Description
A hearty, comforting casserole layered with savory ground beef, tender potatoes, creamy sauce, and bubbling melted cheese. Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, and cozy meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (≈ 450 g) ground beef (80/20 or lean)
- 4–5 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced or cubed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk or cream
- 1 can (10–11 oz) condensed cream of mushroom or chicken soup (or homemade equivalent)
- 1½–2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, thyme (to taste)
- Butter or cooking spray (for greasing dish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C) and grease a 9×13 in baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- If potatoes are thickly sliced, par-bake them for 10–15 minutes until slightly tender. Thaw frozen potatoes slightly if using.
- In a skillet, sauté diced onion over medium heat until translucent. Add minced garlic and stir briefly.
- Add ground beef, break into crumbles, and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, or Worcestershire sauce. Drain excess fat.
- Whisk condensed soup with milk in a bowl. If making homemade sauce, sprinkle flour into beef, stir, then gradually add broth and milk. Simmer until thickened.
- Layer half the sliced potatoes in the baking dish. Spread half of the beef mixture over potatoes, then pour half the sauce evenly.
- Repeat layers: remaining potatoes, beef, and sauce.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35–45 minutes or until potatoes are nearly tender.
- Remove foil, sprinkle remaining cheese on top, and return to oven for 8–12 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving to help it set for clean slices.
Notes
Use thin, uniform potato slices for even cooking. Drain beef fat to avoid sogginess. Customize with vegetables, alternative cheeses, or no-soup tomato sauce versions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 95mg