Description
This hearty Beef Potato Cheese Casserole combines tender slices of potato with savory ground beef and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Baked to golden perfection, this comforting American main dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prep, offering layers of flavor and satisfying textures with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Potatoes and Dairy
- 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Beef Mixture: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Once cooked, remove from heat.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together flour and milk; cook until it thickens slightly, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in sour cream and 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese until the sauce is melted and smooth.
- Layer the Casserole: In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly. Top with half of the cooked beef mixture, then half of the cheese sauce. Repeat these layers, ending with the remaining cheese sauce.
- Add Cheese and Butter: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Dot with small pieces of butter for richness.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes to allow the potatoes to cook through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden, bubbly, and the potatoes are tender.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- You can prepare this casserole a day in advance and bake it fresh when ready.
- Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture for added vegetables and flavor.
- Use a mandoline slicer to achieve evenly thin potato slices which help ensure uniform cooking and texture.
