Description
This hearty Ground Beef and Potato Casserole features layers of tender potatoes and flavorful ground beef, topped with melted cheese. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for cozy family dinners or make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
6 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
2 tbsp butter or cooking oil
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh thyme, minced
1 lb ground beef
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1 tsp bouillon powder (or use more salt)
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp oregano
2 tbsp flour
1 cup beef broth
½ cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat & prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel and thinly slice the potatoes so they cook evenly.
- Cook aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter (or warm the oil). Add diced onion, minced garlic, and thyme. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic fragrant—about 2‑3 minutes.
- Brown the beef: Add ground beef to the skillet. Break into small crumbles as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, bouillon powder, oregano, and paprika. Cook until beef is no longer pink.
- Thicken: Drain excess fat. Dust the beef mixture with flour and stir thoroughly until everything is well incorporated. Let it cook for about one minute (to cook off the raw flour taste).
- Make the sauce: Slowly pour in the beef broth and milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens into a gravy-like consistency.
- Layering: Grease your baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Arrange half of the potato slices at the bottom. Evenly distribute half of the beef filling over the first layer of potatoes. Add the remaining potato slices, then top with the rest of the beef mixture.
- Bake covered: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Cheesy finish: Remove foil. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling on top.
- Rest & garnish: Remove from oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
Uniform potato slices cook evenly—use a mandoline if you have one.
Resting before serving helps the sauce set.
Swap beef with turkey or a plant-based option.
Use sharp cheddar or cheese blends for different flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 200g
- Calories: 503
- Sugar: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Protein: 24g