Introduction
This rich and comforting baked dish is a layered casserole made with seasoned ground beef, creamy mashed potatoes, and melted cheese. It is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you want a warm and filling meal that everyone loves. The combination of savory meat, smooth potatoes, and golden cheese creates a soft inside with a lightly crisp top.
Ingredients
For the meat layer
500 g ground beef
1 onion finely chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
2 tablespoons oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano or mixed herbs
2 tablespoons tomato paste
½ cup water or beef broth
For the potato layer
1 kg potatoes peeled and cut
2 tablespoons butter
½ cup milk
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
For the topping
1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons chopped parsley optional
1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
Prepare the meat layer
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Add salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, tomato paste, and water. Stir well and simmer for 5 to 8 minutes until thick. Set aside.
Prepare the potato layer
Boil potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Assembly
In a greased baking dish, spread half of the mashed potatoes evenly. Add all the cooked beef mixture as the second layer. Cover with the remaining mashed potatoes and smooth the top. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the surface and brush lightly with melted butter.
Baking
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden and slightly crispy. Remove from the oven, sprinkle parsley if desired, and let rest for 10 minutes before cutting.
Method
This recipe uses layering and baking which allows the flavors to blend and the cheese to melt perfectly into the top layer, creating a rich and soft texture inside.
History
This type of dish is inspired by traditional shepherd’s pie and cottage pie from European cuisine where meat and potatoes were combined to make filling and economical meals for families.
Benefits
It is high in protein from beef, rich in carbohydrates from potatoes, and provides calcium from cheese, making it a balanced and satisfying meal especially for cold days.
Nutrition
Approximate per serving
Calories 380
Protein 20 g
Carbohydrates 30 g
Fat 18 g
Calcium 15 percent
Iron 18 percent
Conclusion
This cheesy beef and potato bake is simple, hearty, and loved by both adults and children. It can be served with salad or steamed vegetables and is perfect for make-ahead meals.
Lovers
This recipe is loved by comfort food fans, meat lovers, and anyone who enjoys creamy baked dishes with melted cheese on top.