, whisking in flour to form a smooth roux, then gradually incorporating milk and shredded cheese until mixture becomes thick and velvety.
- Layer browned beef, sautéed potatoes, and cheese sauce in a greased baking dish, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Transfer dish to preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a bubbly, golden-brown surface indicating complete cooking.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and sauce to set.
Notes
- Make sure to pat ground beef dry before browning to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust and prevent excess moisture.
- Opt for starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold, which hold their shape well and create a creamy texture when baked.
- For a lighter version, swap regular ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken and use low-fat cheese to reduce calories.
- Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top for an extra burst of flavor and vibrant color that elevates the dish’s presentation.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg