Cheesy Beef & Potato Casserole Recipe

Prep Time 25 mins
Cook Time 1 hr
Rest Time 10 mins
Total Time 1 hr 35 mins
Cooking Method: ,
Cuisine:
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cooking Temp: 190  C
Servings: 6
Best Season: Fall, Winter
Description

This Cheesy Beef & Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food — creamy layers of thinly sliced potatoes, perfectly seasoned ground beef, caramelized onions, and melted cheese baked to golden perfection. It’s rich, hearty, and satisfying, making it the perfect dinner for cozy weeknights or family gatherings. This recipe combines simple ingredients to create a warm, flavorful dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients
    For the Beef Layer
  • 500 g ground beef (lean)
  • 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1.5 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or oregano
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp water
    • For the Potato Layer
  • 5 medium potatoes (thinly sliced into 2–3 mm rounds)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
    • For the Cheese Sauce
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk (warm)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup mozzarella cheese
  • 0.25 tsp nutmeg (optional, for depth of flavor)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
    • For the Topping
  • 0.5 cup grated mozzarella or cheddar cheese
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
    Prepare the Potatoes
  1. 1
    Wash and peel the potatoes, then slice them into thin rounds using a mandolin slicer or a sharp knife. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Set aside while you prepare the beef.
    2. Cook the Ground Beef
  2. 2
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent (about 3 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Next, add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned (about 7–8 minutes). Stir in tomato paste, paprika, thyme, salt, pepper, and water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until well mixed and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
    3. Make the Cheese Sauce
  3. 3
    In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly pour in warm milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened (about 3–5 minutes). Add cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, then stir until melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
    4. Layer the Casserole
  4. 4
    Grease a medium baking dish (about 9x13 inches). Start with a layer of potato slices at the bottom. Spread half of the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes, then drizzle a bit of cheese sauce. Repeat another layer of potatoes, the remaining beef, and finish with the rest of the cheese sauce on top.
    5. Add Topping and Bake
  5. 5
    Sprinkle grated mozzarella (or cheddar) evenly on top. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
    6. Rest and Serve
  6. 6
    Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven to allow the layers to set. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Note
  • Cheese Variations: You can use a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and Monterey Jack for extra flavor.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C for 10–15 minutes.
  • Freezing Tip: Assemble the casserole ahead and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.
  • Make it Creamier: Add a dollop of sour cream or heavy cream into the cheese sauce for extra richness.
Keywords: easy casserole, cheesy beef bake, comfort food, family dinner, halal recipe
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/cheesy-beef-potato-casserole-recipe/