Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

Introduction

This comforting casserole brings together layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. It’s a dish that evokes the warmth of home-cooked meals, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:
1 lb (450g) ground beef
4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup (240ml) beef broth
1 cup (240ml) milk
2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
2 tbsp (30g) butter
2 tbsp (15g) all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried thyme (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Set aside.
Prepare the Potatoes: While the beef is cooking, peel and thinly slice the potatoes using a mandoline or a sharp knife. Arrange half of the potato slices in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a paste. Gradually whisk in the milk and beef broth, cooking until the mixture thickens. Stir in 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Assemble the Casserole: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture over the layer of potatoes in the baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the beef. Layer the remaining potato slices on top, then pour over the rest of the cheese sauce. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese on top.
Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

History

Casseroles have been a staple in home kitchens across the world, particularly in the United States, where they became popular in the 1950s. The convenience of combining all ingredients into one dish and baking it made casseroles an ideal family meal. This particular recipe draws inspiration from traditional American dishes such as “Scalloped Potatoes” and “Shepherd’s Pie,” combining them into a hearty and satisfying meal.

Benefits

Nutritional Balance: This casserole offers a good balance of protein from the ground beef, carbohydrates from the potatoes, and fats from the cheese and butter.
Comfort Food: The creamy, cheesy layers make this dish a quintessential comfort food, perfect for cold days or when you’re in need of a meal that feels like a warm hug.
Versatility: This recipe is easy to customize with different vegetables or by using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also make it lighter by using low-fat cheese and milk.

Nutrition Information (per serving, based on 8 servings)

Calories: ~350 kcal
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 600mg

Conclusion

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is a dish that combines the simplicity of ingredients with rich flavors, making it a favorite in many households. Whether you’re cooking for your family, a group of friends, or just yourself, this casserole is bound to impress. Its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and hearty beef make it a meal worth savoring.

Lovers of This Dish

This casserole is a hit among those who love hearty, comforting meals. It’s especially popular with families who appreciate the ease of a one-dish dinner. Fans of traditional American comfort foods will also find this dish irresistible.

Method Recap

Cook beef with onion and garlic.
Prepare sliced potatoes.
Make a cheese sauce.
Assemble layers in a baking dish.
Bake until golden and bubbly.

Enjoy this comforting, satisfying dish, and feel free to make it your own with your favorite variations!